Dark Lord Day 2016

In talking to local brewers here in NWI over the past year or so, I've come to understand that 3 Floyds is much more in tune with helping them out than one might realize. This assistance comes in the form of sharing hops that the smaller brewer may not have access to, knowledge, or whatever.

So, most local brewers were given invites to bring in a keg for DLD. Last year, 18th had stuff on (doh!), Wild Rose brought their Big Sexy IPA, and New Oberpfalz brought Toad Storm (DIPA) I think. I'm sure there were others, but by that point in time my brain had gone in deep sleep mode, simply to preserve my hard drive.

I will say, though, that DLD isn't really a kind venue for a brewer like New Oberpfalz - they make kick ass beers, but most aren't high gravity beers, and are lower ABV brews like Helles, Schwarzbier, etc. So, if you had one of their's after having a barrel aged whateverthehellyoujustsampledbeer, then it will pale in comparison. But, I do highly recommend a visit to New Oberpfalz when your in 'da Region, if your preference includes such styles.

 

This is why they call Indiana, "god's country". Welcome.

 

What's the consensus on walking from the event to a parking lot nearby with an open beer or cup in hand?

 

I live in Highland so I go to all the local spots from time to time. That said, I think NO and Wild Rose are really spotty. I don't like Pokro at all. I really do respect that New Oberpfalz is trying new things but it is a lot of mediocre beer at the moment (the 18th St. collab was very good). I am hoping they round into form with a bit more time as I want the local places to do well.

 

That's how they got the name Trump and Pump.

 

What's your preference in style? The NO collab with 18th was an imperial rye IPA, which to me says that you prefer IPAs or DIPAs, as opposed to the lagers that NO is brewing. Am I wrong? If so, then horses for courses...(not saying that the imperial rye didn't kick ass - it did)

But, mediocre is a (somewhat) harsh evaluation of a beer, if you just don't prefer the style. I tried the schwarzbier at NO, fully expecting to dismiss it, because I'm an admitted hop head. But, its a great brew - dark malts give the flavor as opposed to a hoppy back-end, but once you give the beer a chance your palate will thank you. And, I've come to really appreciate a 5% abv beer that I can enjoy, and not get polluted like I took a swim in the Little Cal.

 

The Munster po-po are generally great during this event. My guess is that if they had to arrest everyone who has an open cup outside of the festival footprint, then they would have to build a bigger jail. Of course, you get as you give, so assuming you're cool with them, they'll be cool with you.

If you've never been, then the sight of the empty whalz bottles that line Superior Ave and Indiana Parkway on the way into the event is a sight to see.

 

I'm pretty sure no one's ever called it that.

 

I have a weird/brave friend that will grab empty mega whales and smell them. They're probably safer at 8am than say, 4pm when there's portapotty lines...

 

whats the entry line like at noon? 30-45 minute wait?

 

I admit that lagered beers are not my favorite. I skipped those, so my reaction is to what I ordered (i.e. styles I like). I had their porter and both russian imperial stouts and the pale and the Toad Storm over three visits. "Mediocre" is an apt description. I think you'd get the same reaction from most of the people on these boards who have traveled in search of great beers or traded quite a bit. Mediocre isn't harsh at all. I am just saying they are only average.

Again, I hope they come into their own. They are absolutely trying new things and they are very nice and the atmosphere is really cool. I want it to be a beer destination. At the moment, I just could not recommend it to someone.

 

I don't think they published last year's map till Wednesday or Thursday. Here's what it looked like last year for those curious. Presuming it'll be fairly similar this year, with the exception of the food available. Also -- no word on hot sauce or other food collaborations this year, unless I've missed something?

 

They had BA Dino S'mores at FOBAB and on tap at Northdown the day before.

 

Where are the god damn glassware photos? I'm already in line.

 

So, you didn't sample the beers that I'm talking about? You didn't have a helles? A schwarzbier? A Rauchbier? Its all good - you don't like those styles, but to call a place "mediocre" because you don't like the style isn't kosher, don't you think?

 

Waitasecond. Do you work there? Are you the owner? Why do you care that I think their beers are simply "okay"? I just listed six different beers in styles I normally drink that were average to sub-par. I say that because it is true.

Are you just trying to be an argumentative jackass? What is your motivation? Why is this discussion taking place in a Dark Lord Day thread?

 

FFF tweeted that there will be hot sauce again this year: https://mobile.twitter.com/3F_DarkLordDay/status/720728703043551237

 

Because you said this?

No, I don't work there, and no, I'm not the owner. I can be argumentative, and I can be a jackass, but I'm being neither in this case. Don't get all butthurt on me, I'm merely suggesting that you don't appreciate the styles that NO does well. Does that chafe you for some reason?

 

No butthurt. No chafe. Just calling out a typical NW Indiana brewery fanboy knowitall who wants to argue in some unrelated thread over a really fair opinion I had. Looks good on you.

Look man, If you want to gush over some mediocre (see? I said it again) local brewery because they make this FANTASTIC Rauchbier, good for you. I can't believe I was baited into this and it is embarrassing to argue about this in a thread where people are coming for information.

 

What always entertains me about super active threads like this is the little bits of stand alone innocence in the middle of pissing matches:

Person A: Beer X is awesome
Person B: Beer X sucks
Person A: No Beer X is awesome
Person B: No Beer X sucks
Person C: How long will the line be at noon?
Person A: No Beer X is awesome
Person B: No Beer X sucks