New this year is the Hops Connect Hops Class, sponsored by Hops Connect and led by  CAMRA Vancouver. For only $10 per person, CAMRA Vancouver’s Education Liaison Danny Seeton will guide 50 guests on a tour of hops and their influence on craft beer. The one-hour session, from 11am-12noon will include samples, demonstrations and a Q&A with industry experts.

Tickets are $35 (plus tax) for the BC Beer Awards & Festival and only $10 (plus tax) for the Hops Connect Hops Class (limited to just 50 seats). Both go on sale Tuesday, September 3 at http://bcba2013.eventbrite.ca.

Last year’s BC Beer Awards judging drew over 400 unique entries from over 35 BC breweries and brewpubs, with winners selected in 12 distinct categories. Judges included certified beer judges, cicerones, sommeliers, journalists, as well as noted beer and food lovers. The BC Beer Awards adheres to standards set by the Internationally-recognized Beer Judging Certification Program (BJCP).
The mandate of the BC Beer Awards is to reward excellent beers even if not brewed exactly to strict style guidelines. Secondary is ensuring that every beer brewed in BC can be entered regardless of whether it fits in a style or not. Craft Brewers across the province are well-known for their innovation and creativity, something that the BCBA organizers are keen to help celebrate.
The BC Beer Awards & Festival is generously supported by Chrislan Ceramics, Biercraft, Hops Connect and CAMRA Vancouver.
For more information, please visit their website at BCBeerAwards.com or follow the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.