Yesterday was Stillwater’s 2nd Annual Brewers Bazaar, hosted by the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club.  For those of you who couldn’t make it, here’s a quick recap.

First of all, this event was lightly attended relative to many other local beer tasting events (still too new, I guess), so lines were short and attendees could spend time speaking with the brewers and reps, if they were so inclined.  The crowd was diverse in terms of age and craft beer experience, but seemed united in its enthusiasm for the beer.

The breweries and brewpubs were very well represented, which was a surprise and delight for many of us.  I had a chance to chat with the following brewers/founders/etc. representing their respective joints: Dave Berg (Brewer, August Schell); Mark Stutrud (Founder, Summit); Steve Rinker and Dan Schwarz (Brewers, Lift Bridge – I think several other Lift Bridge folks were there, but I didn’t get a chance to meet them…sorry); Trevor Brau (CFO, Brau Bros.); Bob DuVernois (Brewer, Great Waters); Jeff Williamson (Brewer, Flat Earth); and Brian and Bob (Fitger’s…did I get the names right guys?).  Additionally, C.R. Stephens, founder of Still-H2O (Homebrewing Hydroponics & Organic Gardening Supplies) was there will a panoply of hombrewing gear, cooking up a batch of blond ale.  Tod Fyten of Mantorville/St. Croix was also there, but I didn’t get a chance to catch up with him.  I also didn’t get a chance to catch up with the folks at the Finnegans table.  Town Hall and Barley John’s, which were on the program, were no-shows.  Too bad, but there was enough other, good beer to go around.

This wasn’t an event crammed full of special releases but Brau Brothers debuted their Whirly Bird Oatmeal Stout and Lift Bridge’s entire offering was new.

 Overall, I would call this intimate beer event a good time.  It would be well worth attending next year, especially if the breweries and brewpubs are as well represented and you can catch a free moment to meet the folks.