I-X Center releases new beer fest details

By Rick Armon Published: February 12, 2013

image002The International Beer Festival in Cleveland will be scaled down this year and it likely won’t include a judged competition with medals being handed out to winning breweries. I-X Center officials announced earlier this week that the festival — which attracted more than 9,500 people last year — is moving from May to November and being combined with the Fabulous Food Show.

“We have not ruled out continuing the sanctioned competition; however it is likely our medal awards will be suspended for 2013 to focus on integrating event programming and pavilion features with [the] Fabulous Food Show,” I-X Center Director of Events Jeremy Levine said Tuesday in an email. “Popular features including, but not limited to, the Real Ale Bar, Meads & Ciders, and Brew U will all be incorporated, as well as elements of The SPEAKeasy and The Tasting Room.”

The International Beer Fest offered about 800 brews the last two years.

“The offerings will be scaled down, but the event will retain serving beers that are distinct, of high-quality, and favored by beer festival aficionados,” Levine said. “Beers will still be presented by geographical designation, and we are working on developing a VIP exBEERience package and specific ticket details.”

© 2013 The Akron Beacon Journal  ●  Ohio.com  ●  Enjoy  ● 44 E. Exchange Street, Akron, Ohio 44308