Do you love craft beer?  Do you also happen to enjoy great food?   Are you one of the many Americans who are constantly looking for that new beverage and food match made in heaven? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then I have the perfect solution for you… SAVOR.

Following up its sold-out inaugural run in 2008, the Brewers Association will return to Washington, D.C. this May for the second annual SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience.  Opting this year to host the event on one night (as opposed to three) and in a larger venue (the fabulous National Building Museum) with more breweries (65; up from 48 last year), in my opinion this is surely becoming the quintessential beer pairing event of the year for beer and food lovers alike.

I attended as a salon speaker last year and the show was not only informative, but fun.  As beer maven at Wine Enthusiast, I’m constantly in awe of the innovation happening in the world of craft beer and the explosion of interest in the public about all things brew. This show seemed to attract both industry people and consumers alike.

With Americans becoming more and more aware of the excellent brews being crafted here the states, people are looking for the best ways to pair their new favorites with meals.  While wine pairing guidelines have been instilled into the better part of us for quite some time now (and for those who need a little help most restaurants offer the services of a sommelier or beverage director), many folks who are new to the craft beer world are left wondering with what and how to pair their new frothy discoveries.

Lucky for you that trained and well-informed brewery personnel will be at SAVOR, ready and willing to discuss the subject with each and every attendee.  With 65 small, independent, and traditional craft brewers serving up a total of about 120 selections, there is sure to be something to whet everyone’s palate.  Each brewery will also select an appetizer to accompany each of their selections, accenting what they believe to be an ideal pairing while remaining on hand to explain why they chose their pairing well as any additional information about the beer itself.

In addition to the main event, SAVOR will also host a slew of educational and tasting salons.  New this year is “Private Tasting Salons”, and intimate tasting where about 25 people get to taste through a brewery’s selections with the rock star brewmaster. Back by popular demand is the craft beer and cheese pair-off salon, where returning champion Lauren Buzzeo (yes, that’s me!) will face off against three new challengers (beer journalist Christian Debenedetti, Greg Koch from Stone Brewing Co, and Eric Wallace of Left Hand Brewing Company) to see who can come up with the best craft beer and cheese pairing.  Here’s to a good fight!

Tickets and information on the event can be found at savorcraftbeer.com.  If you’re looking for a night of great beer, good food, and excellent company, this is the place for you.  If you want tickets you better order them fast before they sell out!  And if you plan on attending, please drop by and say hello… I’d love to have a beer with you.

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