• Mashout 2015

    Some friends of mine from C.R.A.B.S. (Chesapeake Real Ale Brewers Society http://crabsbrew.org) invited me to go to Mashout 2015.

    Some friends of mine from C.R.A.B.S. (Chesapeake Real Ale Brewers Society http://crabsbrew.org) invited me to go to Mashout 2015.

    The camping weekend was held at the organic hop farm, Organarchy (http://www.organarchyhops.com/).

    The camping weekend was held at the organic hop farm, Organarchy (http://www.organarchyhops.com/).

    I arrived and Matt and Will were in the process of getting their site setup.

    I arrived and Matt and Will were in the process of getting their site setup.

    I had already setup a few sites down from them...

    I had already setup a few sites down from them…

    So I moved next to where they setup.

    So I moved next to where they setup.

    Of course, after that it was beer time.

    Of course, after that it was beer time.

    There were several different brew clubs there, and lots of interesting people to meet.

    There were several different brew clubs there, and lots of interesting people to meet.

    And and as you may have guessed, there was a lot of beer, too (mostly home brew).

    And and as you may have guessed, there was a lot of beer, too (mostly home brew).

    That night I cooked tofu hot dogs for dinner.

    That night I cooked tofu hot dogs for dinner.

    Yummy!!!

    Yummy!!!

    There were a lot of people I knew at the event, including my old friend Chewie.

    There were a lot of people I knew at the event, including my old friend Chewie.

    There were plenty of activities to do...

    There were plenty of activities to do…

    But I mostly wandered around tasting everyone's beer.

    But I mostly wandered around tasting everyone’s beer.

    Friday night included live music.

    Friday night included live music.

    The next morning Matt, Will, and I went on a bike ride along the C&O canal.

    The next morning Matt, Will, and I went on a bike ride along the C&O canal.

    The hop farm is very close to the tow path, so it was an easy ride down to the Paw Paw Tunnel.

    The hop farm is very close to the tow path, so it was an easy ride down to the Paw Paw Tunnel.

    We stopped for a quick picture at the entrance...

    We stopped for a quick picture at the entrance…

    And then read the signs detailing the history.

    And then read the signs detailing the history.

    When building the tunnel, "Blasting the unstable shale with unpredictable blackpowder was dangerous business; injuries and deaths were commonplace."

    When building the tunnel, “Blasting the unstable shale with unpredictable blackpowder was dangerous business; injuries and deaths were commonplace.”

    This was the marker on the tow path to let us know where to head back to the hop farm.

    This was the marker on the tow path to let us know where to head back to the hop farm.

    When we arrived back at the farm, JD had arrived and was setting up his kegs on keg row.

    When we arrived back at the farm, JD had arrived and was setting up his kegs on keg row.

    I was going to play some Saturday morning vinyl, but my inverter wasn't working.

    I was going to play some Saturday morning vinyl, but my inverter wasn’t working.

    So we decided to just lay around and be bums.

    So we decided to just lay around and be bums.

    JD added his gear to our site, and now we looked like we knew what we were doing.

    JD added his gear to our site, and now we looked like we knew what we were doing.

    This is a registered trailer. Very cool.

    This is a registered trailer. Very cool.

    There was a yurt on site...

    There was a yurt on site…

    That was impressive in structure and size.

    That was impressive in structure and size.

    JD and I decided to go for a walk around the hop farm.

    JD and I decided to go for a walk around the hop farm.

    And I decided to add some fresh hops to my beer.

    And I decided to add some fresh hops to my beer.

    Ah, what a glorious day.

    Ah, what a glorious day.

    There was an old graveyard on site, with the most prominent name being Roby.

    There was an old graveyard on site, with the most prominent name being Roby.

    We walked down to the C&O canal...

    We walked down to the C&O canal…

    And came across some horseback riders as we walked.

    And came across some horseback riders as we walked.

    We decided to head down to the Potomac River.

    We decided to head down to the Potomac River.

    And we waded out into the middle for this picture.

