What's your general take on beer festivals?

I've gone to a few and really enjoyed them. Many breweries use them as a chance to test new beers or ones they are considering distributing in your area (think a larger brewer like New Belgium). This gives reps a chance to talk one-on-one with you (the consumer) about beers and what you'd like to see. Also allows you to try new beers which is always a plus for somebody constantly searching for something new.

 

I like them as a fun activity to do with friends, but for trying/tasting purposes it's hard to really gauge quality after a few different pours.

 

Used to really enjoy them 8-10 years ago. They are far too crowded now for this old man.

 

I'm usually on kid-patrol so can't really go to any of them, but the three Dark Lord Days that I went to have been progressively horrible (13, 14, 15) to the point that I'd prefer to stay away. Too crowded.

 

Back in the day when craft beer was taking off, beer fests were few and far between and they were a great, cheap ($20-$25) way to try and learn about new beers. Fast forward to today and there's a proliferation of distibutor-only beer fests that charge outrageous prices for distributors to dump old beer and for a middle man event company to make money. I suppose they can still be a good way for newbies to learn different styles, but for me, I'm into the phase where I limit my beer fests to ones where it's mostly/all breweries such as EBF, TAP NY, Vermont brewers fest, GABF, and BCTC (although this one is getting to the point of being outrageously priced).

 

Not for me. Don't like paying a fee to stand in line for small pours. And I agree it's hard to really taste much after a few beers.

 

Love them. Went to DLD for the first time this year and even though it rained the whole time I still had a great time. Every festival I've been to has been great. The conundrum is finding a ride home is whereafter the event.

 

Yeah not a fan. Hot smelly people. Usually high abv beers so people get pretty belligerent. Plus, as stated before it's really hard to judge a beer there.

 

Amateur Hour. It is like going out of St. Paddys or Cinco.
I prefer now bottle shares at breweries, pubs, or home with friends.

Most people just go to get bombed. Hard to say you like one beer better as they aren't spread out based on style. Drink a DIPA or sour first your Palette wrecked for the day.

 

Yet to go to one yet, simply because I haven't had the time or accompaniment to go. I am trying to change that here in a month for Pittsburgh Summer Beerfest!

 

As a social event with friends? Okay, I guess, maybe kinda sorta. But to go just for the itty-bitty servings in sub-optimal conditions? I got no need for that.

 

I enjoy going to one or two year, I am going to one this weekend! I have a lot of fun at them. Generally pace myself, drink lots of water along the way. Eat a big meal prior. I really have to watch myself this weekend though since it will be three hours from home. Probably wont try anything from most local breweries that is readily available. I used to just drink everything and end up insanely full.

I wish more festivals offered DD tickets.

 

After a few samples of your oh my god I wants this by x brewery. Those omgs' have become colored beer, and you are eating a pretzel necklace. If people are pouring to make sure the kegs are empty. Hooey. How many hours left?

 

Went to the local brewfest for 8 straight years but skipped it this year. For me and my wife it's $76 to get in plus whatever spend on food, so close to $100. It's done outside in June in Alabama so it's always hot as hell. I also agree after about the 3rd or 4th IPA you can't judge the taste of anything. You add the big crowds and occasional drunk and it's not fun anymore. I'd rather take that $100 and have a chill afternoon at a few breweries and then get dinner.

 

I go to a couple of local festivals each year. Mostly its a reason to socialize with friends and try new beer. There are still some very good events but also a fair share of terrible ones. Anything that promotes craft beer is a good thing though.

 

Pretzel necklaces..'nuff said

 

The last beer fest i attended was the Brewgrass Festival in Asheville last year. Half of the good local brewers did not attend, the lines were long and there weren't many new beers to sample. I had great company so it was fun overall, but i won't make it an annual thing.

 

There is only one beer festival that I still enjoy. Oktoberfest!!! Prost!

 

I feel like it is a calling!