For beer connoisseurs it was a chance to try something new, and for microbrewers a chance to showcase their wares.
Mark Leonard of Basking Ridge, N.J. said the Shakespeare Stout from Rogue Ales in Newport, Ore. was his favorite of the brews he tried Saturday.
``It had a coffee taste with a hint of chocolate in it,'' he said. ``Arrogant Bastard was also very good. And I also liked, from the Cape Ann brewers, Fisherman's ale''
About 100 breweries from around the United States and the world staffed booths in the cavernous convention center, more airplane hangar than beer garden.
At Krait Beer, the export brand of London-based Cobra Beer, a new product called Champagne lager was flowing freely.
``It's so unique that it's a new category,'' said Hoshang Chenoy, vice president of marketing. ``We call it the celebration alternative.''
Peter Cherpeck, who teaches beer appreciation classes in Philadelphia, used bowls of hops and malted barley to give a quick lesson at his booth.
``People recognize that it's not just a bunch of kids drinking beer to get drunk and acting stupid,'' Cherpeck said. ``It's something to be taken seriously.''
A few booths down, the New York City Homebrewers Guild showed off its do-it-yourself zeal.
``We enjoy making good beer,'' said David Witzel of Manhattan. ``You get the ingredients together and it doesn't take all that much effort. ... It takes a couple of burners on the stove and a corner of your house that you can keep at the right temperature.''
There was more sipping than guzzling at Brewtopia, and the beer enthusiasts appeared to be heeding numerous signs discouraging irresponsible behavior.
``Do everyone a favor,'' said one. ``Don't even think about drinking and driving!''
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