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| - First timer here, and I enjoyed it even when the weather god didn't give us his 100% support. I was last minute with my decision in joining my friends (and some coworkers) for the festivities. Ticket was $30, which includes all you can taste beer for almost 4 hours. Frankly that's the main reason I caved in. The other event option of that day is the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ at South Park for about the same admission. Since I never have good experience with events at South Park location, Rural Hill I went.
First of all the location is cool. I know there were other events hosted at Rural Hill, but this was my first time being here. It's about 30 minutes away from home, but it felt like a world away. Plenty of free parking, good start. I parked closer to the festival, but there was another entrance for the camping crowd.
There were about 18 breweries listed on the event website, and quite frankly I didn't count. Let's just say there were plenty of choices. I went for the short lines, which tends to be breweries from other places. I don't understand why would anyone line up for the breweries based in Charlotte... hmm... I can just drive to them and drink.
I had an awesome Tripel Belgium Ale called Devils Tramping Ground from Aviator Brewing Company. I was quite impressed by the NC breweries showing. There was also a home-brew tent, and I tried some interesting things there too (including a ginger cider, a toffee stout or was it a porter).
This was also a music festival, but unfortunately I was too consumed by the brew part and my friends ended up chilling by the campfire and I totally missed the bands... which is a small regret on my end.
There definitely will be a next time!
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