Ameri”CAN” Canned Craft Beer Festival Coming To Arizona

Canned craft beer comes of age with the inaugural event on May 21, 2011. Festival and expo will feature canned craft beer judging, tasting and educational seminars.

Chandler, AZ – Details for the inaugural Ameri”CAN” Canned Craft Beer Festival, presented by Whole Foods Market and hosted by SanTan Brewing Company, were announced today.

The Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2011, which will conclude American Craft Beer Week. More than 40 local and national breweries will participate, and more than 3,000 craft beer aficionados are expected to attend. The event runs from 2 pm through 6 pm in Historic Downtown Chandler, AJ Chandler Park (West) at 3 S San Marcos Place.

This festival of canned beers will celebrate the craft beer movement with an awards ceremony, live entertainment, food, Beer Olympics, and a Beer Science Garden, where companies such as CASK, Hop Union, Ball, Breiss and others will showcase the making of canned beer. Once shunned for imparting a metallic taste to beer, canned beer is making a comeback in the craft beer world. Even larger breweries have re-embraced the practice as it really is the best way to transport beer.

“This is a celebration of the canned craft beer revolution,” said Anthony Canecchia, owner and head brew master of SanTan Brewing Company. “We believe that the can is the superior package for craft beer and it is our intention to continue educating craft beer drinkers of this fact.”

An unprecedented lineup of national and local breweries will participate (either in person or through World Class Beverages) including 21st Amendment Brewing (CA), Anderson Valley Brewing Company (CA), Avery Brewing Company (CO), Baxter (ME), Big Sky Brewing Company (MT), Blue Moon Brewing Company (CO), Bohemian (UT), Breckenridge Brewing (CO), Buckbean (NV), Caldera (OR), Crispin Cider (MN), Grand Canyon Brewing (AZ), Leinenkugel’s (WI), Mammoth (CA), Maui Brewing (HI), Mudshark Brewing (AZ), New Belgium Brewing Company (CO), SanTan Brewing Company (AZ), SKA Brewing Company (CO), Tailgate Brewing (CA) and Tallgrass Brewing (KS) – with many more to be announced in the coming weeks.

The championship portion of the festival will include Gold, Silver and Bronze medals awarded in nine categories: IPA; American Pale Ale; English Pale Ale; Wheat Beers; Stouts and Porters; Ambers and Browns; Golds, Blondes, Pilsners and Light Lagers; Fruit; and Specialty Beer. A Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) will promote beer literacy and the appreciation of real beer, and to recognize beer tasting and evaluation skills.

Tickets for the Ameri”CAN” Beer Festival are $35 presale or $45 day-of-event. Ticket includes entry into the festival with collectible 4 oz. sample can, which can be used to sample the beers from participating breweries. VIP tickets are $100 presale or $125 day-of-event, and include general entry with a 4 oz. souvenir can, VIP lanyard for all access and exclusive entry into VIP Beer Garden, unlimited catered food and treats, Richard Susa book signing with free copy of “The Beer Can,” private bathrooms, meet and greet with brewers, and a seat at the Ameri”CAN” Canned Craft Beer Championship Awards Ceremony.

Designated driver tickets are also available for $10 (includes non-alcoholic beverages). Attendees will have the option to select a “people’s choice” award. Ticket purchasers and all guests must be 21 or over (valid picture ID must be presented for admission).

The Ameri”CAN” Canned Craft Beer Festival is presented by Whole Foods Market in conjunction with Draft Magazine. Portion of event proceeds will benefit Ear Candy, a 501c3 Phoenix charity that provides youth access to music education.

For more information, visit www.cannedcraftbeerfest.com.