2020 Big Beers Belgians & Barleywines Participating Breweries Announced

For the initiated, it’s already well-known that if there’s one non-negotiable, can’t-miss beer festival in the state of Colorado that represents the ultimate beer nerd experience, it’s Big Beers Belgians and Barleywines. And this year, expect the spectacle to be even bigger than ever.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary the weekend of January 9-11, the next Big Beers, Belgians, and Barleywines will offer a full slate of programming, the return of some of Big Beer’s biggest names from past Featured Brewmasters including Adam Avery, Sam Calagione, Eric Wallace, Brian Dunn, Doug Odell, John Mallett, Jeffrey Stuffing, Cory King, Dave Thibodeau, and more, as well as a Brewers Reception and Traditional Brewmasters’ Dinner on Thursday night with featured brewmasters Neil Fisher of WeldWerks Brewing and Troy Casey from Casey Brewing & Blending.

Over the years we have extolled to great length some of the innumerable characteristics that distinguish Big Beers as one of the industry’s best-kept secrets.

Stemming from organizers Laura and Bill Lodge’s passionate approach toward curating the best talent, while also going above and beyond in ensuring the best attendee experience, Big Beers has come to capture the essence of what it takes to throw the ultimate beer lover’s festival, ranging from a star-studded cast of brewers, to an elite level lineup of beers, intimate brewers dinners, premier educational seminars, and world-class skiing all to the backdrop of some of the world’s most stunning mountain vistas.

Big Beers Festival 2017 Persika Photography — Photo by Michael Malvitz, Malvitz Photography

For more on the history and importance of VBBB read our in-depth profile of the fest.

Now entering its 20th year, Big Beers Belgians and Barleywines has truly found itself in the picturesque ski town of Breckenridge Colorado. This year’s event will feature technical seminars from the likes of Jeffrey Stuffings from Jester King, Cory King from Side Project, John Mallett from Bell’s Brewery, Florian Kuplent from Urban Chestnut, Steven Pauwels from Boulevard, Nile Zacherle of Mad Fritz, Kevin DeLange of Dry Dock, Charlie Gottenkieny of Bruz Beers, John Holl from Beer and Brewing Magazine and many more to be announced.

Neil Fisher of Weldwerks Brewing joined by Sean Buchan of Cerebral Brewing Left and Lee Cleghorn of Outer Range Brewing Right during Saturday afternoon’s panels. Credit: Desiree Duzich, Spoiled Beer Brat Productions

Additional elements include a Cicerone Workshop and Exam, Homebrew Competition, Small Plates and Beer Pairing, Beer & Food workshop with CraftBeer.com’s Julia Herz and Adam Dulye, and 20 Year Reunion event on Friday night, Beer Yoga, followed by Brewmasters, Technical, Experimental and Sensory seminars on Saturday, all culminating Saturday afternoon with the Commercial Tasting event.

But even more impressive is this year’s lineup for the main event, the Commercial Tasting. Not only will all the heavy hitters be back to pour on the festival floor but this year’s fest will also include a few impressive newcomers including Transient Artisan Ales, Homes Brewery, Alvarado Street Brewery, Cellarmaker, Kane Brewing, and Referend Bier Blendery to name a few.

Buy your tickets to the 2020 Big Beers Belgians and Barleywines Festival

Side Project Brewing Big Beers — Side Project co-founder, Cory King (right) Photo by Justin Graziano, @BeerBreathCO

While the brewery list is always subject to change, here’s your first look at the 2019 Big Beers Belgians and Barleywine’s list of participating breweries.