The Beer Geek

It was a great first night for the Great American Beer Festival. I signed book for a spell in the Bookstore both and few people were crazy enough to step out of the land of ever-flowing beer into the book stop and chat with me. Here are a few of the things that stick in my mine about this year’s fest:

*The crowd seems even geekier this year. More beer discussion, more civilized, also more lines at the good breweries. This has slowly transformed back into a beer fest, versus a drunk fest. Jawesome.

*The only timed release I came across was for the Bruery’s Black Tuesday. It was at 7:29 and they said they anticipated doing it each night. Even though it requires some frantic running around the first hour ensure you get everything, I prefer it this way. I don’t like having to look at my watch all session.

*The Topplling Goliath Assassin was my beer of the night. Holy pajoles that is good. The TG guys were great as well.

*Lost Abbey had a longer line than I’ve ever seen at GABF. It still went incredibly fast though. 3 minutes or so tops.

*Almanac is still killing it. Just such impressive stuff across the board (though the Pumpkin Barleywine needs at least a year to mellow the booze a bit).

*Beachwood BBQ is my sleeper hit. OK, I know everyone has heard of them, but there was essentially no line, and every one of their beers was freakin fantastic.

*I suppose my real sleeper hit was Barley Browns. Small brewpub out of OR that bends hops to their will. Epic stuff, and really nice guys.

*There was an incredible amount of owners and/or brewers pouring beer. A real treat for geeks like myself. Additionally, the volunteers were very up on what they were pouring.

*Three Floyds apparently brought more than 3 growlers of beer this year as when I walked by 30 minutes in they were still pouring.

All I got for now. Here’s a couple of sweet pics. If you happen to be in tonight (Friday) swing into the bookstore from 6-6:30 to say hello

GABF 2014 Lost Abbey Line

MIrrela Amato (Beerology) and I signing books