    And we waded out into the middle for this picture.

    The water was the perfect temperature.

    The water was the perfect temperature.

    I never miss an opportunity to skip rocks.

    I never miss an opportunity to skip rocks.

    This was about 15 feet tall next to the river...

    This was about 15 feet tall next to the river…

    And this is the path we decided to climb up.

    And this is the path we decided to climb up.

    It took a few minutes, but we managed.

    It took a few minutes, but we managed.

    Coming back to the farm and you could see a lot of the camp sites.

    Coming back to the farm and you could see a lot of the camp sites.

    Cheers!!!!

    Cheers!!!!

    JD wanted to rest, so the rest of us headed down to the main area.

    JD wanted to rest, so the rest of us headed down to the main area.

    Coming into keg row.

    Coming into keg row.

    Dinner was being prepared.

    Dinner was being prepared.

    And many people were enjoying some social time together.

    And many people were enjoying some social time together.

    We headed back up to the site to get our chairs for dinner...

    We headed back up to the site to get our chairs for dinner…

    And when we got back, dinner was almost ready.

    And when we got back, dinner was almost ready.

    Everyone brought a dish to share.

    Everyone brought a dish to share.

    Everyone took their places...

    Everyone took their places…

    Speeches were given...

    Speeches were given…

    And then it was time to eat.

    And then it was time to eat.

    Lots of food for everyone.

    Lots of food for everyone.

    My plate.

    My plate.

    One of the attendees had brought along a telescope.

    One of the attendees had brought along a telescope.

    I held my camera up to the lens and got a good picture of the moon.

    I held my camera up to the lens and got a good picture of the moon.

    He built the telescope himself.

    He built the telescope himself.

    The mirror is the cool part.

    The mirror is the cool part.

    What is the shiny spot to the right of the moon?

    What is the shiny spot to the right of the moon?

    Oh, that's just Saturn and its rings.

    Oh, that’s just Saturn and its rings.

    We headed back down to the main area for some more beer.

    We headed back down to the main area for some more beer.

    Then the tap trailer was lit up for night time.

    Then the tap trailer was lit up for night time.

    There was also quite a large fire going with several people playing guitar.

    There was also quite a large fire going with several people playing guitar.

    The night was very clear.

    The night was very clear.

    JD decided to make use of the chalk to enhance the lettering.

    JD decided to make use of the chalk to enhance the lettering.

    Someone brought 33 different styles of Pringles.

    Someone brought 33 different styles of Pringles.

    It was getting late, and I was getting tired...

    It was getting late, and I was getting tired…

    So I headed back to my tent for the night.

    So I headed back to my tent for the night.

    The next morning we packed up to head home.

    The next morning we packed up to head home.

    But not before breakfast.

    But not before breakfast.

    Like the night before, there was plenty to eat.

    Like the night before, there was plenty to eat.

    On the way home, JD and I stopped in Frederick at Brewer's Alley.

    On the way home, JD and I stopped in Frederick at Brewer’s Alley.

    One last beer before the end to a great weekend!!!

    One last beer before the end to a great weekend!!!

  • Ellicott Mills Brewing Company Crab Soup Contest

    The annual crab soup contest at Ellicott Mills Brewing Company was a great success in good fun and raising money for a local charity.  There were 6 contestants, with 2 types of soup being tasted (traditional Maryland crab soup and cream of crab soup).

  • Lagunitas Brewing Company Skunk Train Trip

    My wife Kel recently won a trip to go to CA to visit with Lagunitas Brewing Company and join them for a weekend of camping fun and a ride on the Skunk Train.  The trip was a lot of fun, and here are the pictures, and the tale, from the trip.

  • Crab Soup Contest at Ellicott Mills Brewing Company

    The winners and judges pose for a picture.

    The crab soup contest at EMBC was once again a huge success this year. This year’s event was in an effort to raise money for 27forOldEC, a  relief efforts from the derailment of trains in Ellicott City, MD. Overall there were 7 entrants that were mostly either a standard Maryland crab soup or a cream of crab soup.  The Judges were given samples to taste in a predetermined order and then graded the soups on such items as appearance and taste.

