Armsby Abbey Stoutfest 2014

I'll be going on Sunday. Hopefully stick around for a while.

This as well, haha.

 

Just posted this on the Armsby Facebook page but for those going for the Founders Breakfast for the first time or Stout Fest in general, here are some pro tips:

Water: drink tons of it. You will be going to the bathroom every 15 minutes but keep drinking lots and lots of water.

At some point you should probably eat again. I know that sounds crazy after all that breakfast but you should have 2nd lunch. I am going to see if Damian can make me a smoked bone marrow flatbread. You know stick the bone marrow right on top of the flatbread and maybe add some gnocchi and steak for extra Vitamin Fat.

Also you will want to get a palate cleanser at some point, a gueuze would suffice. And don't feel like you have to get a full pour of everything, flights come in handy. I usually get one after the breakfast.

Also my wife does not like stouts that much so she is going to drop me off and pick me up. If you can get like your wife, girlfriend or mom to do that instead, it would help. And then take them back to brunch the next day because hey, why not get another KBS......and smoked bone marrow flatbread.

 

My wife and I are planning on going this weekend, it will be our first trip to Stoutfest. We still haven't decided whether we want to go on Saturday or Sunday. A few questions for anyone who can help...

Approximately how long of a wait should we expect to get in the door on Saturday? Is it typically much busier on Saturday than Sunday? Is the tap list usually better on Saturday than Sunday or mostly the same?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Saturday is pretty insane. 2 years ago we were there by 10-10:15 and were 3rd in line. We got right in but still had to wait nearly 2+ hours to get a seat because we were a party of 4. (many parties of 2 got seated ahead of us) Those lucky enough to be at the breakfast will keep their seats as long as they can stand (or their wives allow) to enjoy the other stouts tapped at noon. Many, like Jomobono suggested, will get a second meal around 3. The KBS will probably kick by 3ish but there will be at least another keg saved for Sunday. Going Saturday will give you the best chance to get some of the more limited offerings. You will likely wait....and wait...but it will be an awesome atmosphere inside. Going early Sunday might be the saner option. Either way, it's Stoutfest at the Abbey. Hard to imagine a bad time could even be possible.

 

Don't forget they expanded since last Stout Fest so maybe you will be seated faster.

 

So just show up around 1230 and you'll be fine.

 

Last year, the line for stoutfest was forming by 10-10:30 and was pretty long by noon (at least to the hardware store). If I remember correctly, the KBS kicked pretty quick on that Saturday (within the first hour or so after the breakfast) but they tapped another one on Sunday.

 

I'll go a day later and get the remainders, like I did for Zwanzee day.

 

I got KBS on Sunday morning with brunch last year.

My sister and I went on Sunday, got in line about 9:50, got the last two seats at the bar for brunch and had some awesome beers. I wont make it this year, but if I did go, Id do the exact same thing, just show up at like 9:40 instead.

 

Last year KBS was still available on SUnday at 3:30 when I showed up. The nice gentlemen at the table next to mine ordered it.

 

If I go at night on Saturday should the rush be done and easy to get in? Looking to try a few stouts after work.

 

I went to CRUST, their new bakeshop next door on Sunday - highly rec'd! I'm not going to Stoutfest but I'd go back to CRUST and buy a bunch of awesome muffins and scones snacks on the way home if I was.

 

Shhhhhhh don't tell anyone about CRUST.

 

Have multiple KBS. No one panic. Other stouts going on tap should make you forget all about KBS in my opinion but whatever. I'll tap KBS both Saturday and Sunday

 

Crust will be open at 7am on sat and sun

 

Getting excited.....

Anyone coming down from VT with Lawsons looking for a IP trade on Saturday? I will be going to the breakfast & staying as long as possible for the stoutfest... would love to get some of the latest batch of DS or Spring Fever. Have Pliny to offer up and other goodies.... BM me.

 

Crust will be ready for everyones coffee and breakfast pastry needs in the morning. So if you're waiting in line for stoutfest and need sustenance head on over. We'll also have our amazing naturally leavened IPA bread made with Trillium Sleeper Street.

 

as was expected, the Founders Breakfast and Stoutfest were FANTASTIC! KBS, CBS, Parabola, and on and on were super delicious. The extra space in the room has relieved all the insanity of previous years. Tables started turning and there were very few people still standing around for tables by the time we left at 3:30 or so. All the breakfast courses were divine. The Poutine "dessert" we ordered around 1 or so was the envy of our table and they ordered a bowl as well. To Alex & Sherri, all the staff of the Abbey, Highest Praise to you all! Can't wait to see what you come up with for next year.

 

A great event again! Hill farmstead Birth of Tragedy, Blackberry Albert, and the pastrami hash were my stars of the day. Not too bad of wait today at all either, similar to last year. Excellent overall.

 

It was awesome that a) they had a keg of Damon (how many of those are around?) and b) that it did not kick in ten minutes. Or two hours.