Figured I would ask how it was today since I was unable to attend. Any standouts? Who won the Golden Firkin? Cheers!
Looks like Lift Bridge won the Golden Firkin for their Coconut infused Irish Coffee Stout. (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...84.73115.1178513431.1141854024&type=1&theater)
Was a great time. Stand outs for me were the Bourbon barrel autumnal fire from capital and the new Belgium firkin of la folie with 1554 blend. Was a great time.
I wasn't there last year, but from the reports I heard about last year, this year was much better. Never had to wait more than a minute or two in line, and although the tent was pretty full, it wasn't too hard to maneuver around and/or find a place to stand. The Capital Bourbon Barrel Autumnal Fire was awesome, as was the Lift Bridge Coconut Irish Coffee Stout. The Tallgrass offerings were also very good, I believe it was Halcyon with peach whiskey-soaked oak cubes and Buffalo Sweat with coconut and cacao nibs? All around a great day!
I thought 21st Amendment's Triple Crisis was incredible. I also loved Deschutes' Pomegranate infused Mirror Pond, Flat Earth's Cheesecake w/ S'mores, Fulton's Oak Aged War and Peace, Lake Superior's Big Ole Brown, Surly's Abrasive tea-bagged w/ a ton of stuff - so many tasty beers!
My tears haven't dried yet from not attending. However the 4pk of Double Trouble last night helped the pain a bit.
Very good time. Did seem less crowded than last year, which was nice. Stand outs for me were: Fulton Golden Firkin Oaked War & Peace - War & Peace is one of my favorites. So this just made it a little better. Surly Abrasive tea-bagged w/ simcoe, amarillo, cascade, heavy oak - Again, a favorite made even better. Lift Bridge Irish Coffee Stout with toasted coconut - Very smooth, with a wonderful smell of the coconut. Odell "Danny Mac" IPA with Orange - My notes say "like a pina coloda, but in a good way." lol Did anyone try "Harvest Ale 10"? And I may have the name wrong, it was in the back at the end of tables. I think Ola Dubh was next to it. I didn't see in the program, and I have to say it was just far too funky of beer for me. I was wondering if anyone knew more exactly what it was.
Beautiful weather and less people made this event. Lift Bridge Irish Coffee Stout w/ coconut was a mind blow. Futhermore's Fatty Boomballatty on Bazooka Joe bubblegum was fun. Tallgrass Buffalo Sweat on Cocoa nibs? was good from what I remember. New Belgium La Folie/1554 blend was interesting to say the least. That Old Dubh firkin was a strong SOB but glad I tried it. Owners from Lake Superior were a good chat with a nice RIS firkin. Also the Black IPA from Boulder was intersting..think I heard it was one of two firkins made of that style.
That was the J. Lees Vintage Harvest Ale (and it is in the program. It was the 2010. I found it interesting to try that, I've had some of the other years. I thought it was really tasty.
First Firkin Fest for me, and had a great time. Too bad it was a covered tent, given the phenomenal weather, but I can't imagine they can plan for 70 and sunny in March... Standouts for me: Lift Bridge Irish Coffee Stout w/coconut (fantastic!) Lift Bridge Milk Stout w/coffee, nibs, vanilla Capitol Bourbon Barrel Autumnal Fire Fulton Oaked War & Peace Honorable mention for creativity: Furthermore Bazooka'd Fatty Boombalatty - amazing how they captured the Bazooka Joe aroma/flavor Flat Earth Cherry Cheesecake w/Smores - aroma was amazing! Taste didn't quite live up, but points for fun/creativity New Belguim Shadow of the Foeder - interesting Blend of vastly different beers, and I learned a cool new word