    When the contest was done, everyone at the bar was allowed to sample as much as they wanted of the remaining soup.  I made sure to get a sample of all that was available while enjoying some of the great beers the brew on premises.  Jonathan Postma (third from the right in group shot) won the overall contest with the prize being a wine rack with 4 bottles of wine.

     

    The contest is underway, and Timmy is serving up the first soup.

    The contest is underway, and Timmy is serving up the first soup.

     

    This soup left in whole crab claws!!!!

    This soup left in whole crab claws!!!!

     

    The judges score their results of the various soups.

    The judges score their results of the various soups.

     

    All contestants received a shirt from a locally made vodka.

    All contestants received a shirt from a locally made vodka.

     

    Which they were happy to model.

    Which they were happy to model.

     

    The winners and judges pose for a picture.

    The winners and judges pose for a picture.

     

  • Brew at the Zoo in Baltimore MD

    I love how the animals and beer glasses have been incorporated together into the logo.

    Kelli and I headed out to the Brew at the Zoo over Memorial Day weekend in Baltimore.  The entire event was a lot of fun and I would recommend to anyone who loves craft beer and is in the Baltimore area.  I didn’t get to try all the beers, but I had my fair share.  I’ll be trying to make this event next year, too, as it is too much fun to pass up.

  • Beer Tasting with Heavy Seas Owner Hugh Sissons

    Hugh was on hand to do the pouring for the tasting. He was also happy to pose for pictures.

    From an email I received from The Perfect Pour:

    Heavy Seas is a local craft beer staple. Founded by Mr. Sisson in 1994 as Clipper City, the brewery has been putting out award-winning and downright tasty beers for almost twenty years. Their broad range of beers is brewed “to be the best combination of modern beer thinking blended with traditional brewing methods in the beer world today.” We think they succeed.

     

    Hugh will be pouring two special beers and one customer favorite. Try the brand new Sea Nymph summer seasonal and the newly-released Plank II, a Doppelbock aged with eucalyptus and poplar, and remind yourself of the greatness that is Loose Cannon.

     

    Come support your local brewer and enjoy some of the best craft beer on the market.

    So I decided to head over to The Perfect Pour after work and check out the scene.

     

    Hugh was on hand to do the pouring for the tasting. He was also happy to pose for pictures.

     

    With pen in hand he was also signing six packs and bottles!!

     

    Overall it was a good time.  Hugh was happy to answer any questions people had about his beer or his brewery.  I’m happy to see local business owners coming out to do meet and greets with fans of their products.  Hugh really is a pleasure to be around.

  • Heavy Seas Real Ale and BBQ Fest

    Kelli and I recently went to the Heavy Seas Real Ale and BBQ Fest.  It was a lot of fun hanging out at the Heavy Seas Brewery and getting to meet Hugh Sissons again.  Below are the pictures from the event.  I refrained from doing beer reviews, as there were too many beers to drink, and I really just wanted to relax and have a good time.  After clicking on a picture below to enlarge it you can use the arrow keys or your mouse wheel to go to the next picture.

    Kelli and I arrived late to avoid any long waiting lines to get in to the event.

    Kelli and I arrived late to avoid any long waiting lines to get in to the event.

     

    This event wasn't as crowded as the oyster fest...

    This event wasn't as crowded as the oyster fest...

     

    But there were still a good amount of people around.

    But there were still a good amount of people around.

     

    I started the day with the Imperial Stout.

    I started the day with the Imperial Stout.

     

    The band was rocking out some great classic rock.

    The band was rocking out some great classic rock.

     

    Kelli asked, "Isn't an American IPA an American Indian Pale Ale?"

    Kelli asked, "Isn't an American IPA an American Indian Pale Ale?"

     

    The brewery was open for everyone to walk around.

    The brewery was open for everyone to walk around.

     

    And with the weather being nice, the outside area was open, too.

