Just wondering if anybody's been to previous incarnations of this: http://www.barringtonbrewfest.com/index.html The brewer list is nothing too special, but the ability to train it there and back is attractive. Any previous attendees know if any brewers served one offs and more obscure brews, or was it just the regular lineup? Hard to justify the $40/ticket for brews I can get at the store. Any info appreciated. Cheers.
Def interested as well to hear about this. As said 40 a head is kinda pricey, taking note no food or food samples are included.
I went two years ago. It's a fun time, but I wasn't all that impressed with the beer selection. You wont really find anything that you havent tried before. It's usually pretty hot too and the one tent they have gets overcrowded. It might be worth going if you've never been, but for $40 I have been to fests that blow this one out of the water. Not trying to sound like a downer or anything, just being honest.
That's what I was looking for--honest opinions. Another red flag: someone on their FB page said it was disappointing that some of the advertised brewers (3 Floyds he mentioned by name) didn't show last year. Buyer beware, I guess. Thanks!
I went last year. First of all it was a fun time and I met a bunch of cool people. The beer selection was average. I was able to try some limited brews from the Lucky Monk, but other than that nothing that wasn't available at the store. It was hot and crowded and I had a great time. The price is a bit high considering the lack of limited beers being offered, so keep that in mind. I do plan on going again but I know what to expect.
I've been the previous few years. It's a great time. its more of a craft beer tasting than a craft beer festival. Its mostly the non-specalty beers from small local breweries. The price seems to go up every year. If you have a group of new-to-craft beer friends, its a great way to get them in to it. If you are hardcore and are looking for pours of whales, you'll probably be disappointed. Though, sometimes, you'll get something cool, like when Sam brought 2 unreleased and unnamed beers.
40$, no chance, buy a kiddie pool and sprinkler from target for 20$, buy artic panzer wolf and dreadnaught from fischmans for 20$ and relax in your front yard
