Beer Dabbler

I'm under the impression tickets are still available for this. Is that correct?

 

yep: https://tix.extremetix.com/Online/?...32f-33eb-4680-8935-c4436b2e21d2&eventID=46302

 

Aha have been interested in going for a while now but just haven't pulled the trigger. Any reason this one doesn't sell out in minutes? Because it's outside in January?

 

This is a do-not-miss event. These guys work hard all year to make this one of the best festivals year after year. If you don't have tickets you better get them fast.

 

Well I just bought four tickets today. Still not sure why this doesn't sell out but I'm excited!

 

I've heard negative things from past years, but I have to say I'm impressed with the organization I've seen thus far…

• get your wristband at area bars prior to the event for quicker entry? cool!
• shuttles from many bars to the fest? even better!
• the dreaded snowball fight will take place during the last half-hour in a designated area. damn right.
• food trucks, food trucks, food trucks! there will be pasties!
• plus moving from the prev location (downtown st paul farmer's market area) to midway at the state fairgrounds? that sounds like a good space upgrade.

I only wish the barrel-aged goodies from Fulton, etc, were not exclusive to the VIDs (very important dabblers), but that's just me and my cheap-ass self (VID tix = $100). See you BAs there.

 

I just got tickets for beer dabbler. I see the list of breweries, but does anybody know if they release a list of beers that breweries are bringing previous to the event?

 

I wouldn't count on seeing one and don't remember seeing one in the past, even at the event. Given the number of brewers and that many of them are coming from places well beyond Minnesota, I've got to imagine this would be a nightmare to coordinate. Typically some of the breweries just use volunteers to man their tables instead of brewers and/or employees. I'd be willing to be bet there's still a few out there that don't even know what their bringing yet.

Your best bet, if there's a brewery that you're particularly interested in, go to their web page or follow their social media pages like Twitter or Facebook and see what they're saying there.

 

Because they sell a boatload of tickets. I think last year was 7,500 tickets sold. Not sure how true that is but it was a massive event and bloody cold. I only went cause I got in free and otherwise I don't think I would have paid. Although apparently they did things to make lines better last year no clue if that's the case I would have hated prior years. Plus with Winterfest the next weekend my beerfest budget is usually nuked on Winterfest which is nice and warm and inside.

 

It shouldn't be a nightmare, I've been to other fests that are just as big as the dabbler and they pre-release a PDF of their program online. From what I've seen, the Dabbler doesn't do that. I've tried to look at what's been brought in for previous years.

 

Organization and weather aside, how is this event as far as the beer is concerned?

 

Anyone know exactly where on the festgrounds this will be? Completely outside, or in a open ended building(s), etc.? Would make a difference in how to dress.

Looking forward to it. Missed last year, but hit the 2 before that. I like it better than the summer dabbler.

 

How do they not have a program. I'm never able to to this because of work commitments but I wouldn't go to a fest where I didn't know what was being poured and couldn't plan some things out ahead of time. Hopefully it is something on their list to help improve the fest.

 

I think I saw completely outside on the Midway, which probably means wide open.

Weather forecast seems to be improving, at least.

 

I'm starting to see some lists show up online. Indeed will be pouring Rum King, their Hot Box Porter they did with Northbound, and a firkin of Stir Crazy (plus standard fare). I'm super excited about Rum King.

Summit will have their new Frostline Rye, plus the Rebellion Stout.

I wish the Dabbler would have a full list so that I could actually strategize (or just know what couple of breweries I absolutely must hit to try something I've wanted). Right now Indeed is a must hit for Rum King.

 

Over crowded last year, but still had an awesome time. Wouldn't miss this year's.

 

St. Paul Summer Beerfest usually puts out a book with the vendors and the beers they pla to bring. Hoping to see something like this... Otherwise it will be pen and paper and cold fingers!

My first Dabbler. Love Potter's Pasties and all the great brewers on the list!

 

There may be some Bourbon County options at the Dabbler. Someone asked on facebook if, since the Winchfest event is being sponsored by Goose Island at the "Bourbon County Snow Park", there would be some Bourbon County beers available. The response from the Dabbler was with a magic 8 ball picture that said "outlook good".