Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Beer Festivals: Do's & Don'ts

Do:

- Eat before you start drinking -
     Do you really want to be buzzed off your 3rd sample of 8%+ ABV beer?

- Try something new -
     See all those guys in their MMA tank-tops camping out at the big-boy macro beer booth? How
     about the self proclaimed "beer  geek" who goes to every booth only asking for Double IPAs? Do
     yourself a favor... try some breweries you've never heard of and seek out beer styles you are less
     familiar with.

- Talk to the brewers -
     If they aren't too busy drinking everyone else's beer and they have someone helping pour, take the
     time to tell a brewer how much you like their beer. They appreciate it more than you think.

Don't:

- Expect ideal conditions for critical tasting -
     The crew at the BBQ pit and the live band at the next tent don't care if you are trying to pick-up
     hints of dimethyl sulfide or diacytel in your samples. Shut up and enjoy the entertainment and
     awesome beer

- Talk down about other people's taste -
     Not everyone digs stouts and maybe you think fruit beers are wimpy. Keep it to yourself.