As one of Wisconsin’s premier Beer Festivals, it’s no wonder the Great Lakes Brew Fest is on it’s seventh year! And this year marks a special change in the GLBF. This year will feature two days of GLBF rather than one!

Friday kicks off the fest with a celebration of Milwaukee Beer Week and features only Wisconsin Brewers. 35 of them to be exact. With more than 100 brews and food available to purchase, it’ll be a beautiful time watching a fireworks display over Lake Michigan. After that you may want to get your Gatorade and sleep on cause Saturday features even more beer-y goodness.

More than 90 American craft brewers will be serving up more than 250 different beers, food available for purchase, and Reggae and Ska music to compliment this years’ theme: Dreadlocks -N- Hops.  Come in your dreadlocks and tie-dye to have a chance at winning a prize for being the best dressed! Saturday also features Homebrew Island, a special section of GLBF dedicated to homebrew clubs featuring their own concoctions.

A word to the wise though; tickets go fast. It’s been sold out the last 4 years running AND the hotels are booked solid months in advance. I’ve already saved mine; the Radisson within walking distance. A very short walking distance. I suggest you do the same!

For more information on this event visit the Great Lakes Brew Fest website.

Thanks to the Wisconsin Brewers Guild, Saturday June 26th marked the first time ever that all the brew masters from every Wisconsin brewery in attendance at the Summer Solstice event were all together at one place. It was pretty awesome.

My high hopes for the event were, by and large, met when we got there. Like smart drinkers, we were dropped off in the center of the Bayshore Town Center so none of us drove.. I was under the impression that the grassy center was where the event would be held but the way it was laid out actually worked a little bit better. Two sections of the street through the outdoor mall were completely closed off for the tents. In the center where I thought everything would be was actually a stage with music and tents for guests to sit and relax. The music wasn’t obnoxiously loud at all either which was key. It was laid out very well, save for a few important details that could use reconsideration for future events.

1) The tents were on the east side of the road so all the brew masters, servers, and beer were in direct sunlight as the sun went down. Let not also forget that us patrons were also being fried by the blazing sun. It would have made a bit more sense to place the tents on the other side so everyone would benefit from less exposure. It should be noted that Lakefront had sun screen at their tent which came in handy (only after my girlfriend was already beet red).

2) To allow non-event patrons access through the Town Center, the road was divided in half and public property so attendees couldn’t walk from one side to the other with beer in their glasses. A minor nuisance that is completely understandable. Could it be done a bit differently? Maybe.

3) Children. Everyone loves kids (well, everyone loves their own kids anyway) but they need to go. As quoted from the website, “You must be 21 or older to attend this event. Photo identification will be required at the admission entrance.” While everyone in line did get carded, most of the people I was with, myself included, found ourselves tripping over children and trying to avoid people pushing strollers. If that wasn’t bad enough, I witnessed many couples with an infant or young child while they were drinking. Designated Driver tickets were available but I didn’t see a single person with one of the other wristbands on. Come on people, get a babysitter and leave the kid at home, lets be responsible here, it’s a BEER event, there was nothing for your child to do.

4) The lack of easily accessible bathrooms was near unacceptable. Sure, there were two mall bathrooms available but no clear signage to them. One of the first complaints I heard from the crowd, and heard often was, “Where are the port-a-potties? Where am I supposed to go to the bathroom?” Once it became common knowledge as to the whereabouts of the bathrooms like playing telephone and passing it on to the next person, it wasn’t too bad. But with the location known there was still another issue at hand. Both men’s rooms had one urinal and one toilet in them and the urinal inside the bathroom at the food court section of the mall was “out of order”. Certainly bad timing for that. Despite the grumbling among attendees and brew masters alike, the lines for the bathrooms were never out-of-control. A few port-a-johns would be absolutely necessary in the future though, especially if the crowd grows.

5) Lastly, while a moderately sizable crowd (for the location) seemed to be there (I’m still waiting on firm numbers) a major issue needs to be addressed regarding the timing of the event. Never again should this be put on at the same time as the first Saturday of Summerfest as well as Cedarburg’s Strawberry Fest. That was a major flaw of this event and hopefully it didn’t affect attendance so poorly that a follow-up event next year is out of the question.