    And with the weather being nice, the outside area was open, too.

     

    While we were outside I stopped into the tent and grabbed an Imperial Pumpkin Ale.

    While we were outside I stopped into the tent and grabbed an Imperial Pumpkin Ale.

     

    There was plenty of food if you were hungry.

    There was plenty of food if you were hungry.

     

    It was Hugh Sisson's birthday, so I had another of his beers in his honor.

    It was Hugh Sisson's birthday, so I had another of his beers in his honor.

     

    I'm a huge sucker for these kinds of things.

    I'm a huge sucker for these kinds of things.

     

    Find them on twitter @HeavySeasBeer.

    Find them on twitter @HeavySeasBeer.

     

    This was the gift table for Hugh...

    This was the gift table for Hugh...

     

    And this was his very cool cake.

    And this was his very cool cake.

     

     

    It seems that over the course of an hour, more people had arrived at the event.

    It seems that over the course of an hour, more people had arrived at the event.

     

     

    I ran into Hugh, and he made a birthday wish for everyone to have a great time at his birthday event.

    I ran into Hugh, and he made a birthday wish for everyone to have a great time at his birthday event.

     

    By the time I made it back around to where the band was playing, Kelly was singing with them, again.

    By the time I made it back around to where the band was playing, Kelly was singing with them, again.

     

    Right next to the band was the Imperial Chocolate Stout, so I had some.

    Right next to the band was the Imperial Chocolate Stout, so I had some.

     

    I love taking pictures of bands...

    I love taking pictures of bands...

     

    And find myself unable to resist the urge...

    And find myself unable to resist the urge...

     

    To fire off a few shots.

    To fire off a few shots.

     

     

    An easy way to handle the amount of bathroom breaks required.

    An easy way to handle the amount of bathroom breaks required.

     

    While wandering around I found a nice little medal collection.

    While wandering around I found a nice little medal collection.

     

    It seems the Marzen is really popular.

    It seems the Marzen is really popular.

     

    Hugh took some time to open his presents.

    Hugh took some time to open his presents.

     

    And I had another beer, the Siren Noire.

    And I had another beer, the Siren Noire.

     

    Shortly thereafter I had the Peg Leg Imperial Stout.

    Shortly thereafter I had the Peg Leg Imperial Stout.

     

    These cardboard cutouts where everywhere, and it was funny to see Hugh posing with one.

    These cardboard cutouts where everywhere, and it was funny to see Hugh posing with one.

     

    The ladies took their turn, too.

    The ladies took their turn, too.

     

    Last beer of the day (and for those counting my eighth) the gold ale.

    Last beer of the day (and for those counting my eighth) the gold ale.

     

    Website: http://www.hsbeer.com/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/heavyseasbeer
    Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/HeavySeasBeer

  • Heavy Seas Beer and Oyster Fest – February 2012

    Kelli and I recently went to the Heavy Seas Beer and Oyster Fest.  It was a lot of fun hanging out at the Heavy Seas Brewery and getting to meet Hugh Sissons again.  Below are the pictures from the event.  I refrained from doing beer reviews, as there were too many beers to drink, and I really just wanted to relax and have a good time.  After clicking on a picture below to enlarge it you can use the arrow keys or your mouse wheel to go to the next picture.

    We arrived at the Heavy Seas Beer and Oyster Fest about 45 minutes after it started.

    We arrived at the Heavy Seas Beer and Oyster Fest about 45 minutes after it started.

    There was plenty of action, but I headed straight for the closest taps for a Märzen.

    There was plenty of action, but I headed straight for the closest taps for a Märzen.

    Right after that beer I ran into owner, Hugh Sissons.

    Right after that beer I ran into owner, Hugh Sissons.

    He recommend I try the Black Cannon Black IPA before it ran out, so I did.

    He recommend I try the Black Cannon Black IPA before it ran out, so I did.

    There was a good crowd on hand for the fest.

    There was a good crowd on hand for the fest.

