The awards are sponsored and presented by The Bar Towel, a website and forum dedicated to the discussion and promotion of Toronto's craft and microbrew beer scene.
The GTAs were launched in 2003 as a way to recognise the achievements of craft brewers and bar owners in the Greater Toronto Area, hence the "GTA" acronym.
In 2006, the scope of the awards was expanded to include brewers and bars throughout the province of Ontario.
The Golden Tap Awards will also recognize brewers who produce cask-conditioned beers for the first time.
[1] 2009 2008 Plus four Editor's Choice Awards, as determined by a panel of Bar Towel members and associates: 2007 Plus four Editor's Choice Awards, as determined by a panel of Bar Towel members and associates: 2006 2005 2004 2003