Words cannot fully describe what really happens on Dark Lord Day.
Once a year in April, 3 Floyds Brewing Company hosts a legendary event called Dark Lord Day. On this day, is the world’s only opportunity to purchase bottles of a Russian Imperial Stout aptly called Dark Lord, which is basically a demonic Russian Style Imperial Stout, brewed with Intelligensia coffee, Mexican vanilla, and Indian sugar.
This is a big day for those who love this beer.
But just buying Dark Lord is really only an afterthought to what this day really means to beer advocates around the world.
Thousands upon thousands of people gather into this tiny industrial park where the brewery is located at in order to buy beer, trade beer, drink beer, share beer, talk about beer, and bask in the glory that which beer means to those who love it. It might be almost safe to say that there was actually more beer brought to this event by everyone than what 3 Floyds actually had in their warehouse! Yes, 3 Floyds Dark Lord Day celebrates the opportunity to enjoy Dark Lord, but in reality it is an overall celebration of what beer means to each individual.
Look at all the Beer!
Never before have I seen such an array of beer in such a tiny area before. Every picnic table in sight was absolutely covered with different beers from around the globe; Cans, bottles, and growlers of every beer imaginable everywhere you looked. Never before have I seen such generosity, friendliness, or camaraderie with strangers meeting strangers, or good friends hanging out together like it was yesterday. For the most part, for those who attended, everybody was everybody’s friend. All of this took place just because of a mutual love of beer. I could not even begin to tell you exactly how many beers I tried that day (easily 20-35), and I could not even start to thank all of the people who I shared them with.
I am in the green & white trucker hat. BeerFMAndy is right behind me!
Was it busy? Incredibly and overly so. Was it well organized? Not really. I am not going to sit here and write about what was wrong or unfair about this event because nothing is perfect. Despite all the ridiculousness that turned off many people from ever showing up to this again, I did not let what could have pissed me off ruin what an incredible day it really was.
Anyone who really truly enjoys and loves beer should go at least once, even if you do not get the opportunity to buy Dark Lord. It truly is an experience I may never forget.
- Sweem