The American beer and food renaissance is here, folks! Gone are the days when the "Big Three" (Coors, Miller, and Bud) held complete sway over the domestic beer market, when the most exotic American beer at your local grocery store was Red Dog, and when the most interesting pairing was Tequiza on taco night. Where once the American macro-brew Pilsener — fizzy and flavorless, with a large dosage of cheap corn and rice — was the only game in town, the US is now the home of some 1,400 craft breweries replicating and experimenting with the full rainbow of beer styles. In celebration of this burgeoning industry and 'American Craft Beer Week' (May 12-18), The Brewers Association is proud to present Savor- An American Craft Beer & Food Experience on May 16th and 17th.

In an event unprecedented in this or any area, Savor will bring together 48 of the nations finest craft brewers at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium to present some of their favorite food and beer pairings. Each brewery will feature two of its beers alongside a sweet or savory app courtesy of Federal City Caterers, with pairings ranging from Allagash White with Carrot Ginger Curry Soup to Great Divide's Oak Aged Yeti with Fudge Stout Brownies. For those that have ever doubted beer's food enhancing potential, this event will surely yield a new outlook given the full width and depth of beer styles on display.

On top of the treats in the main hall, Savor will feature two one-hour seminars per session, hosted by luminaries of the craft beer world. Ever wonder how Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery feels about cheese? Think you can learn a thing or two about beer and food from Sam Adams founder Jim Koch? Here is your opportunity to find out.

The event will span two days over three, three-and-one-half hour sessions, with each session limited to just 700 people. Tickets are $85, all inclusive, and must be purchased in advance.

48 brewers, 96 beers, dozens of beer-world celebs —And we've got two free tickets.

We at DCFoodies.com have been fortunate enough to receive a pair of tickets to Savor and want to pass them on to you. Whether you're a new visitor or old friend, email the correct answer to the following brewing question to jason@dcfoodies.com with the subject Savor Contest and you will be entered into our drawing for two tickets to the session of your choosing. Entering is free, though do please take a moment to peruse our advertisers' links.

Ready?

Question: What is the official name of the uniquely American, warm-fermented style of lager of which Anchor Steam is the best known example?

Answers are due by midnight on Tuesday, April 8th. For more details on the Savor event, including a full list of participating breweries, foods, and beers, visit www.beertown.org.