Saison | Independent Beers

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.

: The entrance to the zoo.

: While waiting in line there were several zoo animals brought out for everyone to see, including this snake.

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

: Another animal from the zoo greeting us before we enter.

: After we entered Kelli headed right for some beer.

: My first of the day, the Amber 25 by Stoudts Brewing Company.

: Here is the full list of all beers available for the event.

: The samples were small, so my next one (Underdog Atlantic Lager by Flying Dog) came quickly.

: The lines were getting a little longer, so I decided to get right in line for my next beer, the Snake Dog IPA by Flying Dog.

: The event was small, which made it easy to get to any of the beer like this Ozzy by Brewer’s Art.

: Kelli loved this shirt.

: Here is the front of the same shirt.

: This was a family friendly event.

: Saison by Yards.

: The aptly named beer, The Raven by The Raven.

: Another fun beer shirt.

: Here is the key for the front of the shirt.

: Heading over to New Belgium (who seems to be everywhere these days) to try their Ranger IPA.

: For lunch I had a Crabby Melt from the Grilled Cheese Company. It was really good and I would recommend their grilled cheese sandwiches.

: Right next to the food was DuClaw, so it was time for the HellRaze IPA.

: While the festival went until 7pm, the Zoo was only open until 4pm, so Kelli and I hopped a tram and headed to see the animals.

: She wanted to see the polar beers so , that was our first stop.

: Then we headed over to the African section.

: We knew we were short on time so we really moved quickly.

: Reading about previous picture.

: Looks like this Rhino found the only mud spot.

: For some of these I only stopped long enough to get a picture.

: But for some I stopped a little longer to enjoy their beauty.

: It was clear by that the animals knew it was the end of the day.

: Although some were content to people watch.

: With the warthogs I was thinking, “Hakuna matata!!!”

: Another of Kelli’s favorties, the penguins.

: Camel rides anyone?

: Kelli and I posed for a picture with the elephants.

: A great action shot of the baby elephant and its mother.

: Kelli is convinced the zoo keepers put honey or something else at the top of the wall to get the giraffe to stand there.

: The Brew at the Zoo even took place just to the left of the bottom tram stop.

: The king of the jungle, the lion.

: It was just past 4pm when we entered the Chimpanzee forest.

: I had enough time to take this picture before the lights were turned off and we had to leave.

: We headed back to the festival area and I went straight for the Harpoon Summer by Harpoon.

: The music and crowd were in full swing by this point and everyone was relaxed and having a great time.

: Custom made belt buckles from the bottoms of beer bottles. The beer label is used as the front of the buckle.

: Back to Stoudts for the Mai Bock.

: And the it was over to Tommyknocker for the Golden Saison.

: Everyone was in a jovial spirit, and these are some of the fine folks I met at the festival.

: While the beer was in cups, this gentleman was ready to open any bottles.

: I headed back to New Belgium for the Somersault Ale.

: In case is wasn’t clear, this festival was held in Baltimore, home of the Ravens and Orioles.

: Beer number 13 for the day was Shift Pale Ale by New Belgium. One of the better beers, but mostly because it was on ice and nicely chilled on a hot day.