rev:text
| - Beertopia is the unofficial kick-off event for beer week and is amongst several events being held throughout the week. This was my first official Beerfest and I cannot tell you how excited I was to attend. We even purchased our tickets in January to ensure we were not sidelined.
We got to Baxter Village early and got pretty good parking. Our first stop was Six Pence where we headed for a bite to eat. After filling our tummies with some Irish fare we strolled over to Grapevine around 1pm. There was a line already snaking the building but after the VIPs entered, we were among the first dozen in line.
Two o'clock came. Armed with my husband as the photo/camera man and my red notebook, we eagerly entered. I was like a kid in a candy shop. It was pleasantly overwhelming.
We hit the rear of the event first thinking most partakers would try brew vendors at the front first. Considering that 1,300 tickets were sold, it didnt seem all that crowded. In fact, the long lines that some spoke of from previous years were really maybe five deep: MAX.
I hit over two dozen breweries, talked beer and even took a slight break in just under 2 hours. People are friendly to the extent of wanting to be in our pics and those manning the taps were knowledgeable and willing to engage in beer convo!
With my redbook, pencil, and eagerness to know MORE.... there was a moment at Bell's Brewery while I was asking pertinent questions that my husband backed up to take a pic. It must have looked important because some of their employees pushed the crowd just a little farther to allow him to take the perfect shot. Maybe, they thought I was a reporter; I'm not, but I do review beers with a passion.
Overall, great time. Definitely a must if one is a lover of quality beer. No bud light, heineken, or Corona fans please.
Next beerfest: Wear a necklace of pretzels, recon the event, and select a dozen brews to try and rate. Otherwise, one will go crazy. Craft beer should be enjoyed not chugged.
|