Hunahpu's Day 2017

CCB if you read this: don't raise up the allowed attendance for this event. This is a good size for max profits, without causing too much disruption and issues.

Infact- if it didn't sell out, review the number of scanned bands. That would be ideal numbers give or take 100-200 maybe.

 

I'm not sure what you are saying....

 

I think they can continue the policy as it is, and it is purely up to them to decide when and how they enforce it.

This lets them keep firm on their policy and weed out the craft beer profiteers (sorry guys, I find you bring net-negative value to the table and I would prefer you made money elsewhere, as would Cigar City) and allow an overall smoother entry to the festival for everyone, spending less time matching every single ID to wristband.

That's not my idea by the way - if you've ever flown on a plane in the last decade or so, it's a page right out of the TSA's book

 

I get that but there was NO confusion at all about the policy. Same as last year. No refunds, wristbands must be registered and matched at entry. They didn't match them last year and they didn't this year. It's completely understandable why they have to have the policy and why whether or not they enforce it doesn't matter.

Sucks for those that had legitimate "life" happen that kept them from coming, but at worst they could have given their wristband to someone to grab their bottles. No risk there.

 

A first timer from Boston's perspective (and given that a blizzard is extending my vacation two days, how can I not be anything but positive)

Very impressed with Huna Day overall, from the way it was run to the quality of the beers (altho I'd say that the whalezbro did not live up to the hype). Very smooth lining up/checking in/Thunder Alley wait/fest entry/running like crazy. Was anticipating a sh!tshow and nothing of the sort. Food was excellent, particularly the dumplings and banh mi from Pho Truck and Hunahpu chili from CrackChili. Fave beers included Scoop a la Mode, Rusty Nail and the unique Feel the Beat, Raz from Sahtipaja. Funny seeing all the hipsters in their brand-spanking new Garagiste wear. Bottle pick-up was smooth as my friend Greno-who-went-bald-at-like-22's head.

Overall, a great time at Tampa Bay Beer Week and I hope to make this an annual trip. Thanks to Cigar City and all who contributed to my excellent experience.

 

I had a quick chat with Justin right at the beginning he said that he was pretty sure there were 4500 wristbands given out. Between purchased tickets, volunteers, VIP and brewery reps.

The only thing negative I have to say is that some breweries had lists on top of the tent saying they were pouring x y and z but when you get up there they haven't tapped z just yet. I waited in the T&G line for MD and when I got up there they were only pouring King Sue and the DDH Sue. I ended up getting to try a great beer but would not have waiting in line for it.

I think they should have done is put tape over what they were not pouring. That would have made it easier. I did like the Huna themed Sold out stickers.

 

I'll second this! Top 3 beer for me at the fest two years running. The girl pouring was told to describe it as maple coffee Huna. If CCB could bottle this and/or throw it in barrels for El Cat, I'd be a happy camper.

 

I'd second this notion. I like that breweries held back some sought after beers for later in the day. But, if that's going to be the case, there should be better communication addressing that fact. If you really wanted Fundamental Summation (a guy in our group did) and waited 30 minutes in line, the last thing you want to hear is "we're not tapping this until the first keg runs out," when you get up to the front. Whether its additional signage, or push notifications via social media, it could be handled better. I personally liked how Weldwerks had a sign stating that Coconut Medianoche was being tapped at 1 PM. I knew exactly when to come and get what I was looking for.

All that said, I really liked the improvements this year. I especially loved not having to fight the crowd at the trailer to get unlimited pours of Taste the Rainbow.

 

It was my first time and I really enjoyed the festival. Agree with everyone about communication of beer availability. The longest line I waited in was 3 sons, and by the time I got up there all they had was Boysen the hood. Someone told me the stouts were kicked 45 minutes ago. Really?

Other thoughts, manbearpig lived up to the hype, mazurt vanilla ris was great as was rusty nail. I also really liked BA desperado. Wish I would have tried more berliners. Also, it would be awesome if they could get some NE hops guys. But again, great festival and bottle pick up.

Side note, the cycle tappings the day before looked like a shit show. I watched several break in line. Asked about any bottles available and was told "no." Yet, I saw them bring out several for others. I get it happens, but maybe not do it in people's face when your brewery is packed beyond capacity. Really put a sour taste in my mouth about them. But I digress. Yay Huna day!

 

Hidden gem for me was Three Taverns Brewery's Sherry BA Helm's Deep Imperial Stout with Coconut. If I waited in a 20minute line to get that beer I wouldn't have been disappointed. Thankfully, I waited in a 0 minute line and enjoyed it just as much.

 

Xquic was incredible. Good gawd how much I wish CCBC would do a bottle run of it.

 

Wasn't able to make Huna Day, but was super happy to be able to have a glass of 2017 Huna at Cigar City's tap room. Hopefully, one of these years, I'll be able to share in the festivities. Love reading about y'all's experiences.

 

I think what you saw at Cycle on Friday were people picking up Rarer Scooop bottles whose names were on a list.

 

I must be the odd man out on Xquic. I actually dumped it after a few sips. The maple sweetness was just way too aggressive for me and the bitterness of the coffee wasn't there enough to balance it out IMO

 

It's what makes the craft beer community great. My letdown for the day was manbearpig.

 

Yep. Mine was Bake Kujira. I'm feeling that coconut is wearing out its welcome.

 

Man I was hoping to taste MBP just so I could be let down by it after having Black Magick because that one was absolutely delicious.

 

I was let down by DB Summation. It was good but I thought Bake and several other stouts I had were better.

 

I loved all the Berliners this year. CCB's Skittles was awesome. It tasted like I was eating a mouthful of skittles.

 

Skittles berliner tasted like skittles made me laugh.