Great Taste Eve

Discussion in 'Great Lakes' started by Chrixsus, May 14, 2013.

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  1. Chrixsus

    Chrixsus Initiate (0) Dec 13, 2011 Illinois

    What were the best brewery/bar events on Great Taste Eve last year in Madison? Which ones sucked ass?

    (Looking for opinions on how smoothly run the event was, the variety/quantity of brews brought by the brewer, entertainment value, all-around-good-ass-time value, etc.)
     
    #1 Chrixsus, May 14, 2013
  2. jverdo1

    jverdo1 Initiate (0) Apr 5, 2012 Illinois
    Trader

    The 'What Great Taste Eve Parties' should I attend thread has started... sorry, I couldn't help myself.

    The reason why I make fun of these threads from time to time is because no one can really answer this question for you. It all depends on which breweries and style of beer you enjoy or want to sample. There will be parties all over Madison and all of them will be published a week or two before August 9th. So your best bet will be to review the events and make the decision for yourself. The one piece of advise that I can give - don't book special releases back to back at different bars. You will either end up missing the special release or not having time to enjoy the beer. You will need to show-up early for most special releases and the events will typically be very busy!

    Here are the three events that I already know about...

    Toppling Goliath - Dexter's Pub - Starts at 11 AM or Noon
    Bells - Maduro Cigar Bar - Starts at Noon
    Founder's - Glass Nickel (Atwater Location) - Time ? (Typically after 5 PM)

    And here is an example of different opinions...

    Two years ago Argus had Vanilla Bean Dark Lord - the entire event was a cluster but we had a table and ended up with two pours each. The event was almost as bad as it can get but we know the bar staff and didn't have to deal with the bar being twice it's acceptable capacity. If you stood in that bar and didn't get beer, which half the people didn't, it really sucked! They also forced people to purchase the other special releases before selling VB-Dark Lord - which really made a lot of people upset. We had a great time because we sat on the patio and enjoyed Bells special releases from another bar until our beer showed up. If I had to deal with the crowd - I would have a completely different opinion on the event.

    I'm actually from Madison and have attend for years, if you need any other advise - just let me know...
     
    #2 jverdo1, May 15, 2013
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  3. Chrixsus

    Chrixsus Initiate (0) Dec 13, 2011 Illinois

    I know that individual taste accounts for much of the decision as to which Great Taste Eve gala to attend...that's why I wrote this in the OP: "(Looking for opinions on how smoothly run the event was, the variety/quantity of brews brought by the brewer, entertainment value, all-around-good-ass-time value, etc.)"

    Good info, though...especially 'cause I won't know any of the bartenders. Based on this, I'm considering altering my Fri. timeline to arrive in Madison earlier in the day so as to maximize my enjoyment and get a good buzz on before the cluster commences that evening.

    Both The Isthmus and the Madison Beer Review list a majority of the brewery/bar events for Great Taste Eve about a week prior to Great Taste weekend.
     
    #3 Chrixsus, May 15, 2013
  4. crossovert

    crossovert Initiate (0) Mar 29, 2009 Illinois

    Revolution at the German place was the best out of 4 events I went to last year. Giant ass pours for 2$. If you wanted more of a shitshow there was the central waters/shorts event.
     
    #4 crossovert, May 15, 2013
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  5. jegross2

    jegross2 Initiate (0) Jan 3, 2010 Illinois

    Dont forget Brickhouse (Was a bit of a shit show, but 1414 and exodus rule) and the Mason (Blind Pig's Mysterious Brew was a BCBCS killer)

    I'd recommend based on past years doing:
    -Maduros first
    -Glass nickel next
    -A mix of Mason/Brickhouse next if the tappings are right for timing
    -Head off to Dexters and Malthouse
     
    #5 jegross2, May 15, 2013
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  6. Gotti311

    Gotti311 Initiate (0) Mar 22, 2009 Wisconsin
    Trader

    I made it to Maduros for the Bells event, unfortunately I was a little late and missed out on BlackNote, but that event was run very well.

    The star of the night was Madisons, which had Goose Island. They gave you 2 bottle caps when you walked in that could be redeemed for FREE BEER. I had a BCBS in one hand and a Juliet in the other, which cost me a few bucks in tips. One of the greatest beer drinking experiences in my entire life.

    Stopped at Tipsy Cow for Oskar Blues, which wasnt busy at all. Got a taste of BA 10 Fidy, which was ok.
     
    #6 Gotti311, May 15, 2013
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  7. jverdo1

    jverdo1 Initiate (0) Apr 5, 2012 Illinois
    Trader

    I was at that cluster last year... We did get every tap we wanted but how many people will you allow to be in a small section of the bar? Brickhouse has always used the third story n it's just to small. The patio is nice but not when you are thinking about throwing people off the roof!
     
    #7 jverdo1, May 15, 2013
  8. iceatalamo

    iceatalamo Initiate (0) Dec 13, 2011 Michigan

    All this just makes me really hope I get tickets this year! Thanks for the helpful suggestions, even if it is months away.
     