    And it was really cool to see where they brew the beer.

    And it was really cool to see where they brew the beer.

    Food was included, and the shrimp sandwiches were perfect!!

    Food was included, and the shrimp sandwiches were perfect!!

    1:07 p.m., and just in time.

    1:07 p.m., and just in time.

    Fried Oyster sliders.  I had to take this picture quickly because they were going fast.

    Fried Oyster sliders. I had to take this picture quickly because they were going fast.

    In the back of the brewery there was a two tap setup, so I grabbed another Märzen.

    In the back of the brewery there was a two tap setup, so I grabbed another Märzen.

    It was an Oyster fest, after all. There were a lot of varieties from which to choose.

    Jonathan (a serious oyster expert) was on his 3-4 plate.

    Jonathan (a serious oyster expert) was on his 3-4 plate.

    He and Kelli love going to oyster fests together.

    He and Kelli love going to oyster fests together.

    There also was live music playing all day.

    There also was live music playing all day.

    Huge was signing his new book Brewing in Baltimore, with Author Maureen O'Prey.  He wrote the forward.

    Huge was signing his new book Brewing in Baltimore, with Author Maureen O'Prey. He wrote the forward.

    His book can be bought from Arcadia Publishing If you’re interested in buying it.

    Nice 'stache.

    Nice 'stache.

    Last picture before I hung up the camera for the day was Kelli getting oyster ice cream...it wasn't good.  It tasted like an oyster/seafood soup.

    Last picture before I hung up the camera for the day was Kelli getting oyster ice cream...it wasn't good. It tasted like an oyster/seafood soup.

    Website: http://www.hsbeer.com/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/heavyseasbeer
    Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/HeavySeasBeer

  • Oktoberfest – Berlin, MD

    Berlin, Md hosted its first ever Oktoberfest, and IndyBeers was on hand for the event.  Overall it was a great time.   There was a good size crowd on hand for the event with the downtown Main Street area being well packed.  We headed from the north end of town down past the center towards the beer garden, as that was the only place one could procure a fine malted beverage.  Entrance to the beer garden was free, but tickets were $3 each, which is a great price for drinking a delicious craft beer.



    After getting our handful of tickets we stood in line for about 10 minutes to get our first sample of the newly released Burley Oak Oktoberfest.  As it was, however, we only managed to get 1 beer each of this earthy toned beverage, as the keg ran out while I was interviewing brew master Brian Carl.  From that point we switched to the Flying Dog Marzen.  That worked out well because we had been drinking the same beer earlier in the day before coming to the festival.  While we were standing around drinking we spotted Bryan Brushmiller, the owner of Burley Oak Brewery.  I quickly introduced myself and jumped right into asking about his beer.

    After talking with Bryan for a while, he introduced me to his brew master, Brian.  Brian and I discussed his passion for brewing and why he decided to come to Burley Oak Brewing.  It was during this time the the keg went dry, and he half jokingly said, “I gotta go to the brewery and fill kegs now.”  While he went back to business, Chris and I took some time to survey the scene.  There was a place serving big barbequed pieces of meat, so Chris purchased one to try out.  He said it was really good.



    After a few more beers we decided to head back to the brewery and see what was going on there, as well as sample some of the other beers that might be available.  As we walked back North through town we passed the live music which was offering up some traditional Oktoberfest style melodies.

    After about a 15 minute walk from the downtown area we found ourselves at the brewery.  The brewery was very modest and unassuming in looks from the outside.  Except for the small sign in the front, you wouldn’t know that there was a brewery inside.  They have only been open for about 2 months, since August of 2011.



    Inside the brewery was a sizable bar area.  There were plenty of places to stand and or sit and enjoy some of the beers they currently had on tap.  I went with a Pale Ryeder (which was full of a great rye flavor) and Chris went with the September Fest.  Both were high in alcohol content, and after a day at the Oktoberfest everyone was beginning to notice the effects.



