Report from #FWIBF17 – Part 2

Here is the first quick, still reeling from yesterday recap from the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival.

The weather was hot and humid but not the energy sapping heat that has been endured in the past. With the extra hour afforded by the media pass, I was able to try several firsts. Beers from Other Half, Arizona Wilderness and Trillium with only one being a hazy NE style IPA and it wasn’t the best or worst of that trio.

As usual for me, I go over the FWIBF app beers but then you see that Beachwood (and the Blendery) have more beers than advertised. Same for Bagby of Oceanside and Highland Park as well and the initial plan starts to fray.

I wanted to do more international beers but only ended up tasting two. I did attend both beer talks so that agenda held. I got my Portland fix from Gigantic and Ecliptic. But I missed on Half Acre and Side Project.

Speaking of which. People love the word “Project”. The biggest lines were at Garage and Side. Strong and consistent lines. And again, you could have slid to the next booth and gotten all the Surly Pentagram you wanted. This year, it seemed more booths kicked early. Other Half seemed to run dry instantly. Many booths were ghost towns by 4pm. I don’t know how that is monitored by Firestone Walker but it needs to be tightened up for next year.

As usual, the food was great. So many options. Each year, I tell myself to eat plenty and, each year, I eat more but could do a better job.

I will unveil my Fest Five in another post but spoilers, Fonta Flora Brewery is on the list.