The old Grain Belt brewery will once again play host to one of the top annual craft beer festivals (sold out) this Saturday from 1 PM to 5 PM. There are plenty of things to be excited about including musical entertainment, food trucks, beer education, and of course beer.
The Jack Brass Band will be performing as will the Southside Aces and we will again witness the Traditional Bagpipe Opener. At this point it seems to be a right of passage.
Highlighting the food trucks are Natedogs, Ngon Bistro, World Street Kitchen, Stanley's, Foxy Falafel, Gastro Truck and more. For those of you who have not tried something from World Street Kitchen you really ought to try either the Red Curry Burrito or the Lamb Belly Tacos—both of which will be served on Saturday.
Beer Education will feature an Identifying Off Flavor Beers by Michael Agnew from a Perfect Pint, From Wort to Wonder, The Magic of Homebrewing by Northern Brewer, and A Blind Tasting Sensory Experience by Better Beer Society. All of the above instructors certainly have the credentials and experience to make all of these worthwhile.
The best part of course is going to be the beer. Here are just some of the many beers this writer is excited about:
Lunker Barleywine 2011 from Steel Toe Brewing- This one has been aging in Templeton Rye whiskey barrels and is sure to be heavy.
Ovila Abbey Saison Collaboration from Sierra Nevada Brewing- This one looks interesting, mandarin oranges and peppercorns in a Farmhouse Ale brewed by one of the best breweries in the country.
Black Forest Ale from Excelsior Brewing- A dry Black Ale infused with cherry. The interesting part is that it's not supposed to be all that roasty.
