Firestone Invitational 2016

My b - wasn't fair with my criticism. All SP's other offerings were a fine consolation and their beer lasted late into the day.

Had a swell time overall - otherwise mostly bounced around to low line booths so avoided most of the line cutting bs.

 

The outstanding thing about the FW Invitational are all the friggin' fantastic beer choices. At any other beer festival lines for a great brew like, say, KR Citra would be off the hook all day long.

Too bad it hits 90 plus so consistently in PR. Maybe hold it in Venice next year? ;-D

 

I had a great time by not bothering to wait in any of the super long lines. Just took my time, ate some food and relaxed. Left by 3:30 and drank beers at the Adelaide pool. Also stopped at FW Venice and had lunch on my way back to SD.

 

I had a great time as always food and beer was great
I waited in one long line and so many people cut as we got close to the front people just kept walking up in groups of 5-10 people that why the lines so long
Anyway I was given a sign by one of the breweries. I was super excited about it and when we leave the festival the security guard took it. I told him the brewer gave it to me and he told me to prove it. I had to walk all the way back and look hunt down the brewer. They were already closed up but luckily he walked over to the security guard and told him he gave it to me and it was mine. I got no apology from the security guard. Not even sorry for calling you a thief. I think he saw a cool sign and tried to steal it from me.

Other than that security guard it was a great weekend.
This was my 4th year and always a great time.
Firestone should look into security guards trying to take peoples stuff when they leave the venue.

Thanks and cheers

 

I was in the SP line when GA was let in and I noticed a few GA people walk very close to the front of the line. They were behind me and it didn't seem like the people they actually cut in front of cared. Only line I really waited in was Garage Project and I have to say I was a little letdown by what they had. I know people were gong crazy over Cherry Bomb but that line was not worth it in my opinion.

Another great festival overall. I had a ton of those donuts and tacos al pastor.

 

Big thanks to everyone at the Adelaide Pool Friday and Saturday night. I enjoyed the shares both nights.

 

I only made it to the saturday one but that was fun. Yes, many thanks to those that shared their beers.

 

Security guards are hired because you wouldn't believe the crap people try to steal. Security is instructed to question everyone if leaving with FWIBF property, no matter what, so realistically, that guy was doing an excellent job considering he was surrounded by a couple thousand intoxicated people

Either way, sounds like y'all enjoyed the fest. Thanks for coming!

 

We have our first 2017 meeting next week. We're always conscious of weather but severely challenging to move date based upon other events/obligations.

 

I agree they brought it super hard. I only waited in the line once and was able to taste several of their amazing beers by sharing with my friends. While at the front we asked and were told that Derivation was going to be opened last once everything else had kicked. We came back an hour or two later and were told it was actually opened sooner and we missed it. Not a big deal, I think they deserved the people choice as they put forward a massive effort in to bring enough highly sought after beer to make people happy. I think it is awesome that they take this approach compared to other popular breweries like jester king who seem to phone it in during festivals and beer week events.

I had an amazing time and can't wait to go next year! The heat wasn't as bad as I thought it would be but earlier in the year would be preferred if possible.

 

I was grilling and serving sausages al day at McGees. Second year in a row. Had a great time. Everyone was so polite, great conversations, the Brewers were all fantastic and personable.... One of my favorite days of the year. Thanks to Firestone for having us out.

 

I had a good time at the festival this year as well. The lines moved well, the food was good (I wish the Gelato would have lasted longer than 1.5 hours), and the people were nice. All in all, this was a great experience.

My only complaint was that FW bid the shuttles out at two for the North side and only one for the South side (Courtyard and FW) of town. We probably waited over 30 minutes each way while the other two shuttles were leaving half empty or completely empty.

 

Folks tend to like more frequent service over occasional service by a larger vehicle, like the airlines have figured out. If you get a message inviting feedback, bring it up.

I'm just glad I emptied my bladder before lining up.

 

Those were some tasty sausages...