Also, I won’t even bother arguing the price point for attendance, a complaint I heard a few times. $50 was completely reasonable for the amount of beer and unlimited food available and anyone that thinks otherwise should double-check what they spend at the bar next time. You’ll get less product for more money no question.

So, with those correctable details disclosed, lets move on to why you should have been there. With more than 100 different beers from 30 different Wisconsin breweries, there was about every style you could imagine available to try. 12 different Glendale-area restaurants provided delectable munchies that were well paired with the food and were available at the specific beer booths which made it even easier. Some specific beer highlights for me ranged from the assertive Whiteout Imperial IPA from Hinterland to the ever-awesome Bourbon Barrel Stout from Central Waters to the unusual but good Sahti, Finnish style farmhouse ale from Vintage Brewing Co. I also enjoyed classics like New Glarus’ Belgian Red, Lakefront’s refreshing Klisch pilsner, and Silver Creek’s strong Imperial Mai-bock.

While almost all the food was sample size, it was substantial and didn’t skimp on flavor. Not only that, but it like the beer availability, it was all you could consume. That certainly helped keep the drunkenness to a reasonable level as well as the buckets of water and large kegs of water brought by Sprecher. (I didn’t see anyone out of control, or anyone even close for that matter but police patrolled the area just in case.) I’ve got to say that Solly’s mini hamburgers topped with sautéed onions took the cake as I enjoyed three of the delicious little patties throughout the fest. Other pairings to note were Auntie Anne’s cinnamon-sugar sprinkled soft pretzel stick with Lakefront’s Bridge Burner and California Pizza Kitchen’s BBQ chicken pizza with Delafield Brewhaus’ Fruhlingzeit Maibock. Coa also had a nice little treat I believe was the Chicken Flautas that I may have to head to the restaurant for. Zambonie’s also made a great little steak nugget with a mushroom that was marinated in Silver Creek’s Imperial Mai-Bock.

The simplicity of a hand-edible object seemed to subconsciously drive me to some places over others despite the presence of tall tables lining the side of the road opposite the beer tents. There was both beer and food I regret not sampling due to trying to enjoy as much as I could in such a short span. Regardless, everything I tried I enjoyed. Nothing seemed out of place or poor in quality which really helped boost this event to greatness.

Aside from the tangibles like the delicious and thirst-quenching beer and tasty, filling food, the brew master interaction was spectacular! Between their presence and the fun, talkative crowd, the whole day was an absolutely blast! From the friendly people from the Wisconsin Brewers Guild at the ticket counter to Jackie and two other people at the media booth, everyone was a pleasure to talk to.

More specifically, Todd and I heard directly from the brew master at the Delafield Brewhaus that the famed Whiskey Barrel Aged Okauchee Scotchie Ale is only brewed every three years. MAN! I gotta wait that long ‘til I can finally try it? We also learned from Russ Klisch at Lakefront that they’ll be releasing a new beer called True Evel in a week or so to support an Evel Knievel exhibit at the Harley Davidson Museum [available now!]. Paul from Central Waters, who received an abundance of our attention during the event, told us that the very anticipated sour brown ale yet to be released is bourbon barrel aged as well. Based on their current line up of fantastic barrel-aged beers, the sour brown should be a must-get brew! Paul was awesome to hang out with as well! Hopefully if you went you had a chance to chat it up with him like we did (thanks Paul!).

Camaraderie didn’t stop there though, as I witnessed both Andrew and Russ from Lakefront stepping into New Glarus’ tent to help pour their beers when the lines got long as well as Russ walking the grounds sampling a few different beers. The brotherhood and respect between the different locations transcends the “rivalry” one might expect.

This event was made spectacular through all the social lubrication we consumed while meeting new people and being complete chatty Kathys! I hope that the event was seen as a success in the business-sense as I feel in any other regard it was fantastic enough to warrant a yearly return. We can only hope that the word of mouth drives more people to a possible following event to promote great beer and food awareness. For a first year not a whole lot had to be improved on. The small things that need tweaking can easily be taken care of for subsequent events to rocket them to complete greatness!

