Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest aka My Favorite Beer Fest of the Year



When an event is in it's third year, as the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest was this year, you have to wonder, what are they going to do differently?  How will this year's event be better?  Many of the same elements were still in place this year, amazing food, live music, and of course, outstanding beers.  A few newer components this year, which only further enhanced the experience, included an area to purchase merchandise before the event as well as an opportunity to sample a beer prior to the fest start time.  Upon entering the fest waiting area, each person received a ticket to redeem Ol' Leghorn, a collaboration beer from 3 Floyds and Firestone Walker which was brewed for last year's FWIBF.  Even better than having a beer before an actual beer fest?  Having both Adam Firestone and David Walker on hand to pour the beer for their fans.

Just a few of the reasons FWIBF is my favorite beer event of the year include, but are not limited to:
Organization
You can tell that a lot of work goes into planning FWIBF.  All of the volunteers are extremely happy, friendly, and helpful.  The layout of the fest makes it easy to find the beers you are looking for as well as the food you want to sample.
Food
The food that is available throughout the event has something to please everyone.  And it is plentiful!
Music
Live music during a fest always enhances the experience, in my opinion.
Brewers
Each brewery had at least one brewer on hand, some more than one, available to chat about their beers. Being able to hear about the specifics of a beer from the person who actually created it is pretty cool.
Beer
The variety of beer available at FWIBF is really amazing.  I love having the opportunity to try beers that I've never heard of and also to try old favorites.  My favorite beer this year was from Germany's Braufactum.
People
Due to the limited number of attendees, and manageable lines, this event is a great place to catch up with old friends and also visit with new ones too!
Weather
The last two years were Africa hot days for FWIBF.  This year, Firestone Walker made sure that the weather cooperated.  I mean, not only do they make amazing beer and put together a world-class event but they make sure the weather is enjoyable too?

Once again, Firestone Walker put together an amazing event.  And once again, I'm counting down the days until next year's FWIBF.



Created with flickr slideshow.

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