Last year at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, San Diegan brewers won a slew of awards. This year they’ve got the same goal. But how do the beers that will get judged in the big competition at the end of the month get to Denver in the first place?
Leave that to David Johnson, distribution manager for The Lost Abbey. For the past few years he’s been the one coordinating all the logistics that ensure local and regional breweries’ beers arrive safe and sound in Colorado. This year, thirteen different brewing operations have sent their beer to David to be collected on two pallets before beginning the two day long journey on a refrigerated truck.
Most of the beers arrived at The Lost Abbey last Thursday or Friday, according to David, who also admitted that his three day weekend was shot from the ordeal (meaning you should buy him a beer if you see him – he’s described as “giant Tomme Arthur” or “the other bald guy” on Lost Abbey’s website). The beers left Tuesday and are expected to arrive today at Anhueser-Busch in Denver (I know, we were surprised about that too).
The best of the best from Coronado, Ballast Point, Hollister (Santa Barbara), AleSmith, Hangar 24 (Redlands), The Lost Abbey, Pizza Port Ocean Beach, Pizza Port San Clemente, Pizza Port Solana Beach, Pizza Port Carlsbad, Alpine, Rock Bottom La Jolla and Karl Strauss are all onboard in a showing of collaboration between competitors rarely seen in many industries. The Lost Abbey’s Media Liaison Sage Osterfeld may have said it best: “It’s like seeing the Justice League of America heading out to fight crime.”
For all the photos, from the pallet-stacking to the saran-wrapping and the truck door closing, visit our Facebook page.