    I continued talking about beer with Bryan and he explained why he had decided to brew beer, and why Berlin was the location for him.  I was hoping to get a tour of the brewery, which could be seen through a large window behind the bar, but something had spilled in the back, and it wasn’t a good time to bring people through the area.  Oh well, I guess I’ll have to come back again!!!


    The end of the day final came for us and it was time to head back home.  Bryan was happy to step outside with us for a couple more pictures.  It was pretty funny, actually,  as he was prone to goofing off while the pictures were being taken and there are more than a few that made me laugh looking at them later.


    Notable Quotes for the day:

    -Pete Arslanian
    Q: You had a beer called the 7 finger farmer?
    A: The farmer only had 7 fingers, lost in a machine accident, so [Bryan] named the beer after him for growing the hops.

    -Dennis Krembel
    Q: So what do you think you’re gonna get here.  You’ve got the Flying Dog, the Ocktoberfest…?
    A: I’ll take a Flying Dog. 2 of ’em.

    -Mark Jersey Cerbo
    Q: In terms of the beers that you’re distributing, how many of them were part of Anheuser Busch, Miller, or Coors…what percentage?
    A: Our portfolio when I was with Carry Distributors at the time Unibev was buying everybody up, they owned a large percent because at that point Miller and Coors had merged together.  We had a strong portfolio.  I mean we had Yuengling, we had Heinekin and Corona,  I mean we had pretty much all the big hitters but Anheuser Busch.
    Q: How difficult did you find it to distribute your beer not having Anheuser Busch in your portfolio?
    A: Not hard.  ‘Cause we had, you know, percentage-wise if you looked into say, a package store we were probably anywhere from 65 to 70% of the door space.
    Q: Outside of distributing the Anheuser Busch, Miller, Coors products how difficult was it to push craft beers into the market?
    A: In the beginning it was a little difficult, but once Dogfish opened up in Delaware in our back yard, you know, Dogfish was an easy swing into the craft beer industry for us down here, you know.  And they have quality products and they expanded, you know, in the right point of time.  They didn’t try to grow too fast, they came along at a good pace that, you know eventually they’re world wide now.
    Q: Do you feel that because of the fact that Dogfish Head made a presence in the Delmarva scene that it made it easier to push craft beers locally?
    A: Absolutely.  Good question.
    Q: So you feel that because of Dogfish Head, craft beers are better appreciated in this area.
    A: Well, in this area down here I think they really were the first stepping stone in the craft beer industry, so with their success grew craft beer in our area, so.  With Burley Oak opening up here in Berlin, I mean I think they’ll do well.


  • Good Beer Festival


    Wow, the Good Beer Festival was a lot of fun!!! Kelli and I sampled so many beers that I’m glad I took some notes. The festival ran on both Saturday October 8th, 2011 and Sunday October 9th, 2011 from 12:30pm to 6:30pm both days. We only went on Saturday and arrived at around 1pm. We decided that next year we are going to make a weekend out of the festival and go both days, doing the 5k hangover race on Sunday morning, as well.

     

     

    As we made our way through the entrance area we found the event to already be in full swing.  There were over 50 craft beers from 25+ breweries waiting for us to enjoy!!!  Just past the entrance way and along the back fence were 10 cornhole stations setup for gaming by festival goers that were already in full use.  This wasn’t too surprising as the day was already in the mid 70’s with temperatures expected to rise to around 80.  WBOC 16 & FOX 21 had a tent with 4 large flat screen TVs showing college football games.  There were not too many kids around, but there were enough to let you know that it was family friendly event.

     

    Kelli and I started the one of our local favorites, Dogfish Head.  They were close to the entrance and I was craving the Punkin.  Kelli went with the 120 minute.  We roamed about while enjoying the first of many samples and found a good crowd with shoulder to shoulder action close to main stage that got thinner back towards entrance.  There seemed to be a Jovial spirit among festival goers, with everyone enjoying the great day.

