2014 Bistro

Had Compulsory at the brewpub tonight. Tasty but a touch too much booze.

 

There were a lot of pissed off people when that Younger keg kicked.

 

I worked the second shift of volunteers there, so I missed it kicking...I heard less than 30 minutes. They usually have a backup, but not this year. So many other great beers there besides Younger.

 

The outside line was moved inside the tented area about 30 minutes before the pouring began. Once in the tented area, the line stretched all the way to the bathrooms....which was a long City block. Never remembered it being close to that many people lined up but such is the way of the Beer world these days and going forward. Happy for Vic and Cynthia though.

Was the fourth in line and was able to get one pour of Pliny before it kicked (incredibly fast). Tastes much better this year than last year. Boneyard brews were solid as usual as was Societe "The Roustabout".

Oh yeah....many broken glasses throughout the day but the worst was someone broke one in the inside bathroom and didn't clean it up. Classy.

 

A couple observations-
1)Ive been attending this event for a number of years now and its getting busier and busier every year. Five years ago you could walk right in at 11 and get any beer you wanted. Saturday I showed up at 11:15 and was deep in the line. That said the women working the pay line were working their asses off and had that line move fairly quick. Hats off to them for an amazing job.

2)Its was the worst kept secret that The Bistro gets multiple kegs of Younger. Last year if memory serves correct they had four kegs just for the DIPA fest and a couple for the rest of the week. Word has gotten out that you dont need to drive all the way to Santa Rosa for your Younger fix. I got a glass this year right before the keg kicked and watched other people get visibally pissed off they didnt get any. I think people are showing up to the DIPA fest just to drink Younger and only Younger. Sucks for them, they are missing out on beers even better than Younger.

3) The 'bro' factor. Ive been noticing more and more 'bros' showing up at the DIPA fest. I guess thats what comes with craft beers popularity boom.

I still had an awesome time, but Im starting to wonder if they shouldnt have a separate triple IPA fest. Talk about palate fatigue, I went from Younger to Beachwood Hops of Fury.

 

I definitely agree! Its these bros that are the same ones who made Elder/Younger/Events-in-General what they are unfortunately. Dang bros!

EDIT: and everything is getting way too insane because of them. I guess in their search for blue moon/coors light they want this beer called "Plin-nay"

 

This was my first time. The lineup was great. Perfect time to try a ton of new breweries and some sought after beers. Didn't get any Younger which I was a bit disappointed with, but whatever. I'm going to keep an eye out this week and see.

Lots of bros showed up later in the day. Also a ton of drunk locals. One woman almost fell on the BART tracks on my way home.

The Boneyard triple was the most balanced beer of the day. Faction Hop Soup was by far my fav.

 

Thats what I heard a lot of people saying...You can get it up here in Portland, so I stayed away from it all day due to the crazy amount of taps over there. That was the best selection at a festival I have ever seen. Super impressive part of the country to drink in.

 

The point I made on number 2 reflects this. If you missed Younger, dont be mad, try the other beers. I thought Triple Rocks 'Nod N Smile' was fantastic but for the Younger chasers that beer could be easily overlooked.

 

Yeah...Part of me is pumped that I did it once. I love the experience of drinking the beer almost as much as the beer itself sometimes. Russian River was awesome for a couple days, but there is no chance that I will ever wait in that line ever again. Part of me wishes I would have just showed up to Bistro at 11am and went straight for Younger, but I wasnt up early enough that morning after draining six or so the night before. Awesome trip.

 

Another kickass event at the Bistro... enjoyed a ton of great beers, lots of good times with beer/brewer friends and the rain couldn't keep the world class dipas/tipas from flowing.... well done Vic & The Bistro!

 

I'll be up your way for Fire v Timbers in March. Can't wait to check out the beer scene on our visit.

 

Don't forget Cynthia. She's just as big and was busting her ass as well. AND....always friendly as usual.

 

Lots of great places to drink around here...Not to mention how cool Timbers games are. Let me know if you need suggestions.

 

Their whole staff is great. Every event I have ever been to there the staff is outstanding especially in that chaos!

 

Cellarmaker original danksta was off the chains good

 

Agreed. The next day I went to CM and had it again.

 

Congrats to my local brewery out here in Lancaster. Kinetic nailed it with afterburner, glad I got to drink this on the regular!