Okay MNBeer readers, who is going to Gitchee Gumee Brewfest in Superior tomorrow? I’ll keep my eye out for you, especially if you’re wearing one of our shirts. Sunday is my birthday, so feel free to buy me growlers from Fitger’s or something…
Speaking of which, they’re not on the GG list. One can hope it’s a misprint?
Todd said he heard Fitger’s will not be there this year.
I’ll be there once again. It’ll be a blast again I’m sure.
Eh. I’ll get some Fitger’s beer this weekend one way or another. I’ll be skipping the AB offerings… Blue Dawg, Margaritaville…
Yup no Fitgers at GG.
I’ve got a growler for ya tho’ Ryan…..
I wanna growler! May have to swing by Fitger’s for dinner.
Alrighty… just don’t crack Skypilot with it…
“Alrighty… just don’t crack Skypilot with it…”
I thought we were gonna make that a new beer fest tradition?
I’ll see you knuckleheads tomorrow!!!
My polish skull can handle any crack on the head from a limp wristed growler toter!
I was unimpressed by Brewfest this year. Nobody (unless I missed it) cracked open any special/experimental casks during the event, which is always the best part for me. Last year, my “best of show” rating went to two such casks, one being an imperial stout from Thirsty Pagan (formerly Twin Ports Brewing). The other one was from Lake superior, a version of their Special Ale that I believe was dry hopped.
Other than that, the lack of Viking Brewing Co, Fitgers, and Bells was a bit of a downer. The only saving grace for me was Surly, but I’ve already had everything they were serving so it wasn’t terribly fantastic.
I should’ve checked mnbeer before heading to the event.. would’ve been cool to meet you ryan! In case we crossed paths, I was the guy sporting the “nobody cares about your blog” t-shirt.
I agree with Rob. Overheard from a Superior Jaycee member was that they intentionally limited the amount of beer so that most breweries would run out around 7:30 because they wanted most people gone by 8. Intended or not, that is exactly what happened. Poor form when they also raised the ticket price.
Also, that Fitgers boycotted because they believe that the event has evolved into a drunkfest, and away from beer appreciation.
Finally, it seemed to me that there were more no-show breweries than normal, and more booths from organizations with products other than actual beer. Many people in our group of GGBF veterans were a littledisappointed with this year’s event.
I had joked after last year’s event that they should really add a Miller Lite tent outside where all the people looking to simply get trashed could hang out without interfering with those of us who are there to experience the good beer.
Unfortunately doing something like that would end up limiting the exposure of some young palettes to the wonders of craft beer, which ultimately isn’t really a good thing for the breweries, but damn – sure would make it more enjoyable for the rest of us.
The frat-boy drunkeness was in full effect, that’s for sure.
I thought that was what the Landshark booth was for…:-)
(said even though I’m a Buffett fan…)
Favs in no particular order –
Einbecker from Schell’s
Saison & Coffee Mint Stout from Muske and South Shore
A growler of the first batch of Bourbon Bender from the Surly boys.
Smoke Porter from RB.
least fav –
Porter from Northwood’s Brew-pub, it was like drinking a glass of butter. took one sip and immediately craved lobster or popcorn. a quick drain pour and rinse solved that.
No less then 3 Superior Jaycee member came up to our booth thanking us for bring so much beer. We had just enough to make it to 8 p.m. All breweries we asked to bring 4 1/2 barrels, many didn’t. Just as many well lubricated people as ABR, Madison or GABF. Had a great time! Ready to go to next years fest!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8lvbbeZTqU