    It wasn’t long after we arrived at the festival that I had to start removing layers of clothing.  We weren’t sure if the the weather was going to hold, so we dressed in several layers, of which the long sleeve layer came off of me within the first hour.  In retrospect, I probably should have worn shorts and flip flops, but who knew that an October day in Maryland was going to be so nice?

    There were plenty of various vendors selling their goods at the festival.  A few sold clothing, and a few more were selling food.  Kelli bought me a Good Beer Festival hat to wear.  The reason for the hat was because she found out from someone about the festival because they were wearing a hat form last years festival.  She thought I, too, should have a hat!!!  I in turn bought Kelli not one, but two shirts.

    The only downside of all this was that I forgot to bring cash.  The onsite ATM charged $3.25 to pull out cash (plus any charges you bank may assess) .  It was, however, good to be able to grab some cash once inside the event.  I’m not sure how close another ATM would have been, but my guess is it would involve getting in the car and driving to the location.

     

     

    After a few beer samples we were getting hungry, and this festival had the usual fried food offerings, but there was something I had never had before, an oyster fritter.  I was reluctant at first to have one, as I thought they would be a slimey mess to eat, and be too much oyster for one man to take.  Boy was I wrong.  They were so good we ended up getting a second one.  The pepper crust outside that was deep fried to a golden brown easily held the oysters and breading inside in a fantastically delicious treat!!!

    There was plenty of music all day long, and the Time Police on the bar stage did a great rendition of Jackson 5’s I want you back.  One of the reason we had come to this festival was to see The Electric Company play.  We have long followed the band and it’s members though the various iterations of musical groups through the years, and this day was no different.  They not only put on a great show, but they let me record one of their songs from the performance for free download!!!  Feel free to grab the MP3 file here for your listening pleasure:

    FREE MP3 – The Electric Co. – 2011 Good Beer Festival Live – 01 – I Need You

    We also did a tour of Pemberton Hall.  The tour included a brief description of the history of the property, as well as a visit to the rooms within the structure.  This would be a good stop for anyone who is a history buff, but not too interesting for others.  We ended up leaving the tour early to get back to beer drinking.

    Outside there was a gentleman dressed in period costume brewing beer as would have been done in colonial times.  He explained the processes that would have been required using the now archaic methods of brewing.  There was no beer to sample, but I would have liked to have tasted the end product of what he was making.

    With the end of the day coming at this point, we decide to slow our drinking and work towards heading home.  Overall the event was a really fun time, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys craft beers.

     

    I interviewed a few people over the course of the day, and here are some notable quotes:

    -Brian McDavid, Fenwick Island, DE
    What do you plan on trying next?
    Whatever is closest to me

    -Nathan W. Clendenen – Ocean City, MD
    What Beer are you drinking?
    Sierra Nevada Tumbler.  I don’t get a chance to drink nearly as much Sierra Nevada as I used to in the past.  It’s delicious.  It’s a little more complex.

    -Corlie Brice – Crisfield, MD
    What are you drinking right now?
    Double pumpkin Sam Adams
    What do you think of that so far?
    It is delicious
    Have you had any of the other pumpkins today?
    I’ve had three other pumkins and this is by far the most pumpkin-y
    What were the other pumpkins you had?
    I had the blue moon and then I had another one I don’t even remember, maybe, flying dog and it would make sense the double pumpkin has more pumpkin in it.

    -Tony Shipyan – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
    What brought you out to the event today?
    These guys here, they kind of led me in on it, they’re kind of beer aficionados

    -Josh Owens – Milton DE
    What is your favorite beer fest to go to?
    This one is looking pretty good.  The one in the Poconos is pretty crowded and you can’t get around but this is pretty nice being wide open and just being able to walk up.
    Have there been any standouts for you?
    The Duck Duck Goose was really good, that and the 1554 by Fat Tire.

    -Marc Gloyd – Milton, DE
    You’re wearing a beer advocate shirt.  Are you associated with beer advocate?
    No, I’m just an alcoholic.