    #8 iceatalamo, May 15, 2013
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  9. Chrixsus

    Chrixsus Initiate (0) Dec 13, 2011 Illinois

    If you really want tickets, then you will most certainly get tickets. Saw quite a few people selling on here in the weeks leading up to the fest. Also, I saw at least 6-8 people selling tickets for face value outside the entrance on the day of the fest...which is where I purchased mine last year. And now there is a Great Taste FB page, which I'm sure will be a great outlet for both sellers and buyers.
     
    #9 Chrixsus, May 15, 2013
  10. Chrixsus

    Chrixsus Initiate (0) Dec 13, 2011 Illinois

    The 30-day countdown has begun! 26 days remain! 25 for Great Taste Eve. Who is heading up to Madison for the Fri. night festivities?
     
    #10 Chrixsus, Jul 15, 2013
  11. bonemuse07

    bonemuse07 Initiate (0) Apr 15, 2007 Illinois

    I hit a LOT of places last year, but the highlights were:

    Maduro's early for Black Note

    Madison's-- didn't get the free tokens, but I did get some BCBS and got to harass Laffler (sic)

    Walked around a bit after Madison's, to Tipsy Cow, and whoever had the Lake Louie stuff sitting outside.

    Brickhouse- We spent the majority of our time there, but mostly on the first and second floor. We sat at the bar on the first floor and had a ridiculous flight of CW BBBW, PM, BBS, and La Petite Mort. It was like $10 for 5-4oz. pours.

    I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong with where ever you land. You'll find something new and delicious. Take it easy and pace yourself.
     
    #11 bonemuse07, Jul 15, 2013
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  12. dirtylou

    dirtylou Grand Pooh-Bah (3,352) May 12, 2005 Oklahoma
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Pretty sure I have gone to Maduro the last 7 years - some years have been absolutely epic (not recently) and others have been pretty boring (more recently). It just feels like a ritual at this point.

    As I haven't been living in the area in a few years, my exposure to Toppling Goliath is minimal. Dexter's isn't my favorite place in the world, but that event will be high up on the list for sure.
     
    #12 dirtylou, Jul 16, 2013
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  13. Chicago

    Chicago Initiate (0) Mar 12, 2013 Illinois

    If I can only to to one event, which one? I wanna make sure I'm far ahead enough in line at New Glarus for R&D Sour.
     
    #13 Chicago, Jul 16, 2013
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  14. Gotti311

    Gotti311 Initiate (0) Mar 22, 2009 Wisconsin
    Trader

    Are you in town for the event this year?
     
    #14 Gotti311, Jul 16, 2013
  15. dirtylou

    dirtylou Grand Pooh-Bah (3,352) May 12, 2005 Oklahoma
    Pooh-Bah Trader


    Thursday - Sunday!
     
    #15 dirtylou, Jul 16, 2013
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  16. Chrixsus

    Chrixsus Initiate (0) Dec 13, 2011 Illinois

    The Madison Homebrewers & Tasters Guild have created a new, more powerful Great Taste homepage (http://greattaste.org)! They have also begun listing the bar/brewery pairings for Great Taste Eve, as well as for days earlier in the week for the diehards.

    Here is the current listing of Great Taste Eve (Fri., Aug. 9th) events...with more being added all the time:

    Great Taste Eve!

    Essen Haus – Come Back Inn – Up North Pub
    The Essen Haus, Come Back Inn, and Up North Pub are combining to have one amazing Great Taste Eve party. Tyranena Brewery will be with us with 8 of their best, and we are going to have beer battered fish fry with their Rocky’s Revenge bourbon brown ale (believe it or not, it’s even better than it sounds). Outdoor and indoor seating, live music, great food, and boots upon boots of your favorite beer await you! Festivities start at 5pm.
    The Brass Ring
    3 Sheeps (details to come)
    The Coopers Tavern
    Lagunitas – 5 Lagunitas beers on tap paired with Carr Valley Cheese – 5pm
    Glass Nickel
    Founders – plenty of Founders rarities and surprises on tap – 7pm
    Merchant
    Founders Happy Hour – all 5 taps – 2pm-6pm
    Tipsy Cow
    New Holland / Dark Horse Brewing / Boulder Beer Co – time/details TBA
    Eddie’s Ale House
    Sand Creek (details to come)
    Dexter’s Pub
    Join Toppling Goliath for a Great Taste Takeover at Dexter’s Pub in Madison… Firkin on hand, and the Hop Patrol will bring some treats for you!
    Brickhouse BBQ
    Brickhouse will once again be hosting our annual Great Taste Pre-Party and will feature beers from Central Waters and Shorts. The festivities are set to begin at 5pm and will continue on long into the night. You can expect to see several limited-release and reserve taps that will be available starting at different times throughout the evening. Last year we poured Central Waters Exodus, Barrel-Aged Slainte, Fourteen Fourteen, and numerous vintages of other barrel-aged beers alongside of Central Waters’ complete lineup of beers. Shorts will also be back again this year and will again bringing a wide selection of their unique and inspiring creations. We hope to see many of you back again this year to celebrate two of the Midwest’s finest breweries!
    Brasserie V
    Pre-Great Taste Party – European Beer Fest
    Come join us Friday, August 9th, for our Great Taste Pre-Party with some very special beer tappings. Since we are a European beer bar, we have decided to focus this year on what we do best and have procured some pretty cool and rare kegs for the evening. A few of the beers to be tapped are:
    Ægir Lynchburg Natt from Norway – an Imperial Porter aged in Jack Daniels Barrels
    Klokke Roeland – the house beer at the great bar Het Waterhuis in Ghent, Belgium
    Abbaye de Saint Bon Chien – A great sour from Switzerland
    Check back for additional kegs as we are expecting a couple big shipments the beginning of next week.
    Blue Moon Bar & Grill
    It is O’So time again at the Blue Moon, and they are pulling out all the stops. Come on in and sample some of the super secret brews Brew-master James “The Wedding Planner” Vokoun has pulled out of storage to celebrate the Taste! We don’t want to spoil the whole surprise, but you will see a Rye Barrel Aged Imperial Scotch Ale, and a sour Night Train Variant. And of course its a Friday, so enjoy some Ya-Da- Sun Weizen battered Fish Fry!
    The Rigby
    Great Lakes Brewing Co. and Lakefront Brewery are joining forces again with a joint tap takeover at the Rigby on Friday. Events will begin at 1 pm and continue until we just can’t!
    Some notable beers from Lakefront include:
    Rendezvous Ale, 25th Anniversary Belgian-Style Apricot Ale, My Turn Series: Chris (Maple Vanilla Doppelbock).
    From GLBC:
    Class of ’88 Imperial Smoked Porter (Deschutes Collaboration), Silver & Gold India Pale Lager, Aloha Ale (Pub Exclusive)
    The Malt House
    Titletown Brewing, with Brewmaster David Oldenburg
    Loose Caboose Belgian IPA, Berliner Weisse (with syrups), Polaris Pale Ale (100% polaris hops – brand new variety), Pullman Porter, Green 19
    Beers will be on tap right when we open. Brewmaster appearance time TBD.
     
