2017 ABR

In case anyone looks at this before going to the festival, I updated it one last time. There were a couple of changes last night when I grabbed the file again. The biggest change to this version, though, is release times. I didn't notice the column when I created this before. A few beers, such as Black Gold 2015 from Central Waters, have a specific release time, so that's now included.

 

How was the fest? I saw 10K took best beer & brewery. I haven't heard much about them amidst the constant hum about MN-made NE IPAs

 

I would like to hear more about 10K winning best beer and brewery. They must have made some massive strides in the last 6 months since I was last there.

 

Was there actual judging going on, or it this based on the votes of the attendees? If based on voting, I may not mean much wrt their overall improvement.

 

Had to be voting by the attendees. Didn't they win Best Brewery last year, too?

 

It was voting by attendees. They had a giant "Vote For Us" sign on their table. I had one of their beers, it was fine. I did not try the winner.

With all due respect, there is NOOOO way they were the best brewery there. Barrel Theory killed it. Everything at Wild Mind was spectacular. Forager brought 3 Sherpas, and no IPA's... but was still out with an hour to go. (Which probably cost them some votes) And Lupulin had standard and infusions of Hooey and Blissful.

Of course I forgot to vote... like I always do.

 

I did find a huge improvement when visiting 10K this past month from when they started. Definitely a fan now. Still surprised that they'd when a best brewery award.

 

I hope my post didn't come off as a shot at 10K. It was intended as more of a toast to the others I named.

 

10-K surprised me too. I tried one of their beers and it was okay. No way they're best brewery as they only brought a handful of average beers. Never a line. Ballot tampering/stuffing has always been an issue at ABR. There, I said it.

 

DDH Rain Drops was outstanding, definitely my favorite beer. Indeed's Vanilla Espresso Rum King was a close second. Everyone I was with were all very surprised by Wild Mind, their lineup was great!

 

Founders is no longer considered Craft Beer by the Brewers Association (They sold 30% of the Company to the Maho San Miguel group of Spain) which is why they are no longer at ABR (same thing with Goose Island). Not 100% positive the MN guild follows the same guidelines as the BA but that is my understanding.

 

Forager was out of beer at 3:00 when I walked by. I was avoiding the mile long Surly line for Cherry Darkness trying to hit some other breweries with small lines. I was happy I hit Forager earlier but they will need to bring more beer next time.

 

I wonder why Hammerheart wasn't at ABR? Does anyone know?

I know when Hammerheart opened they were not a member of the MN Guild so they weren't allowed to attend MN Guild festivals but they were at the last couple of years.

 

10K winning is very surprising, but I'd be curious to see what the percentage of voter turnout is overall. I'm guessing low. I always forget to vote and I think you also have to do so like an hour before the end. Could you use the app to vote?

Fave beers: Junkyard King Size, Purple Lambo, Sherpa Mexi Vacation, Coco Cocoa BA DSDB

 

Another great ABR in the books, although I overdid it for the first time in years. Doesn't wisdom come with age?

Mexican Sherpa Vacation was fantastic, as was the old standby BA Silhouette. The surprise of the fest for me was the hazelnut/coconut DSDB. I find the base beer dull to the extreme, but these were wonderful. Maybe a new batch? Great Lakes Tripel Dog Dare was also great, & a nice change of pace.

Letdown of the day was Lord Bert's. First taster I had & there was nothing interesting about it.

 

Favorite had to be the Lupulin Firkin - Blissful Orgasm. My god. Second was the coconut cacao DSDB

 

I'm right there with you. I got alot of alcohol heat which is not something I consider a desirable characteristic in a BA stout.

My fav was Sherpa's Breakfast Kit, hit all the notes and had an amazing mouthfeel. The Rum King variant was ridiculous as well.

Other beers that knocked my socks off: Blissful Orgasm, DDH Rain Drops.
Was pleasantly surprised by: Junkyard Pineapple-Shake-O-Matic and Modist False Pattern with Pineapple and Vanilla.

 

But, ABR has never been a Guild exclusive event. Maybe if you are a Minn Brewery, and not a Guild member you get snubbed? Beats me. Kind of begs the question as to why Hammerheart isn't a Guild member though.

 

I think Hammerheart is a MN Guild member now since I believe they have been at WInterfest. I think this year's ABR skip is strange.

 

Sometimes, for a small company, logistics are an obstacle.