The number of breweries representing the Palmetto State at the 32nd annual Great American Beer Festival – being held in Denver, CO this week, Oct. 2-4 – has tripled from last year, with nine of South Carolina’s finest making their way to the country’s largest beer festival and competition.

In 2013, plagued by technical difficulties and an avalanche of applications, hundreds of breweries were shut out of the annual festival. Only Holy City, Palmetto and RJ Rockers were able to attend last year’s festival, although none ended up bringing home any awards. With a streamlined registration process implemented this year, breweries had an easier time getting into the festival, including nine from South Carolina.

Joining Holy City, Palmetto and RJ Rockers this year are Greenville’s Brewery 85 and Thomas Creek; North Charleston’s Frothy Beard; Ridgeland’s River Dog; Columbia’s River Rat; and Travelers Rest’s Swamp Rabbit.

Also this week in Denver, Brewery 85’s Will McCameron will be participating in a panel on trademarks and the effects they have on the craft beer industry.