This weekend craft breweries went brew to brew at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado.

Craft brew sales have gone up 15 percent in the past year, while some states make it easier for local breweries to get started.

"It doesn't cost much to get licensed," director of the Brewers Association trade group Paul Gatza says to NPR. "What it takes is skill and expertise at the brewing process. But right now craft beers are very popular, and it's a pretty good environment for a new brewery to open."

More than 400 breweries competed in Colorado this weekend, small to large. Indiana breweries claimed the most awards, winning 10 out of 52 entries.

Minnesota came in next at three out of 21 entries, and New Mexico claimed four our of 31 entries.

Indiana's Sun King brewery took home eight total awards, including a silver in the Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer category for their Bourbon Barrel Johan brew.

Read More:

• 2011 Great American Beer Festival Winners Announced (Brewers Association)
• Brewers and Beer Lovers Tap Into Craft Beer Craze (NPR)