GABF 2015 Discussion & Info

Good idea! Here's the Rare Beer Tasting VII thread. Quite a few details on there already. http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/denver-rare-beer-tasting-vii.290747/

Definitely waiting to hear about What the Funk!

 

Random question - was reading a thread from a few years ago that was completely ripping on Falling Rock during GABF (people didn't get their DB Huna) which then devolved into ripping on Falling Rock in general. I didn't want to revive the thread since it was from 2012.

Relatively new to Denver but I have had nothing but great experiences at Falling Rock so far, even at special events like their Sour Fest and Stout Fest this year. Yeah, they get crowded during those tappings, but I've never felt like I got the terrible service that the old thread was mentioning.

What is the general consensus for GABF week from the natives - avoid FR due to all of the tourist traffic or is it worth sneaking in that week for some of the rare offerings?

 

Service has definitely improved. It is worth hitting it up, sometimes the crowd is orderly during GABF, but sure...it can get chaotic

 

I feel like sometimes people just don't "get" Falling Rock and to out-of-towners it can be a little bit of a culture shock. Honestly it's the aspect I love most about the place.

 

Haha, awesome. I figured as much.

Reminds me of the douches in San Francisco who leave negative yelp reviews about Toronado (cash only) because the bar won't take their corporate AmEx when they are trying to impress out of town clients with a "cool local spot" even though they've never been to the bar before...

 

I had a friend of mind recently go to Toronado in San Fran and he did not like it. I had to let him know what Toronado is all about. I thought Falling Rock was fine. I don't need Mr. Rogers behind the bar, just get me my beer!!

 

Been to Falling Rock during GABF and never had a problem. Just have to use a little common sense. If you're standing in line for 15 minutes you better damn sure you know what you want when you get served. Also having a second choice is advised as kegs blow crazy fast during GABF.

 

I always think of the Falling Rock during GABF as being like Munich during Oktoberfest. Your experiences that week (both good and bad) will differ greatly from the other 51 weeks during the year.

 

Been to FR multiple times the last 4 GABFs and have never had a bad time. It can/will get packed for certain events, and will be mellow at other times. The bartenders expect you to know what you want to order, which I appreciate. Maybe I am just used to Toronado, but haven't been disappointed in either...ever

 

Dumb question but is it possible to sell GABF tickets (at face)? I really want to go to What the Funk! on Thursday but who even knows yet whether they're going to hold the event this year (and whether it will be on Thursday). The deadline for GABF tickets is coming up soon and I think I'd rather have tickets to some event rather than no events on Thursday.

Also, why can't we get official word on WTF!?

 

You won't have any problem selling GABF tickets at face. Also heard this weekend that WTF is going to be on Wednesday. Obviously that isn't an official announcement but I've heard that day from several sources now.

 

Really? I heard Friday. . . Just wish they would make an official announcement instead of putting it off.

 

@shaughey - she would know.

Also:
[email protected],
[email protected]

 

So there's been rumors for a while now but it's official, the festival is getting bigger this year:

• They've added Exhibit Hall B, which means 90,000 more square feet
• Attendance has been bumped up from 49,000 to 60,000
• Will have 800+ breweries pouring, as opposed to 700+ last year

 

So who is going to crank the math and tell me what the square footage and # of breweries per ticketed guest is this year compared to last?

Decided to fly in on Wednesday this year just in case the what the funk rumors above have merit

 

I really hope the bump in attendance means they open up a second entrance.

 

And more bathrooms...

 

A few years ago they experimented with having 2 entrances and multiple lines and it actually worked pretty well. They had "VIP" tickets for something like an additional $20 that gave people early access and a different line. It ended up splitting the main line almost in half and everyone benefited. The hardcores got in even earlier and had a quicker path, while the casuals got a shorter main line, too.
Not sure if they scrapped it (I didn't make it last year), but I liked that approach.
Bathrooms have always been a problem, but they're still better than they used to be. Back when GABF was in the smaller hall, everyone (both sexes) had to fight over about 30 porta johns.
Hopefully we'll get some news on WTF soon.