Comments on: Session #16: our ideal beer festival

By: Tandleman

Tandleman — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:31:32 +0000

Been there, done that and sort of just about agree apart from the 4oz pour and the plastic mug of course. A real festival has to have glass and proper measures.

The Chicago Real Ale Festival was much better in my opinion though I dare say there were less (scantily clad) women, Portland being July in the PNW and Chicago being in deep mid winter!

By: Pete Brown

Pete Brown — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:25:26 +0000

Best fest I’ve ever been to was Oregon Brewfest in Portland. It was outdoors, with tents in case of rain (a good bet in Portland). The stalls selling beer were around the saides, with a big drinking area in the middle. There were bands wandering around, great food, and really helpful programme notes. I was most struck by the fact that at least 50% of people there were women. There was absolutely no social stigma – it was a total cross-section of groovy Portland society rather than beer geek central. And there was a real sense fo celebration – a definite festival. I can’t recommend it enough if you ever get the chance!

By: Lew Bryson

Lew Bryson — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:51:08 +0000

I need five brewers — no, four — with at least two beers each to make it a festival, and food, music that knows its place — secondary to the beer — and people that are there for the beer…in whatever way. And some fun, hey?

By: Bailey

Bailey — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:36:33 +0000

Yay indeed. Welcome back to the internet, Kieran.

By: Kieran Haslett-Moore

Kieran Haslett-Moore — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:23:49 +0000

Give me a Morris Dancer over an Oompah band anyday.

I’m back online, yay!

By: Boak

Boak — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 17:24:46 +0000

I think it depends on the pub.

It’s interesting that the pubs that we’ve been to with festivals are all comparatively new, and one (North Nineteen) was actively advertising for locals. As in “locals wanted for new pub”.

I suppose we like pub festivals because it’s a lot easier to get your non-beer-geek mates to go.

By: The Beer Nut

The Beer Nut — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 12:17:52 +0000

Good one. The mixed crowd issue is something beer festivals in Ireland are very good at, since there only are a few dozen beer geeks in the country and I know most of them. Surely in a pub you’re just going to get regulars drinking their usual and complaining about the crowds?

The point about reason for being is an excellent one. The GIBF exists as a money-spinner by an event management firm and suffers from it — partially because they charge too much to make it worth most brewers’ while. Whereas the Franciscan Well EasterFest is a bunch of brewers getting together for a drink and a chat, which for some reason they allow the public into.