I had a blast and it seemed as if everyone else did. You know it’s been a good time when four hours fly by like it’s been nothing. If you didn’t make it out you missed a good time and will hopefully have the opportunity to attend next year.

-Andy

(Thanks to Chris from Beer Buffalo Lodge for allowing us use of his great photography and for pictures from my girlfriend Trish as well!)

Working with a number of craft breweries, sponsors, and civic groups coming together, Milwaukee will host its first annual 2010 Milwaukee Brewfest on Saturday, July 31st. Milwaukee Brewfest will be held at the Old Coast Guard Pavilion Park on Milwaukee’s Eastside. This prime location offers a beautiful view of Lake Michigan and McKinley Marinan not to mention ample parking.

In addition to unlimited sampling of over 170 craft beers and micro brews from around the world, there will also be a number of other on-site activities:

• Musical performances
• Home brewing demonstrations
• Exhibits from Museum Of Beer & Brewing
• Keg barrel race, bingo, and ring toss
• A crowning of 2010 Miss Brewfest
• A variety of food for purchase from local restaurants and vendors

The ticketed event will run from 3PM – 7PM, with VIP ticket holders allowed in at 2PM to sample limited edition and rare brews. Only 2000 tickets will be sold with advance purchase available online and at select retailer locations prior to the event.  General admission tickets will be $40, with VIP Tickets will be sold for $55.

Join BeerFM at Milwaukee Brewfest to make it an event to remember and one to return to, year after year!

The cost is only $10 a ticket and seats are limited so head to http://www.rayswine.com/Tasting-Room.asp to get your ticket now! If you haven’t had any Lakefront beer yet, or just need to restock your current supply, Ray’s will have the Lakefront beers on special to purchase!

Beerwolf and I will be there and we hope to see you, too!

The past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the event with a guest courtesy of the owner Joel whom I thank for the great time! As my friend and I drove there, a bit behind schedule, I contemplated the layout of this event. It was advertised that over 75 beers would be available to try, and despite how spacious the location is, I was unsure of how the logistics would work besides serving outside.

As we pulled up my question was immediately answered. Three tables were lined up outside with people serving beer. I took a glance at the table as we walked in to get our glasses and was content with what I saw. Nothing out of the ordinary opened made it seem like another fest that contained a decent selection of beer I’ve had plenty of times. That was until after we went through our first table which had offerings from Summit, Milwaukee Brewing Co, Left Hand, Big Sky, and Schelle.

After a short stop at an Abita table my mouth began watering at the sight of the next table; beers I haven’t had! Koenings, Chouffe, Dogfish Head Red & White, and some great beers to revisit; Stone Arrogant Bastard and Ruination IPA, DFH 60 and 90 Min. IPA, and Piraat among many others.

Other tables included beers from Laguniats (who had an awesome poster!), strategically placed by the bathroom line, Reaper Ale, Potosi, Upland, and Fish Tale Organic beer. The real kicker is that my favorite table during the whole event wasn’t even a beer table. It was Crispin’s Cider table. They had six different ciders, all of them all-natural with no added sugar. They were spectacular and it was great to try them after constantly seeing them in stores and wondering how good they could be.

I’d consider the event a success simply based on the camaraderie there from the Lagunitas and Crispin reps to a fellow BeerAdvocate member, to some of the store employees including the owner Joel. The beer samples just made it that much better, and all for $15!

My only suggestion would be to group beers with people a bit more familiar with them or bring in more reps with large varieties of their beers. Trying new things is nice, but to have someone able to explain the style or particular beer helps explorers looking for something different. This doesn’t mean none of the servers were knowledgeable, in fact the opposite; most of the servers were. I for one would be happy to volunteer to pour for people at the next event. All in all, the first Beer Fest brought out a lot of good beers for people to try before buying as well as explore new styles which I consider a great time anywhere.

The turnout seemed pretty good as it grew substantially by the time we left (about 2 hours early too!)  so let’s hope that next year is even bigger and better!

Cheers Joel, thanks for the good time and thanks to my friend Jason for taking the pictures!

-Andy