Being There Part I

If getting there was a relative snap, being there is a challenge. With 465 brewers with booths serving up to 2,400 different beers, you have to have a plan. We did, and that was one reason my brother wanted me there.

Crucially, a map is provided online within 2 weeks of the start. I noted immediately that the entrance is very near the GABF store, and figured I could buy the swag I needed at the end so as not to carry it around (it was a close call, more on that later).

Right off the entrance we had targeted the California section, specifically 21-st Amendment and Alesmith at booths A2 and A4. 21-st Amendment cans their beers, and we got a taste of a few, none particularly memorable, but the crowds from entry were so immense, we slid past Alesmith and decided to head north, toward the Goose Island's in the Group C teens.

During this Friday session, all brewers had at least 4 offerings, many 6 or more, and one had their whole lineup (see ahead)! So you had to be selective. We tended to try a few (2-3) at each location, and started with some heavier brews (like Porters and Stouts, etc.), so it was a welcome relief when we hit our first biggie, New Glarus @ D18. They were pouring their Raspberry Tart (which won another gold in it's category) and that was very refreshing. They were also serving their Black Top, a black IPA that also won in it's category. Loved it, quite a distinctive roasty malt with a very fresh hop to it (I was able to buy it when I returned). Nearby, we spied the Allagash booth, always a favorite, and they were pouring a version of their coolship offering. This is a style invented in Belgium, where the natural yeast is allowed to ferment the beer, usually resulting in a sour tone. This was no exception, one my favorites at the show, perfect sourness with a modest malt backbone, very refreshing too. I can't remember it's name, but I don't think you will find it anywhere, a one time try :(.

I had specifically targeted in my mind if not the map the Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery at E14, famous for it's IPA, in this case a version on offer but with some fruit, quite good, but the star was a beer called LSD, an Herb and Spiced beer, with lavender prominent. It won a Silver, so glad we tried it. Intriguing! The other side of group E was southwest beers, so we tried a bunch from Austin, many unusual and outstanding. Had a soured Dubbel if you can believe it, not great but interesting.

The Brewery Guild pavilion in the middle of the floor was offering many unique beers from many different areas, my brother made a point of going there several times.

About 90 minutes in, we lost our two compatriots (temporarily), and Dave and I went into the panel discussion in the Brewers Studio Pavilion. There were three folks sitting around a raised dais with microphones, and an audience of 35 or so sitting. I'm not sure who the other two were, but I recognized Garrett Oliver on the right, from Brooklyn Brewery. He was flogging his new book and speaking about beer in olden times, like around the Revolution. We sat and were offered several tastings of something from Brooklyn quite good, I think it was called Confluence. The most beneficial part was the time taken to rest our legs for a few minutes, quite a relief.

From there we slid over to the mecca of Shorts Brewing, which had an end-cap position @ K on which they displayed some 25 taps, most all of their ongoing offerings. It should be noted these guys don't care about style, that is they make all styles and then some, and all are well made. They are located in the Upper regions of Michigan, and don't export their beer outside the state. I was able, however, to try some when they were here in 2010 for Chicago Beer Week, thus my targeting this place. Here we tried their Bloody Beer, very much like drinking a fizzy Bloody Mary. They make a beer called Key Lime Pie that is the bomb. I will quote their website on another of my favorites:

Nicie Spicie - A Northern Michigan spiced wheat ale made with a 50/50 blend of malted barley and malted white wheat. Packed with fresh citrus zest, then spiced with coriander and a three peppercorn blend, this light bodied ale is complex yet scrumptious. Exemplified by its gorgeous golden color, this beer is crisp and refreshing.

The combination of the peppers and coriander is very interesting, it's not so spicy you think it will burn your mouth, but it dances on your senses for a long time.

Sometime during this hour we found our other friends, and entreated them to join us at Shorts. All told we spent upwards of 45 minutes sampling every beer on offer from Shorts. They were our star of the show.

Next up Part 2