Beer Dabbler

Think of it as constructive criticism. No one is chastising the workers. The comments I've read here are valid complaints from attendees, not assumptions. Complaints that I am inclined to agree with after my last Winter Dabbler (the year in Mears where there was an absurd 45min wait to get in and a severe shortage of BiffOs).

From what I've heard, they've dealt with some of these problems and improved the event since, but that doesn't mean that all further complaints are "throwing daggers". While these events are great for people looking to have a good time and try new beers, it does seem like the promoters are trying to cram as many people as possible in, which not surprisingly has some negative impacts relative to other beerfests.

 

Some people like the cold and some do not! I've been to the Dabbler the past four years and I think overall it's improved every year. Mears Park was probably a little crowded and so they moved to the Farmer's Market and this year for I'm sure similar reasons they moved to the fair grounds. It was really cold and I was unprepared even with a pair of long johns and jeans, smart I know! Luckily a buddy had an extra pair of snow pants and I was toasty the rest of the day. I noticed more Porta Potty's this year, more room for the tents to spread out and even inside options for people that couldn't hang in the cold all day and were willing to spend a little more. Looking at the package the VID looked like a damn good deal to me. The majority of the people I came in contact with we're very happy and I didn't see many people that didn't get enough beer.

Winterfest and the Winter Dabbler are totally different festivals and I don't see one as better than the other they are both great for their own reasons. Winterfest tickets are $70 or $75 and they include some food, beers from only MN breweries and yes it's indoors and warm. In years past they have only sold around 700 tickets but I've heard it's upwards of a 1000 tickets this year. One person said it was even 1400. They have moved locations so there will be more room but hopefully it doesn't lose the intimate setting and the lines aren't so long due to the extra tickets sold. I'll find out Friday night, looking forward to it.

The Dabbler ticket prices (aside from the VID) are cheaper and you get to choose from most of the MN breweries as well as breweries from around the country. There were breweries running out early and breweries giving up on frozen lines, none of that to me has anything to do with poor planning on the part of The Dabbler Crew. Breweries in the past have brought propane heaters to keep lines thawed.

I'd say overall it was a lot of fun, I wouldn't complain if it was 30 degrees warmer next year but either way I'll be there. Thanks again to Matt, Joe and the rest of the Dabbler Crew for pulling off another great event. Well done!

 

I think it's time to do the math. The Dabbler brings in about $350,000 (10,000 tickets *$35) and Winterfest $75,000 (1,000 tickets * $75). One festival is outdoors and the other indoors. Both have to rent their spaces. I would think it's more expensive to rent an indoor facility. The Dabbler could rent a large indoor area but choose to be outdoors in MN during January (that's fine but why not put up large heated tents?) Both festivals have their expenses to put on a big festival. Which festival do you think costs more to put on? The Dabbler is put on by a private group trying to make as much profit as possible and Winterfest is put on by the MN Craft Brewers Guild that give towards charity and fighting legislation to help MN brewers. MN brewers bring their A game to Winterfest.

All I am trying to say is that the Dabbler & Winterfest are indeed two very different festivals and are geared towards very different beer drinkers. I much prefer Winterfest but others can prefer the Dabbler. I just think by looking at the math that the Dabbler could be so much better but as long as they sell 10,000 tickets why should they?