It's about a month away (April 30), checking in to seek advice and see who's going. In years past, were limited/rare offerings released in a controlled fashion, or random free-for-all? I'm going solo so would be interested to meet up with some local BAers. Let me know if you are going!
I'll be there with a bunch of friends, we should DEFINITELY meet up! Will be my first year but most people in my group have been going for awhile. I think I remember them talking about everything releasing at the same time, though I could be wrong.
I can't go this year since it's the same day as DLD, but I had a good time at this fest last year. Some highlights included TG Assassin, Abraxas, Sump, BA Sil, Darkness, assorted BCBS vintages, KBS Tart of Darkness and others. If you haven't, check out this thread for more info on last year's event: http://www.beeradvocate.com/communi...-festival-who-whats-going-to-be-there.283235/ Have fun!
And as for when/how they release things, most of it was available right away at the beginning of VIP entry. There were a couple exceptions though. Assassin was opened at a specific time later in the event. TG had a small sign at their table that mentioned it. The same was true for Darkness, DFH World Wide Stout and maybe a couple others.
I missed out on a VIP ticket so I'll have the settle for what's left, plus the staggered releases if they do that again this year. Thanks for the info!
I consider Hudson and the surrounding area are more apart of the Twin Cities. I think it fits here better than the Great Lakes forum.
Damn thread placement warriors man. We just need to tag like "Twin Cities discussion" on the thread title
Cave Beer Fest is fun, I'll be there again this year - and it would be cool to meet up with the OP, as our forum names would suggest we have something other than beer in common. VIP tickets are definitely the way to go. You get in an hour early, and the breweries that don't have staggered releases for their limited offerings will definitely see those go quick in the first hour. If you don't have VIP tickets, I suggest you spend some time browsing the tables and looking for mentions of limited releases later on in the day. There will be some. Set an alarm on your phone and be there early. You'll get what you came for. Last year I missed out on Assassin, didn't even see the damn sign... Some of the limited releases are very limited. Some are only a bottle or two, or perhaps a growler fill from Casanova. If I remember correctly, for the first two hours it's mostly a free-for-all. Everyone is trying to get as many samples as possible as quickly as possible. There are some lines, but they move relatively fast. About halfway through I remember things slowing down significantly. People mostly chill out and chat, play some hammerschlagen, or hit up the food truck.
Gettin' close! Can't wait to see what's announced/just show up without knowing. Either way, I'm very excited for this one.
I haven't seen anything posted regarding what/who will be there. I seem to remember last year there was at least a list of breweries beforehand.
I called Nova yesterday and asked if there would be a beer list prior to the event. They stated probably not, still working on who is going to be there?
Great fest! Those who have the list of breweries still, any chance someone could post it? I seem to have lost mine somewhere between the caves and Minneapolis!