    #16 Chrixsus, Jul 30, 2013
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  17. Chrixsus

    Chrixsus Initiate (0) Dec 13, 2011 Illinois

    Thanks to BA misterid from WI for providing this info...:slight_smile:

    Brickhouse is also where TheBeerSpot.com (TBS) holds their Great Taste Eve gathering.

    Short's @ Brickhouse
    • Huma Lupa Licious - Short’s best selling India Pale Ale
    • Soft Parade - High Gravity Ale fermented with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries.
    • Nicie Spicie - American Wheat Ale with orange zest, lemon zest, coriander and peppercorns.
    • Dans Pink Skirt - American IPA with 159 IBUs provided by Summit hops.
    • Cerveza De Julie - Mexican Style Lager with Lime.
    • Strawberry Shorts Cake - Golden Ale brewed with fresh strawberries, milk, sugar and biscuit malts.
    • Kiwi Destroy Mission - An experimental kiwi Saison with a funky bubblegum Belgian yeast aroma.
    • Spruce Pilsner - Imperial Pilsner brewed with Northern Michigan Spring Blue Spruce Tips.
    • Beard of Zeus - India Style Pale Lager brewed with bitter orange rind and Zeus hops.
    • Prolonged Enjoyment - Session India Pale Ale
    • Mmmkay - American India Style Pale Lager
    • Lil Wheezy - Heavily Hopped Amber Lager
    • Hazy Daze - A medium bodied, rauchbeir lager with smokey campfire aromas and a lively, tingly mouthfeel.
    • Carob Stout - Imperial Stout brewed with carob
    • Anniversary Ale - Blood Orange Wheat Wine
    • Locals Light - A light, yet very tasty lager.
     
    #17 Chrixsus, Jul 30, 2013
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  18. Chrixsus

    Chrixsus Initiate (0) Dec 13, 2011 Illinois

    Thanks again to BA misterid from WI for providing this info...:slight_smile:

    Central Waters @ Brickhouse
    • Hop Rise
    • Mudpuppy Porter
    • Glacial Trail IPA
    • Ouisconsin Red
    • Shine On
    • Satin Solstice Stout
    • Belgian Blonde
    • Octoberfest
    • Honey Blonde
    • Brewhouse Coffee Stout
    • Le Petite Mort
    • Bourbon Barrel Stout
    • Bourbon Barrel Cherry Stout
    • Bourbon Barrel Barleywine
    • Bourbon Barrel Scotch Ale
    • Y2K Barleywine

    SPECIAL RELEASES (LINE FORMS TO MEZZANINE - CASH ONLY FOR THESE BEERS):
    • 7PM: Fifteen
    • 8PM: (Yet to be named) Chili Pepper Stout
    • 9PM: Exodus
     
    #18 Chrixsus, Jul 30, 2013
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  19. Chrixsus

    Chrixsus Initiate (0) Dec 13, 2011 Illinois

    Lucky bastard! :grinning:
     
    #19 Chrixsus, Jul 30, 2013
  20. Ri0

    Ri0 Initiate (0) Jul 1, 2012 Wisconsin

    I spotted this and could only think; hey, they needed to figure out what to do with that infected BB Night Train!
     
    #20 Ri0, Jul 30, 2013
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