The California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) announced that now there are more than 700 craft breweries operatiing across the state.
The industry reaches this historic milestone during the early bird ticket sale for the CCBA's annual showcase of California's booming craft beer industry: the California Craft Beer Summit and Beer Festival.
The three-day Summit includes 24 educational sessions, 60,000 feet of interactive displays, 450 beers, 160 breweries and unlimited tastings. The Summit takes place September 8-10, 2016 in Sacramento, Calif.
CCBA executive director Tom McCormick said: "California continues to lead the nation's craft beer movement and the Summit showcases the wild success of a community united over a common passion: craft beer.
"CCBA's signature event is the ultimate opportunity for craft beer enthusiasts to join the tribe, learn from brewers and experts across the Golden State and taste the creativity and passion that serves as the foundation of the industry."
Reigning as the largest California-brewed craft beer event of its kind, the 2016 Craft Beer Summit and Festival gives attendees a tasting tour through the state's craft brewing landscape.
McCormick said: "At the Summit, beer lovers and brewers have the chance to experience wonderful techniques and ideas from the best of the industry.
"David Walker from Firestone Walker, Fritz Maytag, the founder of the American craft beer movement, the brewers and owners from AleSmith, 21st Amendment, Russian River Brewing Company, and many others will share their knowledge, history, expertise and passion with every person connected or passionate about the craft beer industry."
Educational highlights at the Summit include:
How to start a career in craft beer from the hiring managers of Mikkeller Brewing San Diego, Russian River Brewing Co. and other growing breweries
Advanced homebrew lessons, including how to go "off recipe" and explore yeast management, hosted by the homebrewers now running successful commercial breweries
Mock judging at a "Taste Like a Judge" session teaching attendees how rate and taste beers
The rise of sour beer as a style, including how to differentiate between sour beers and what you can expect in a wild ale versus a spontaneously fermented sour
How to develop a beer list for taproom managers and beer buyers looking to advance their offerings in the craft beer sector
CCBA Board of Directors president and co-owner of Russian River Brewing Company Natalie Cilurzo said: "The Summit has become, in a very short period of time, one of the largest and most significant craft beer events not only in California but across the nation.
"The unique part about the Summit is the bringing together of brewers, retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, and consumers all in one location, something I have not experienced to this level at any other event. I'm proud to be a part of this incredible state trade association as well as the second annual Summit."
