First time beer fest goer

So true.

 

Bring a small shiv, and treat this like black Friday. If somebody has something you want, take it. Get a drunk as you can as fast as you can then become a party bro and start harassing people. Drink no water and hang out in direct sunlight as often as you can.

Of course I'm kidding, but you will see these people there. So my advice is stay away from these types.

 

I missed it but my buddy went to one in a convention center where people (millenials) were getting totally wasted and passing out around the edge of the room...

 

Hence my watch where you puke comment. (Not realizing it's indoors, haha) Seen enough hammered people at events not focused on drinking. I can't imagine the amount unseasoned drinkers spewing/passing out at a beer fest, haven't been to one myself to see.

Btw, octoberfest in munich has a hill area specifically for people who "had too much". Those people prepare for a party!

 

Don't be that guy who:

1. Keeps chatting the brewer with the line 15 deep behind you. Move on, come back.
2. The one on the floor I have to step over at 120 mins in.
3. Prehyrated with DIPAs--bad idea--see #2.
4. Pretzel necklace.

DO be the guy who:

1. Politely and discreetly pours it out after you walk away when it is not your thing.
2. Genuinely there to enjoy beer and not just to get hammered.
3. Tries things not on the radar of everyone else--sometimes these are the BEST finds.
4. HAS FUN.

 

My wife and my buddy's wife don't drink beer, so they go shopping while he and I and a female friend do the fest. Then when they pick us up we all go out to supper somewhere, and I hear it's alternately entertaining and embarrassing for the wives. Good way to sober up slightly, though still don't drive home.

 

Never been to a beer fest, but it's obvious you should eat something fairly substantial and drink water. Also moderation is always the key, if you down beers at will none of the above matters anyway. Don't drive, my rule has always been no driving after more than 2 regular beers. Beer Fests mimic beer tastings I've been to, smaller samples, many many beers, same thing. If it's hot outside it doesn't help a bit.

 

FTFY

 

Stay away from the high abv stuff, especially if you plan to sample a lot and be there a while. Eat plenty of food and drink water. Enjoy!

 

Here is the best advice I can give: enjoy yourself. Don't create stress by setting up goals that you may not be able to hit. If there is something you really want to try and that brewery has a long line, get a beer from a brewery with no line before hoping on the long line. If you miss out on something - no big deal.
Also, forget about logging beers on Untapped. Live in the moment.

 

Go slow. Take breaks. Drink lots of water and eat lots of food from the food trucks. Leave when you’ve had enough; don’t feel like you have to stay the whole time just to get your money’s worth.

 

I’ve been to Fests where Distributors will use volunteers to staff booths for some brands. So if a pourer doesn’t have answers to your brewer type questions, don’t be put off. But do be polite.
If you do find a beer that deems worthy of a larger pour, a smile and a heart felt thank you will work wonders for each attempt rather than stick your glass in their face and grunt.
I can’t stress this enough; you will be overwhelmed at first. Your eyes will dart from booth to booth, your heart will be racing. It’s the kid in a candy store syndrome. It’ a wonderful feeling.
Get your first beer or two and than scope out the room.
Have a fun and be safe.
Usually a few stories are generated from Fests. Keep us posted.

 

Don't be surprised by anything. I remember a fest that was indoors and they were grilling inside. Wanted to take up smoking so my lungs would improve

 

Everyone is saying "2oz adds up" but really: every 6 samples is a FULL BEER. You'll be able to put down 6 samples in 10 minutes probably- would you normally drink 6 beers an hour for 4 hours? If you feel like you've tried a bunch and have a bunch you want to try left to go.... stop for like 15 minutes, let your body process a little bit.

 

Good point, I didn't even think about the math. If the lines are quick for most brewers, it would be like playing power hour (a drinking game) with craft beer. Best eat your wheaties before that endeavor. Hopefully they have proper food vendors so he can take a break and sop up some of that beer with a sandwich or something.

 

I always thought it was silly and told myself I'd never do it, but pretzel necklaces really help if you need something to put in your stomach. I've seen people who are pretty creative with string cheese and beef sticks woven into them. Not sure about the venues stance on bringing in food, but I've always been able to bring in a bag of chips or peanut butter pretzels.

 

Brewfests are basically power hours . . . at least here. The last one I went to was in February and a lot of the beers were big. Took some time just hanging around not drinking beer, but drinking water. It goes a long way.