Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) – Craft beer will be in the spotlight Saturday at the Sioux Falls Craft Beer Expo being held at the Convention Center from 3-6PM. Mark Opdahl with Chopped Liver, the event’s promotor, calls it the ultimate opportunity to sample a little bit of everything at your neighborhood liquor store. “Sometimes you look at that wall of beer and you say… what is all this? And then you invest $10-12 in a six pack and find out you don’t care for it.” He adds that brewery and distributor representatives will also be on hand to answer questions and offer suggestions.
Live music and educational seminars will also be a part of the event. Opdahl says local chefs will be on hand to suggest food parings to go with the brews. Several seminars will be offered as well on top of the 40 different craft breweries that will be on hand offering samples of their products. A tasting glass is also included with the price of the ticket.
It’s no secret the craft beer industry has exploded in recent years. According to the latest data from Forbes magazine Americas spent $101.5 billion on beer in 2014. Nearly 18 percent of that, or $19.6 billion, was spent on craft brews. And while the beer market has shown little to no growth as a whole (up just 0.5% from 2013 to 14); craft beer sales have spiked nearly 20% during that same time. Opdahl credits that growth to the recent advent of the “dining experience” culture. “Food has really helped the beer community. Restaurants have upped their game and provided people with more than that corporate sports bar experience.” He went on to say that the when people realize that craft beers can accentuate a meal, they are more willing to go outside their comfort zone to try them.
Tickets for the Expo will be available for $40 at the door and will allow for unlimited sampling. A $10 Designated Driver ticket is also offered, which will allow DD’s to get free soda and other non-alcoholic beverages while still being a part of the Expo. Opdahl says no matter what your plans are, the most important thing to do is come prepared. “Eat a really good lunch; fill your stomach up so you can fully enjoy the experience.” Secondly, come with an open mind and ask questions. “Try things and have fun, don’t go and just try all the IPA’s.”