Hop Juice Fest

I went last year to the Friday night session. The main difference is there is about 10x more space, so no crowding at all. They had the stage near the hotel to the South, their beer and food was in the parking lot closest to the Roundhouse, and the local guest beers were in the bus lane at the Southwest corner near Rte 25. I didn't have VIP last year so I can't help you there.
I am planning on going to the Friday night gen admission, and then Sunday with the family and some other friends with their kids.

 

They sold both black and hop juice outside the entrance.

 

Friday VIP here. First time after 3yrs of consideration...figured I might as well give 'er a shot.

 

I went to the fest twice at the brewery, and to last year's event at The Roundhouse. The latter experience was 10x better -- and not just because I was able to take the train there. So much space, glorious space! I was psyched to buy VIP tix for this year, but it coincides with the annual summer solstice Q that the wife and I host so we'll be missing it.

Also -- Hop Juice is now Hop Centric Double IPA.

 

That's been out for a week or so now on the event page at least. Surprised no Pipeworks or Haymarket.

 

I've had VIP tix for the last three years. Last year's move to the Roundhouse was a great choice. The VIP perks included being able to use your chits to get some of their cellared materials in a bar inside- '10 Bare Tree, '11 Hop Juice Black come to mind. The courtyard in the middle of the roundhouse was open, so you could sit there and be away from the crowds if you wanted- they even had a few small bands wander through and play. The food was pretty good- especially the beer floats that used the local ice cream store. However, it was an expensive two days and when it comes down to it, you're mostly drinking Two Bros. beer. Not that there's anything really wrong with that, but nothing crazy right either. The lines for the special release were crappy as usual and there wasn't anything thing that was super crazy. I will say that they usually have some good stuff at the end of Saturday-- I think RR Supplication was a two years ago. Haymarket was there last year on Friday and I think I drank more Matthias than anything else. It's a pretty mellow festival with a huge mix of people. The Jayhawks kind of sucked last year, but I think Old '97s and Poi Dog Pondering will be better. Finally, I'm almost postive they gave us four or five beer tokens last year on Friday, and five on Saturday, so reducing it to three is an interesting choice. They've also added a Sunday portion to the festival- touting it as more "family friendly."

TL,DR: I enjoyed the VIP experience, but after going to some other fests (Festiv-Ale, GTOM, FOBAB and DLD), I'm not springing for it again.

 

No sours from Destihl Friday . Not sure if I am even going to stop by Friday night now. Was really excited to see Destihl on the list, but no sours is a huge bummer!

 

The guest taps are best part. At least, was last year. They did an hourly release of a rare beer from a different brewery. Barrel Aged Ten Fiddy from Oscar Blues. Was super good. If they have the same set up this year, you will be in good shape either day. The VIP pass looks like it has better benifits too. The 3 drinks and food will more than make up the price difference if you are there the whole day.

Question: Why the Name Change from Hop Juice to Hopcentric.
2nd question: will it be distributed or or only released at brewery ? I don't recall.

 

I'm VIP Friday. Looking forward to it!

 

Just to correct you, the Ten Fidy was aged in Wild Turkey barrels. Also, some other notable guest taps last year from Saturday were Surly Five, Avery Uncle Jacobs and Ninkasi Tricerahops.

To answer your questions: 1) There is 3 other breweries that make a beer called Hop Juice (Mainly, Left Coast Hop Juice as it gets distro'd in the Chicago market). 2) Regular Hop Juice (now Hop Centric) gets distro''d but Hop Juice Black has always been sold only at the fest.

 

Just posted on 2Bros FB page:

Saturday night guest breweries for #TBSF2013, #craftbeer
Oakshire, Widmer Brothers, Burnside, Ninkasi, Falling Sky, Stone, Avery, Captain Lawerence, San Tan, Mayday, New Belgium, Oskar Blues, Left Hand, Port Brewing, Karbach, Tryptych

 

I know that Destihl is bringing the following beers:
Hoperation Overload, Pappys Porter, Ambassador Am Belgo, Miners Ruin.
Nevins is bringing Hop Loaf.
Flossmoor is likely bringing Panama Red and a seasonal.
That's all I know. The Saturday guest breweries were posted on Facebook today.

 

There is another beer already called HopJuice - Left Coast
HopJuice has been distributed in the past...

 

Destihl did on Facebook.

 

Breweries for Saturday but no beer list like they usually have. Captain Lawrence is cool but other than that meh.