Extreme Beer Fest: Boston 2017 (Survival Thread)

Was referring to my specific group. The wrestling match mid-line was probably the last straw.

 

Alrighty. I'm coming prepared this year.

List of "Must Have's" is created and whittled down to 7.
Another list made for ones to look out for (gentle reminders when I get into that line - though who knows if this will be useful).

Here's hoping Todd's predictions of shorter lines is true! I know some 2 or the brewers on my Must Have list had lines on the larger side last time I saw them at the EBF. Not sure whether to hit them up immediately or hop in those lines when I need a little time to cool down.

This is going to be great. Excitement is high.

I'm especially excited because my list is much smaller this year so that I can feel free to float around and try new things without feeling like I'm missing something I wanted to try. I've seen a lot of people say that they hear about beers to try from word of mouth. Are you guys polling other beer tasters while you're waiting? I know when I went to the Micro Invitational, I asked around and got a couple good ideas.

 

I usually see a few people I know and we talk about what we've tried and make suggestions, a couple of my favorites from last year were due to this. I'm right around 7 "really hope I try" brews from this years list and about 40 on the step below (a number I won't get close to). I usually grab the ones I note as wants early, then just wander and grab what looks interesting.

 

I have 108 right now on my want to try list, I guess I have some work to do

 

Or your liver will have some work to do.

 

You can also ask the brewers at a table you enjoy if there is anything they've enjoyed or are looking forward to trying. They wander around and tend to have a good handle on which breweries are high quality and which aren't.

Unrelated, how the hell is Evil Genius allowed into this fest? Bringing their standard, contract brewed lineup of mediocre beers is pretty disappointing.

 

One of their beers slipped through the cracks and has been removed as for the rest you are assuming the majority of attendees have had their whole portfolio doubt many have even heard of the brewery let alone tried more than one or two of their beers. Some brewers will bring some core beers if they are "Extreme Brewers".

FWIW it is impossible to make sure every brewery on the floor is liked by every attendee that shows up, I try my hardest but as you have reminded me it is an impossible task.

 

I get that. Saw two shelf beers and had flashbacks to Southern Tier and Firestone Walker showing up with bottles (and running our early) at prior fests.

 

KO Pies gave me a second (and third!) wind last year. They are not to be missed

 

I've always passed on them in the past, but this year I'll go for it...which flavor is best?

 

Just the classic meat is all you'll need, but feel free to branch out. They are all delicious.

 

They're all good, as mentioned above, but I've always loved the pork roll.

 

I know there was one of these posted last year, but haven't seen one yet. The list is accurate as of today, but if the list updates between now and the fest, this document won't. So download and edit as you please.

GOOGLE DOCS - EBF 2017 BEER LIST

 

I've been trying to cut down the list. Probably the best problem I've ever had, honestly. Such an insane line up I think it would be impossible to walk away disappointed.

 

Evil Genius is on the verge of opening a new brewpub in Philly. Unfortunately the build hit a couple snags along the way and production was delayed. One of the beers being poured will be a small batch beer from the new brew pub. Jon, the new brewer, was the original brewer at Tired Hands with Jean for roughly the first 3 years. I'm really interested in seeing what comes from the brewery in the future with Jon pushing out some brews from the small batch system.

 

This is the first year in the 4 years I've been going that no one beer jumps out at me and makes me go "I GOTTA try that". I plan on just wandering around and trying a bunch of new shit, and I'm excited for that!

 

Sounds weird to some I'm sure, but I always look forward to trying Two Roads' sour beers. Very underrated. The Lost Abbey's PX7 as a base beer for Cable Car should be cool to try as well.

Others: Half Acre's Salted Chocolate Big Hugs
Capt Lawrence Sour Night at the Fritz
Avery's Tweak (annual tradition, 2oz is all you need)

 

1st timer here.

I've been to other beer fests where we get queue up and they check ids\tickets in advance of the opening. A friend of mine heard that people line up a few hours in advance? outside?

Any one care to fill me in. We were hoping to bounce around Boston first before going over 30 minutes early.