If you’ve ever met me in a bar or seen me in a decent restaurant and asked “what’s a good beer” then you’ve heard me give an impromptu lecture on brown ales or how a pilsener is different from a lager.  Yes, I’m a beer geek and it’s all because of a documentary called BEER WARS.

This week, that documentary is available on iTunes (and apparently my PS3 too but I can’t stop playing BORDERLANDS to check–help). Don’t believe me? Here’s the proof.

(that’s the documentary on the “iTunes->Movies” homepage sandwiched between NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU and some Hulk cartoon while I download the latest FRINGE).

Of course I’m biased (dear FTC, I worked on it for almost three years but I am not being compensated for this mention… but if the director wanted to buy me some tasty cupcakes I wouldn’t say “no”) but I think it’s a pretty damn good doc. Also, the “making of” was mighty interesting so I can’t wait for the behind-the-scenes book (hint, hint; nudge nudge).

Three years ago, I didn’t know a thing about beer. I was in Colorado to support a friend through a difficult situation when I received a phone call asking if I wanted to help out on a documentary called BEER WARS.

Three years later the film is done, it’s out (go pick up a DVD) and I’m at the GABF celebrating my newly developed love for craft beers.

The first night at the GABF I was hanging with my long time friend Bella and her husband Eric.

(this is their “before GABF” picture)

At the fest, I caught up with the director of BEER WARS and some of its subjects.

(That’s the director Anat Baron and Dogfish Head owner Sam Calagione)

We tried a lot of beers, not all of them… how shall I say… “suited out palate”

Let it be known, beer geeks take their brews seriously (but with a good sense of humor).

After the first night, we headed into downtown Denver for a night cap.

(this is their “after GABF” picture)

We kicked the night into overdrive and met up with Bella’s cousin Megan.

In order to protect the innocent, I won’t publish the gory details but in the tradition of “a thousand words….”, how about I show you this:

(this is the “morning after GABF” picture)

Big thanks to Megan and Kate for the hospitality and kindness.

The second night Bella and I returned and we made sure to drink plenty of water.

I also meet podcast legend Brian Ibbott.

If you aren’t listening to Coverville, what’s your excuse? Waiting for me to do a post dedicated to the show? That’s in the works.

I drank many great beers by phenomenal breweries such as Sam Adams, Tommyknockers, New Belgium Brewery, Stone Brewing and so many more I can’t remember them all but I will say that Dogfish Head is one of my all time favorites. I’d drink every beer they make at least twice. Heck, I even bought a friend three cases as a wedding gift.

The weekend wasn’t all beer. My friends and their two kids were kind enough to drive me around and show me some sights.

And so I say adios to Denver. Next stop, VEGAS BABY!