I would like to start by saying that this was easily, hands-down, the best beer festival I've ever…read morebeen to (and this ain't my first rodeo). For me, personally, it was amazing for a few different reasons. There was the game element (yeah, nobody knew what they were drinking until after 7 p.m.; the event started at 4), the fact that beer is, indeed, a social lubricant (leading to so much good conversation with strangers), great food, music, games, proximity to 10 Barrel and some of the best beer-appreciating folks in Boise.
To begin with, the tastings were divided into four (or was it five?) states, but were only identified as "State 1," "State 2," etc. Each tap was assigned a number, so you had a lot of folks running around and asking each other, "Did you like 19?" "No, but 17 was incredible!" At first glance, I thought this was a lame gimmick. Boy, oh, boy, I couldn't have been more wrong. It kept us interested and forced us to really taste each beer thoughtfully. Not to brag, but wifey and I guessed #1 (Ballast Point's Grapefruit Sculpin), which meant we knew State 1 was California. We also totally called the fact that State 3 was Oregon, with its piney, citrusy, almost juicy hops. This was an IPA-lover's dream-come-true. It was so epic and beautiful, and I'm really just talking about the beer itself.
Next, the company we found ourselves in was seriously epic. As we entered, a gentleman (purveyor of Sandpoint's own Pour Authority) approached me and asked if I was from Portland, since he saw my Rogue t-shirt with the silhouette of OR state on it. This led to a lively conversation about beer across the PAC NW and an invitation to sample at his establishment. I really appreciated how he continued to check in with us, provide recommendations and feedback, and generally share in the friendly company of he and his wife. We also met Nick, a beer enthusiast who'd already been to the Oktoberfest that day (it was a little lame, apparently) and who spoke to us about the tribulations of being a seriously-beer-loving parent and also Star Wars films, new and old. My wife and I, who met at Whittier College, met a gentleman who attended during two of the years we were actually there. I met a fellow Caldwell School District employee that I'd never met before, and in that way got to "network" a little bit (nice to meet you, Ms. K). I cannot overemphasize how friendly and genuine these people were. Of course, there were the obligatory "grown ass" adults (yes, men and women) who were fine with cutting in line. Remember fourth grade, guys? "No cuts, no butts, no coconuts." However, you have these people at any beer festival and I'm sure they're already aware that there is a special circle in hell for people who cut in line.
Overall, it was an outstanding experience and the single best-organized event I've ever attended in the state of Idaho, which includes the gigantic Barley Bros. beer fests that used to take place at Anne Morrison and Kleiner Park. The food looked great (sorry, we'd eaten beforehand, but there were finger steaks, pulled pork sammies and pizza by the slice); the staff was incredibly friendly, helpful and funny; the event was just seriously well-coordinated. The beer was amazing; we didn't dislike a single thing we tried and pretty much loved most of the brews. Maybe the most underrated part of this event was the cost: $5 for a glass (not the crappy, plastic ones we've received at other festivals, but a legit tulip glass with the odd Beer Wars guy logo) and $1 per 4 oz. taste! That equates to a $4 pint, a good deal anywhere for craft deliciousness, and you don't have to drink like a fiend. My wife and I actually split all of our tastes, so we could try everything and still make it home.
I wish this was a regular event, so I could say, "Check it out!" I can only hope this happens again next year, but at that time, I won't be recommending you go (more beer and open space for me). Ten Barrel, I salute you and your crafty ways.
