The biggest names in international brewing are returning to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY on Saturday, November 13, 2010 for the third annual Long Island International Beer Expo. This year’s international beer tasting extravaganza will showcase more than 20 countries, more than 50 breweries, and more than 100 beers from across the globe. Each country will provide samples of their country’s proudest brewing achievement. Shoulder to shoulder with some of America’s best breweries—including many Long Island favorites—will be amazing beer from England, Germany, Italy, Canada, Scotland, Indonesia, Belgium, Spain, Czech Republic, Mexico, and others.
This year’s special guest is Mr. Dougal Sharp, Owner and Brewmaster of Scotland’s Innis & Gunn Brewery. Making a rare U.S. appearance, Sharp will address festival attendees with an engaging and informative talk on Oak Aged Beer, a process that makes Innis & Gunn beer so unique and so desirable. “New Yorkers have really embraced the Innis & Gunn beers. Those who try them, love them, and want to learn more about them,” said Dan DeLuca, Managing Director, Innis & Gunn USA. “I can’t wait for everyone to meet the man behind the beer. He’s a great story-teller and he’s got a great story,” he added.
As the U.S. beer industry continues to battle for highly coveted market share with the wines and spirits category, the range of styles and flavors offered by the imports are attracting new fans and enthusiasts. “We want to help introduce Long Islanders to some great imports. Beer lovers here on Long Island are educated about beer and have sophisticated tastes. I think they are ready to do some global exploring. A sold-out event is expected,” said event producer Andy Calimano of Starfish Junction.
Back by popular demand, the entire middle of the expo hall will be set up as a beer garden with German beer tastings sponsored by DAB, Jever, Weihenstephan, Konig, Veltins, Gaffel, Hofbrau and Radeberger. To compliment the beers, a special menu of German-inspired food will be available for purchase.
The International Great Beer Expo will have two sessions: 12:30-4pm and 5:30-9:00pm. A limited number of tickets will be sold. Once the event sells out, no additional tickets will be available for purchase. Tickets are $45 each and can be purchased at the event website www.GreatBeerExpo.com or at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum box office. Tickets include admission to the expo, participation in special programming, a souvenir tasting glass, and the freedom to enjoy a 2 oz. sample of any of the beers present at the expo. Designated driver tickets are also available for $10 each. No one, including designated drivers, under 21 will be admitted and photo ID is required for entry.
The event is sponsored in part by www.LIBeerEvents.com, WBAB 102.3 FM and Draft Magazine. This event will raise funds for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund.