This Saturday, Aug 29th, over 3000 HopHeads and Beer Geeks will head to Carillon Park for the 11th edition of AleFest Dayton. Joe Waizman founded this festival “to share my love of beer with others.” He hopes folks “will discover that AleFest and craft beers are an enjoyable & educational culture.”
With over 100 beers to choose from, having a strategy on how to experience AleFest is best. I asked local beer expert, Aaron Spoores (who sells beer for Cavalier Distributing and hosts beer tastings across the Valley) for his suggestions:
TIPS FROM AN EXPERT:
- Upon entering make your first beer be the one closest to you.
- Find a place to sit and examine the tasting guide, highlighting beers you want to taste and map out a plan.
- Taste from light to dark.
- Drink lots of water, in between beers and take a break to grab some food, too. There’s plenty of beer, so enjoy and remember to take care of yourself.
Waizman adds, “Talk to the knowledgeable pourers & let them know your beer, wine, &/or food tastes so they can make recommendations. This is an excellent opportunity to sample beers & styles you’ve not previously experienced, so step outside your list of favorites.”
TIPS FROM A CASUAL BEER DRINKER- My suggestions from attending the fest in the past:
- If there’s a huge line, there’s probably something special being tasted- check it out.
- Create your own rating system and take notes on your tasting guide. (Things you remember may not help the next time you go to order-Wild Blue sticks out in my head- but it was because I hated it…too fruity!)
- Bribe a teenager to pick you up when the event is over- you won’t want to drive home.
- Don’t make plans for going out that night- you’ll probably want a nap and a mellow night on the couch.
Look for an expanded offering of draught beers this year – about 30 will be available including Great Lakes Oktoberfest, Grassroots Saison, Eliot Ness Amber Lager, & Admiral Perry IPA, Chimay Trappist White, Goose Island Matilda, Pere Jacques, & 312 Urban Wheat.
Special LIMITED Goose Island EDITION DRAUGHTS:
- 2:30-Night Stalker Imperial Stout
- 3:30-Demolition Belgian Strong Pale Ale
- 4:30 Fleur Belgian Sour Ale With Hibiscus
TO GO: Sat, Aug 29th 2-6pm (they often let folks in at 1:30 so arrive early)
$30 in advance-they can be picked up at 30 bars & wine stores around town or buy online, $35 day of event.
Admission includes 20 samples of craft beer, tasting glass and guide & live entertainment. Designated driver/non-drinker $10.00 – purchase at the gate. Admission includes a bottle of water and an AleFest sampling glass as you exit. Must be 21 years of age to attend.
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