Water at beer fests

I have never been to a beer festival that did not provide kegs full of water throught the fest and pitchers at all of the brewery tables. That being said I drink all my rinses to stay hydrated.

 

I've only been to one beer event and they didn't have water there unfortunately i think that's a great idea to bring your own water and snacks especially

 

I remember water being available at every beer festival I ever attended.

 

Filling your glass halfway with water, swirling, and then chugging the water between every pour is a great way to stay hydrated. I've even started doing that at home, when I'm popping a bunch of beers with friends and family for tasting. Works like a charm.

 

I drink all my cleans as well. Only been to one beer fest without water.

 

If a beer festival doesn't have water, that's just a poorly run festival. It's pretty dangerous to not have water at the festival, seems like a no brainer.

 

Never been to a festival without water. Would be a very short day for me if they didn't have water.

 

Not a fan, it makes me go

 

When doing a tasting I usually alternate equal parts of the beer I am tasting and water, that way I can actually stay coherent enough to remember what the last few bottles in the tasting are like....

 

The majority of the events I've been to only had water at one booth at the very front and some even charged for the water. I bring my own and use it to rinse sometimes (most of the booths have rinsing water but it is usually behind the taps with the server). Most events here they take the time to rinse and then serve you without being asked unless its super busy. I'd say if you can bring water in, do it.

 

@drtth @cavedave @JackHorzempa @jesskidden @CleanFiend

always thought AB should be the water sponsor for all beer fests - here is the rationale:


1) they have the most efficient and widespread distribution network in the US, so getting water to any festival will not be an issue

2) they have the lowest cost to package beer/water of any brewery, with huge economies of scale and efficiencies of their packaging lines

3) some attendees would rather drink their water than their beer




Everybody wins!

 

Have you considered investing in a hydration pack? You can easily get a 2 liter pack (like the kind used for hiking with the tube you drink through) with enough space to hold some snacks etc that should suit your needs fine, and the better ones are designed to distribute weight well and not feel cumbersome.

 

Hmmm, does this also mean you're suggesting that a beer festival is often a disaster?

 

So your question is "I am going to a beer fest that will supply water, soft drinks and a full buffet, should I bring my own water and snacks?"

 

I've also never been to a festival without water. Typically I see water-specific stations with large Igloo (or similar) coolers. I usually drink my rinses (didn't realize it was as popular as this thread makes it seem - I've had numerous people see me do it and comment that it's a clever idea), but I also bring a refillable Camelback or Nalgene bottle so I can do it on the go instead of having to find a water booth for every fill.

If I ever found a festival without water or that charged for it, I'd never come back to it.

Usually the only outside food allowed (around here anyway) is a pretzel necklace.

 

Isn't that how AB developed Michelob Ultra? Watching people rinse their beer fest sample cup with water and then drink it?

And thinking, "$$$ !"

 

Honestly Jess - I think that's EXACTLY what brewers were thinking in the 70s and 80s with "light" beer:

"you mean we can purposely dilute our beer down with water....lower the ABV and the hop flavor, and call it "light" beer and people will actually buy this stuff? Wow, this is going to be GREAT!"

 

How many times have you been to a festival where AB had a booth? Just asking, because I've only been to one festival so far, and AB was nowhere to be found. If their beer is not being served, why would they provide water?