    -Sonny Martin – Millville, DE
    Right now you are enjoying the Hoptopber what do you think?
    It’s got a slight little piney after taste.
    Do you typically like the hopped beers?
    No I’m typically a pale ale guy, but this is nice, I might have to get a full pint of this. This is sweet.

    Kelli’s new favorite quote seen at the festival: Everyone needs something to believe in and I believe I need another beer.

     

    Here are the list of Beers Kelli and I had for the day (with and notes we may have made at the time of sample).  I may have missed some of Kelli’s beers because we were separated for a while, but this is most of them.  I may have missed one or two on my list, but I definitely had all 17 listed.

    Kelli
    Dogfish Head – 120
    Stone – Arrogant Bastard (Hoppy, Medium Colored, I liked it)
    Oskar Blues Brewery – Hemp Ale (Kelli liked it because it was cold, the perfect temperature, Kelli like it because it’s easy to drink).
    Oskar Blues Brewery – Stillwater Artisanal
    Evolution – #3 (delicious, perfectly hopped) Hopped at a rate of over 2% per barrel, great flavor, perfectly chilled temperature.
    Sierra Nevada – Tumbler (I think it’s good, definitely a brown ale)  Amidst all these crafts brews it’s kinda funny that Sierra, who’s one of the best well known beers has no one in line and they only have 2 beers to show today.
    Sierra Nevada – Torpedo (Kelli, as a hophead I like it, but they are sort of falling a little under my radar today because they’re so many other great beers here, but still you can’t not be happy with a little Sierra in your life)
    Evolution – Jacques Au Lantern (I think my glass is so messed up from so many different beers that the smell might be a little off, but the taste is great.  It’s my favorite kind of flavor in a pumpkin beer because you can taste the spice and they’re actually not advertising it as a pumpkin beer.  They’re advertising it more as a fall seasonal with spices and pumpkin.  They’re not really directly calling it that)
    Sierra Nevada – Torpedo

    Scott
    Dogfish Head – Punkin
    Ommegang – Hennepin (tasted like a Belgium wheat, Not a big fan of it, hoping to find something better)
    Magic Hat – Hex (Kelli says I got a nice size pour)
    Oskar Blues Brewery – Hemp Ale (Definitely a brown ale that doesn’t taste overly brown, actually has a nice flavor to it)
    Oskar Blues Brewery – Stillwater Artisanal (because we were already standing next to it)  Didn’t like it. Bad lemonade. Dumped it out.
    Eastern Shore Brewing Company – Duck Duck Goose (brown ale.  Very Dark.  Can’t see through it holding it to the Sun)
    Evolution – Lucky 7 porter (lighter side, not very heavy which is working out very well on a day like today)
    Sierra Nevada – Tumbler (Autumn Brown ale, as you would expect from SN a quality product, not too heavy, not too light, just a perfect balance of taste)
    Sierra Nevada – Torpedo (as an IPA lover, this beer is delicious.  It’s a little more heavy than their pale ale, full of that hopped flavor that you love)
    Evolution – Summer Seasonal (no nose or I’ve had a lot of beer today. The flavor is mild, like a heavy pale ale that you drink all day),
    Evolution – Pumpkin Ale – (I don’t like it at all.  It is overly infused with flavor and I don’t feel like it’s a natural flavored beer.  It just has that artificially injected flavor to it)
    Sam Adams – Double Pumpkin ale (not much of a nose, it is, however, full of pumpkin flavor.  Almost over-pumpkin-ed, but certainly enjoyable)
    Fat Tire – 1554 (very dark brown ale.  Thick red muddy color, nothing on the nose, a Chris beer for sure)  This may be a stand out for those who like brown ales, but I prefer the lighter brown ales.
    Stone – Arrogant Bastard –
    Yards Brewing Co – brawler ale – Brown ales ( I have found some good brown ales, and this one is not good.  A sour flavor that rides on the back of your tongue) I dumped it out
    16 mile brewing – Amber sun (good on a day like today.  Sun in the name is indicative of the environment in which it should be drank)
    Sierra Nevada – Torpedo
    Fat Tire – Hoptober