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What
Fifth Annual Born & Brewed at Hotel Congress
When
6 – 9 p.m., September 17
Where
Hotel Congress
311 E. Congress St.
More info.
hotelcongress.com
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While battles for control of the Pokémon GO gym at Hotel Congress happens daily, there’s one special contest hosted once a year — Tucson’s Beer Cup, also known as Born & Brewed.

Ten local breweries will compete at Hotel Congress on September 17 for the coveted title of Best Flagship Beer, Best Specialty Beer, and People’s Choice.

Defending champion Dragoon Brewing Co. boasts wins for the best overall beer award in 2012, 2013, and 2014, followed by Judge’s Best Flagship award in 2015. Though their performance has been consistent, Pueblo Vida Brewing Company won the People’s Choice in 2015. It could be anyone’s cup.

The judging panel this year includes Kevin Bosley from Odell Brewing Company and a few surprise judges.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 the day of the event. General admission includes:

• Taste of each competing craft beer
• Commemorative tasting glass
• Plate of special eats:
  • Pulled Pork Sliders
  • Housemade Beer Mustard & Pretzels
  • Chips & Salsa
  • Smoked Nuts

For $50, VIP tickets enjoy:

• Taste of each competing craft beer
• VIP Commemorative tasting glass
• Spot in exclusive VIP lounge
• Plate of the VIP buffet:
  • Smoked Pig – Yes, a whole pig!
  • Housemade Beer Mustard & Pretzels
  • Killer Dressed Salad
  • Corn Pudding
  • Roasted Potatoes
  • Desserts

There’s more beer included that most people can handle, so please make sure you have a plan to get home responsibly. New this year is the $15 designated driver ticket, which includes a plate of the general admission menu and a take-home gift.

Fifth Annual Born & Brewed Competing Breweries

• Borderlands Brewing Company
• Barrio Brewing Co.
• Catalina Brewing Company
• Dragoon Brewing Co.
• 1912 Brewing Co.
• Iron John’s Brewing Company
• Nimbus Brewing Company
• Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
• Sentinel Peak Brewing Company
• Ten Fifty-Five Brewing

Living Street Alliance, Local First Arizona, Tucson Homebrew Club, Yelp Tucson, and Girls Pint Out will all have stands at the event ready to chat about their respective organizations.

To purchase tickets, visit the front desk at Hotel Congress or ticketfly.com/event/1256217. For more information, visit hotelcongress.com.