From February 8 to the 15, 2020, the fourth edition of the Indie Beer Cup will be held in Central America, on the beautiful Costa Rica beaches and the vibrant Panamá City. This year’s competition portion will feature several well-known U.S. craft brewers to lend their knowledge as judges to support to the growing beer community in Central America.
The Indie Beer Cup was born from the union of Costa Rica’s Pura Vida Indie International Beer Cup and Panama’s El Barrilito de Oro cup. The events are considered the most important competitions in Central America both in number of participating international breweries and in innovative activities to boost the beer culture and raise the level of quality of craft beer throughout the region.
“Last year I had the joy of attending the Pura Vida Indie Beer Cup in San Jose, Costa Rica. It was a fabulous event run by craft brewing professionals that truly honor the integrity of professional judging. Strict judging guidelines were laid out and upheld and I can’t say enough about the amazing beers I drank and people I met. I can not wait to attend and participate again!” – Jennifer Talley, Owner/Brewer of 1849 Brewing Co. – California
Since their inception in 2015, both cups have convened a large number of world-class beer judges and have fostered an environment conducive to business, learning, networking and camaraderie that independent craft beer manages to conceive perhaps more than any other industries. The new 2020 edition is no exception.
The Indie Beer Cup will have a roster of more than 50 judges like Peter Bouckaert former New Belgium Brew Master and Purpose Brewing founder, Tomme Arthur from Lost Abbey, Jim Crooks of Firestone Walker Barrelworks, Laura Ulrich from Stone Brewing, Phil Markowski from Two Roads Brewing Co., Peter Slodberg former Pete’s Wicked Ale, Brad Kraus from La Rana Dorada or Leo Ferrari from Antares of Argentina, among other leading professionals from all over Latin America. 
“The Pura Vida Indie International Beer Cup last year was incredibly well organized while being a relaxed atmosphere for winners and judges alike. The beer that won was stellar and I was really impressed with the work of local breweries.” – Peter Bouckaert, Chief of Wisdom and Other Nonsense at Purpose Brewing & Cellars – Colorado
This year, it will be held in two different countries. The judging portion will take place in Costa Rica for three days, moves to Panama for the awards ceremony, then finishes with two days of the biggest and oldest beer festival in Central America, the 8th Micro Brew Fest.
“Of all the festivals I am fortunate enough to go to every year this one is my favorite. It’s so well run, the people and the beers are all top notch. It’s a pleasure and an honor to be involved.” – Peter Lengyel, co-owner and head of production and quality control at Kings County Brewers Collective – New York
Registration will be open until February 1, this is an invitation for small and indie U.S. breweries to join and register at www.indiebeercup.com. Join this competition where independence matters!
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