Those Get Togethers (AKA “BA Meetups”)

I have met a whole bunch of people through BA and these meet-ups have almost always been pleasant and interesting at the very least. Thanks again to everyone who has bothered to get in touch while in my lovely little city of Cologne or nearby, like Düsseldorf.

My very first meet-up was also my biggest one, with an illustrious group of people who come to Düsseldorf every year for the Sticke Alt. So illustrious actually, that I have completely forgotten the group's name, may they forgive me if they read this. That was still very early in my craft beer career and I'm not sure how well I fit into that group, but it was still pleasant and interesting and we met up for a second time at a Cologne craft beer bar the next day after the initial meet-up at Uerige in Düsseldorf.

Then I met up with a great bunch of lads from Brighton rather spontaneously at the same craft beer bar and we went to another one later in the evening where I proceeded to kick their asses at Street Fighter II, which was set up there at the time. I think it took a little bit to get to know each other at first, but ended up being a really fun evening.

I also met forum regulars and WBAYDN mainstays @DoctorZombies and @JamFuel for a little IP trade and whole bunch of beers at the same two craft beer places, which have been great evenings with tasty beers and interesting conversations. Both really cool guys and I'd love to meet up again if I ever make it down to Florida or Sweden in the future.

I also went to Brussels to visit Drie Fonteinen and Cantillon with two German guys who don't really post a lot here and had some some quite regular tastings with lots of interesting beers with another German guy who's not very active here from Düsseldorf for a while.