With something going on nearly every weekend, it's hard for St. Louis beer-lovers to get bored during the winter months. For example, this past weekend, I attended my second beer festival of 2020, and it is likely one of my favorites.
On Sunday, 2nd Shift Brewing Company held its annual Cask Festival, which brings together a number of their closest friends and some fantastic small-batch beer. For those that are unfamiliar, Cask Festival is a smaller beer festival where 2nd Shift invites their friends to bring small cask just for the festival. During this event, you will likely find variations on existing beers brewed with unique new ingredients or a brand new beer brewed just for the festival; either way, you are in for some exceptional beer choices.
One unique thing with this festival is that it allows each attendee a unique opportunity to pour their beer; while sampling as few or as many beers as we like. Many of the brewers are also in attendance, too, allowing attendees the option to ask questions or compliment the brewer/staff on the unique beers they selected to bring to the festival. Cask Festival is a truly unique experience that offers a casual and intimate feeling for beer lovers.
During the event, you will find small batch casks filled with unique beer that was brewed just for the festival, and will likely not find anywhere else. Last year the event was held inside the brewery; however, this year, the layout was a bit more spread out, allowing attendees more space to enjoy their beers and conversation with others in a more relaxed atmosphere. This year there were fewer cask placed in the brewery providing additional open space. Additional casks were placed outside in a tent and a separate indoor garage that provided some shelter from the cold.
Several fires were burning outside, which provided the perfect spot to warm up with a cold beer and converse with friends, both new and old. In addition to the outside fires, the taproom was also open with tables, and Guerrilla Street Food was also serving up some of their delicious Filipino-American goodness, perfect for helping warm you up on a cold winter day!
Overall, the 2nd Shift Cask Festival is quite possibly my favorite event of the year. While some might turn their heads and an outdoor beer festival during the St.Louis winter, I say bring it on! read more