The Great American Beer Festival got its start in 1982 as just a part of the American Homebrewers Association's fourth annual conference. If the name is any indication, however, founder Charlie Papazian (pictured) had grander ambitions for this remarkable event. Each year, GABF represents the largest collection of U.S. beer ever served, in a public tasting event plus a private competition in Denver, CO. GABF brings together the brewers and diverse beers that make the U.S. the world’s greatest brewing nation.