It is getting close to beer geek Christmas. The beer list dropped today and it proves (yet again) that Firestone Walker knows how to throw a festival. With app downloaded and wish list created, here is what I am personally looking forward to when I get to Paso Robles this year for the 2017 edition of the FWIBF.
As far as breweries go, I know that Arizona Wilderness will be jammed but I hope to get a quick taste of what is creating the hype. Foreign beers have the shortest lines but some really cool stuff that you just do not see so I will be hitting up both Bamberg and Beavertown. Oregon has a few entrants this year and I will be glad to try some Boneyard, Ecliptic and Gigantic bringing both a gin barrel beer and a Macallan aged beer with them.
Other breweries that I have already circled are:
Creature Comforts
Fonta Flora
Highland Park
Rare Barrel
Surly
As far as way too popular, I predict that the lines for Trillium and Other Half and Side Project will be swamped. A zoo of whale humanity. But another question is How will Wicked Weed be treated? Lines or none?
After a suitable recovery period, expect reports and photos from the fest as well as a 1st visit to Silva Brewing and if I can squeeze it in a distillery and winery too since I will be surrounded by wine.