Dark Lord Day 2016

Also in NYC after moving from IL a while back. Was also going to bring OH and share we an avatar...

 

How does one get VIP access?

 

Excellent point. I've seen a forecast with the temp predicted as high as 65. I am totally on board with the high being between 57-65 with the rain. I mean....I'm on board regardless....but warmer temps would certainly make the day a lot more comfortable than it was last year.

 

We are just like Mr. Meeseeks! Multiplying rapidly.

 

Thanks for the help!

I'm honestly not sure, but it's probably distributor. All I know is I have a ticket that I need to pick up at the gate. I'll be more than happy to buy a bottle for $20, wasn't looking to get all the good for free.

No

 

You have to be a very important person.

 

I imagine it's the same deal then. See ya there.

 

It suspect that it is for primarily for investors in the brewery and distributors.

 

With thw amount of fff i have consumed i must be a primary investor, my ticket must be lost in the mail

 

Yeah, I was under the impression that it (VIP) was for friends of the brewery, among other things. Know a few people who have gone that way before, but I don't know any of the FFF folks myself, so I can't confirm 100%.

 

Probably. Don't want to name names, but I know somebody who knows somebody important.

So, perhaps it wouldn't be worth it to bring a backpack then for only a bottle or two?

 

Depends on if u plan to bring bottles to share from home

 

Do you plan on bringing bottles into the fest? If so, I wound recommend a backpack.

 

2 reasons I'm bringing a backpack. Number one: to carry bottles to share throughout the fest. Number two: I'll have this noticeably large thingamajig on my back that'll remind my drunk ass not to leave my bottles on a random curb or in the mud. I hope it helps at least.

 

No, not going to be bringing anything. Just going to taste DL for the first time. I keep hearing about it, so I've been curious.

I just don't want to have to carry around a backpack all day in the heat and festivities if it's not necessary. Seems like it could be a burden.

 

I was told 2 years ago that I was on a VIP list and that my ticket would be waiting for me at the will call. I went to the will call and they told me it was a standard ticket...and since I already had one...they had nothing for me. Hope your situation is different.....

 

I'll take a standard ticket if that means I'll get the DL and variants!

 

I think you're missing the point of what makes Dark Lord Day, well, Dark Lord Day.

You seem to like craft beer, and that's great! Welcome! You are about to embark on your first Dark Lord Day experience. There is nothing like it, so enjoy it, but first I recommend taking some advice from those who have been going for quite a while now. I post this every year with a few tweaks here and there - hope this helps.

1. Take a break in the middle of the day to sober up and grab some food, drink water, etc. 12 hours of high gravity beer is simply too much to handle and you won't make it if you try and drink the entire time.
2. Bring tasting glasses (multiple) and water. Breaking a tasting glass is all too common as you will be jostled around if you plan to stay inside plus you will be drinking all day, and it becomes all too easy late in the day to break your glass if you aren't careful.
3. Keep your bottles with you (or a friend) at all times in a secured area. If you leave your bottles out in the open, chances are that they will be stolen. Remain vigilant at all times.
4. Bring cash. The lines for the ATM on site vary throughout the day, and they aren't cheap. The last thing you want to do is wait in an hour-long line to get cash so that you can wait in another hour-long line to grab a guest pour or FFF merchandise, etc.
5. Do not hold the four-pack they give you with your bottles by the handle if you use that as your carrier to transport your bottles. The carriers are extremely cheap and there will be more than a few four-packs ruined by their slipping through the bottom and shattering on the pavement. If possible, bring a six-pack wine holder bag (the ones you get at Jewel or Binny's) or a backpack to carry your bottles in. Alternatively, a cloth bag works very well.
6. There are no coolers or chairs allowed inside the gates, but backpacks are allowed within reason. I use this backpack cooler (http://www.target.com/p/igloo-maxcold-maxpack-cooler/-/A-13465885) and it is reasonably cheap for this purpose should you decide to bring bottles inside the gates.
7. As a follow-up to #1, drink lots of water. When you wash out your tasting glass, take an extra pour of water thereafter.
8. Bring bags of pretzels and/or cheese to help absorb the alcohol throughout the day. Whole bags or zip-lock bags would work for this purpose.
9. Bring sunscreen. While it won't be particularly warm, 12 hours in the sun will burn you (this happened to a lot of people in 2011).
10. Do not worry about what bottles to bring and do not be intimidated by other "big" bottles that people plan on bringing. Bring what you enjoy, what you feel is special, and enjoy the event.
11. Bring a smile, a good attitude, and a few bottles to share with random people throughout the day. This is what makes Dark Lord Day awesome - the ability to meet people with a passion for craft beer and share stuff you otherwise wouldn't see or taste.

 

Awesome write-up! Thanks so much! Didn't even realize that I would need a tasting glass. Perhaps I will bring a backpack after all. I'll throw some water, chips and some plastic cups in it. Thanks again!

 

Could always bring something from near-by you to share. I'm sure people will enjoy whatever local fresh stuff you have.