Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest 2015

Shitloads of people stand around and open bottles. When they're done making sure their friends get a pour, they usually just put the bottle on a table.

 

Saw Matt Brynildson at Rare Barrel on Friday at the Rare Barrel. I asked him what new brewery's would be attending this year's FWIBF, he specifically mentioned those two breweries, and that they're waiting on a few others to confirm.

 

Awesome. Thanks for confirming.

 

Walk around with an open container and hope the cops aren't dicks. Seriously, once you chit chat or talk with some folks around and share a few bottles, you'll find your own little group to share with. But if you like the shotgun approach of that midwest bottle share pour, the bench outside of the adelaida is your go to. You may not get everything or even a decent pour of stuff, but the selection is great. It does have a lot of "show me yours and I'll show you mine"

 

Yeah the shares are pretty much open a bottle, pass around, set on table, and have a good time. Nothing really formal, just have fun. Everyone is really cool about just opening whatever they brought honestly. Some of the more rare stuff moves faster obviously, but nobody is a dick.

Oh no.

 

So Rare Barrel, Wicked Weed and The Alchemist look like they are in..
Anyone else got leads on attending breweries?

 

Guess I need to figure out a hotel for this. Last year I had a room at the Adelaide that I booked well before I knew I had tickets. I'm sort of confused by the drop dates listed on the FAQ though.

http://www.firestonebeer.com/mingle/fw-invitational-beer-fest-faq.php

Do those drop dates mean that rooms will open up on those dates or is that the last day to get a room as a part of the blocks? As far as I know, none of the hotels listed still have rooms available at this point.

 

Blocks of rooms will open up on those dates. I'm personally waiting to try and switch hotels.

 

That's what I was hoping for. Thank you.

 

There's a few hotels that don't offer shuttles. Is is possible to walk to nearest shuttle stop and be able to hop on the bus?

 

According to the website, these are complimentary shuttles here's the link for the list of stops so you can see if a hotel is close to yours that has a stop.

http://www.firestonebeer.com/mingle/transportation.php

 

expect ubers to be in short supply due to the area, but thankfully it's not much of a big area and the motels are in walking distance from what I recall.

 

List of breweries has been announced.

http://www.firestonebeer.com/mingle/fw-invitational-beer-fest-breweries.php

Pretty excited about Alchemist, Side Project and Wicked Weed.

 

Hope it's not some sort of April Fools joke.

 

It seems to be legit. At least in terms of what I've seen on social media. They have been strongly hinting at Alchemist, Wicked Weed and Rare Barrel for a few months or so.

 

Side Project.

::drops mic::

 

2015 Brewery Lineup!

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The breweries are...
It's official:
Here is the 2015 Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival lineup. We're just 59 days away from #FWIBF15, prepare yourselves.

We hope you're all as excited as we are!

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Stay tuned for more info!
#FWIBF15

 

Some surprising omissions (not that I'm at all depressed considering the ones attending):

Avery
Societe
SARA
Cellarmaker

Oh and bonus....3 Sons will be in attendance, but not pouring. I still haven't the pleasure of tasting their brews - line was absurd at Huna Day - but I've heard nothing but high praise.

 

It looks like a solid group to me. Can't wait to see the tap lists.

 

Sad. I won't be attending this year. Really had a great time last year, but stupid me, I scheduled a family vacation to San Diego. Oh well, I will just have to cry in my beer at Alesmith, Ballast Point, Lost Abbey, Stone, Pizza Port, etc.

Enjoy!