DENVER — Today the Colorado Brewers Guild announced the return of Hop the Vote to the Great American Beer Festival (GABF). Hop the Vote is a spirited but friendly brewing competition held between Colorado State House of Representatives and Colorado State Senators. Brewing will take place this month with voting occurring during the first three sessions at GABF on September 24 – 26.
The Colorado Brewers Guild introduced Hop the Vote at GABF in 2014. The program was launched to highlight the vital role beer plays in the Colorado economy and the relationship between lawmakers and Colorado craft brewers. Last year, the Colorado House of Representatives team and Denver Beer Co. won with a beer called Representative Saison. The team was honored inside the State Capitol with a custom brewing trophy.
“Colorado has one of the fastest growing craft brewing industries in the nation, which benefits not just beer connoisseurs, but our state economy,” said Polly Lawrence, co-captain of the House of Representatives team. “Last year beer lovers voted Representative Saison, the House’s craft brew, champion over the Senate’s fermented concoction. At the Hop the Vote contest this year, I fully expect the House will again demonstrate its dominance over the Senate, adding one more delicious craft beer to Colorado’s already impressive beer portfolio.”
To prepare for the competition, each team will host a brew day at a Colorado brewery this month. Each team has both Democrat and Republican members. The Colorado House of Representative team will brew at Big Choice Brewing on Saturday, July 18. Team members include Jeni James Arndt, Polly Lawrence, Paul Lundeen, Dan Pabon, Kim Ransom and Yeullin Willet. The Colorado State Senate team will be brewing at Cannonball Creek on Tuesday, July 21. This team is made up of Chris Holbert, Matt Jones, Andy Kerr, Tim Neville and Pat Steadman
During each session of GABF, team members will be pouring and campaigning for their beer at the Colorado Brewers Guild booth. GABF attendees will try both beers and cast a vote for their favorite brew. The winner will be announced at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday. Beers will be available for sampling during the Saturday evening session.
“Hop the Vote is a great example of how beer brings people together,” said Senator Chris Holbert of District 30. “If you attend GABF, then please stop by our booth. We’d like to meet you and earn your vote for the Senate brew!”
About the Colorado Brewers Guild:
The Colorado Brewers Guild (CBG) is a non-profit trade association promoting the Colorado craft brewing industry. With the majority of the 300 licensed Colorado breweries as members, CBG provides information for Colorado beer lovers, and promotes Colorado craft breweries by advocating for Colorado craft beer with policymakers. For more information, visit www.coloradobeer.org