Had a great time last year, and would love to go again this year, but I'm not sure I can do both the De Gaarde anniversary party and fred fest that weekend. That might just be too much of a good thing.
I've been to all of them so far, but at this point I'm leaning towards not attending for this very reason.
Sounds like you guys aren't taking your beer drinking seriously that weekend. NO reason not to attend both. Don't be quitters
No bottle release(s), just lots of special kegs to celebrate the birthday of Fred Eckhardt + food. See details on HotD's FredFest page: http://www.fredfestpdx.com/ In past years it was always a single session, 2-6pm (except the year HotD's taproom wasn't quite ready...so FF was held on a Monday evening ). This year it's two separate sessions - $60 all-inclusive ticket price per 4 hour session.
There have been silent auctions and/or raffles of donated bottles every year, but as best I can recall HOTD has never released anything that day. It's supposed to be a birthday party for Fred, so I suspect they don't want to steal his limelight by releasing bottles.
It sounds like a great event, but you can add my name to the list of people prioritizing the de Garde party over Fred Fest 2014.
Just bought my ticket for FredFest. Can't think of a better way to spend my birthday. May the forth be with us <yoda>
Went last year. Loved it. Would happily go again. Probably my favorite beer festival experience to date.
I am unclear on exactly how the tasting works. Is it like the anniversary, small amount of tickets included with admission and additional tickets available for purchase? Unlimited tastings? Punch card? $5 pints?
@hairofthedog: We will be releasing a new Beer at FredFest this year, Beer Week is a strong pale lager (9%abv) Made with Organic Pilsner and Amarillo Hops
Not something I'm super interested in but I'm hoping it's good. Hope bottle release info will be coming soon!
