Extreme Beer Fest - Jan 29th 2005

[jalstromer]

http://beeradvocate.com/fests/ebf/

Our 2nd Annual Extreme Beer Fest will feature beers that push the boundaries of brewing and the palates of beer lovers, from hop-monsters to high-alcohol beers to exotic ingredients to rare and emerging styles ... and beyond! Discover a whole new world of beer!

Cheers!!
Jason

[chazwicke]

The line up looks good so far.

[Bruno_78]

you thinking about it chaz?

[chazwicke]

Are you? Anyone else?

[Bruno_78]

It just so happens that I have that time off of work. I always swore I'd never go back to boston, but I guess I could make an exception.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by Bruno_78
It just so happens that I have that time off of work. I always swore I'd never go back to boston, but I guess I could make an exception.

Holding a grudge for some reason?

I was at the last Extreme Beer Fest (Jan '04). Great time. Got my first taste of the SA Chocolate Bock there, among many other interesting brews - some brewed just for the event.

The CT Real Ale Fest is the following day in New Haven - also a great time. Could make a whole weekend out of it.

Cheers!

[Bruno_78]

Originally posted by newportstorm
Holding a grudge for some reason?


I got lost in boston, on my motorcycle, during rush hour, with impending rain, and no one to help me. I guess that might be a grudge.

[chazwicke]

It is sounding better and better. Tell us more about the Real Ale Fest.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by Bruno_78
I got lost in boston, on my motorcycle, during rush hour, with impending rain, and no one to help me. I guess that might be a grudge.

Oh, you stupid, stubborn, silly man! (Kramer quote - no offense)

Were you under the impression that the $10 billion+ black hole, we call the Big Dig would make everything easier? Mwahahahahaha! It just serves to beguile, confuse, enrage. And to expect more than a passing "Move it, retahhd" from angry Bostonians in a similar pickle would be asking a bit much.

The T is a better option for moving around the city. Or simply stay far, far, far away - lest you be swallowed by the World's Biggest Carwash - aka the Big Dig tunnels (flashback to Sly Stallone's "Daylight").

I ain't a city guy myself. Left a job in Boston because I preferred not to spend 3 hours of my day staring at someone's tailpipe.

But you should go...really :p

[chazwicke]

The T as in MTA? Have they ever found Charlie?:D

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by chazwicke
It is sounding better and better. Tell us more about the Real Ale Fest.

Here's a link to some info on BA:

http://www.beeradvocate.com/events/calendar.php?show=3674

Didn't see a list of breweries, but last year I remember a few names:

DFH - had their Olde School BWine on cask
Southampton Publick House
McKenzie's
Victory
Concord Brewing - had North Woods Ale
Smuttynose
Magic Hat
Adnams - had Broadside and something else
Middle Ages Brewing
Troutbrook (Thomas Hooker)
etc.

Also, the host, BruRm@BAR, had some good stuff flowing - a killer mild that I thought was one of the top beers. Brick oven pizza. Gets a little cozy, but it's a good time. I'm sure there'll be more info once tix go on sale.

Cheers!

[chazwicke]

Thanks for the link. Let us know when tix go on sale please. Bruno? You up for these?

[Bruno_78]

Very possible, I'd probably come out there for the week, is there enough around the area to keep a beer lover busy for a week?

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by Bruno_78
Very possible, I'd probably come out there for the week, is there enough around the area to keep a beer lover busy for a week?

Plenty.

-Harpoon and Sam Adams are in the city and have tours.
-Redbones is a kick-ass BBQ-beer joint.
-Anam Cara is an insanely great beer bar that will be hosting events in conjunction with the EBF.
-Cambridge Brewing Co., John Harvard's, Rock Bottom and Watch City brewpubs are worth your time.
-Bukowski's, Big City, Sunset Grille, etc. - beer bars
-The Tap brewpub is less than an hour north on the train and worth the ride (or 35-40 minutes by car)
-Lots of other beer spots nearby if you have a car - Concord Brewery (brewpub and brewery in one), The Horseshoe Pub (75+ taps), etc.
-Plenty of great stores to fill your luggage with beer
-Oh, and Boston is a pretty cool, historic, architecturally interesting place if you need a break from beer

Get there!

[chazwicke]

Not to mention good food. Seafood, Portugese and Italian.

[Stahlsturm]

Originally posted by newportstorm
Oh, you stupid, stubborn, silly man! (Kramer quote - no offense)

Were you under the impression that the $10 billion+ black hole, we call the Big Dig would make everything easier? Mwahahahahaha! It just serves to beguile, confuse, enrage. And to expect more than a passing "Move it, retahhd" from angry Bostonians in a similar pickle would be asking a bit much.

The T is a better option for moving around the city. Or simply stay far, far, far away - lest you be swallowed by the World's Biggest Carwash - aka the Big Dig tunnels (flashback to Sly Stallone's "Daylight").

I ain't a city guy myself. Left a job in Boston because I preferred not to spend 3 hours of my day staring at someone's tailpipe.

But you should go...really :p

Been to Boston a few times... I never found it particularly challenging. But then, I know my way around in places like Paris, Florence or Barcelona. After that nothing the USA throws at you can scare you anymore, hehehe.

[chazwicke]

I know the French have not been very good friends with us lately but Paris is an extraordinarily beautiful city and a wonderful place to visit. I love it. And I do know some good beer places there. I also always enjoy Boston and the surrounding areas.

[newportstorm]

If you are planning to be in Boston early - here's some info on the Stone 6.6.6 pre party at Anam Cara, the night before the EBF:

http://beeradvocate.com/events/calendar.php?show=3721

And the pre-pre party with Dogfish Head:

http://beeradvocate.com/events/calendar.php?show=3768

And who knows, there might be a pre-pre-pre Party!!

And though details are scarce right now, there is usually a "Hair of the Dog" brunch the following day at a local brewpub, beer bar, etc.

Cheers!

[Bruno_78]

Ok, Chaz, I think we should start planning this NOW!

I want to go!!!!

[chazwicke]

Give me the dates that you want to be there.

[Bruno_78]

I tentatively have January 16th until February 1st. I've not solidified any plans for that first week, but the second week is open.

Maybe the 26th thru 30th. Something like that.

Do we have any members IN boston?

[chazwicke]

Let me check on the dates for FABfest in Miami. If no conflict, I meet you up there.

[chazwicke]

http://216.185.153.102/fabfest/t/start.cfm?SITE_ID=1&LANG=L1

Looks like the Festival will be in March and has changes Venues. No longer right on the beach in South Beach.

This possibly conflicts with My trip to Costa Rica and or Chicago Real Ale Festival (Any word on that yet Steveh?)

BUT..........Looks like I may have that timeframe for Boston open.


I'll be in Las Vegas Jan. 7-11. CES is on during that same time. Any board members attending CES?

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Bruno_78
I tentatively have January 16th until February 1st. I've not solidified any plans for that first week, but the second week is open.

Maybe the 26th thru 30th. Something like that.

Do we have any members IN boston?

Count me in

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by Bruno_78
Do we have any members IN boston?

I don't know of a way to search the database for members in a geographic region. There's gotta be at least a few in Boston. I know there will be 100+ BeerAdvocates there from all over the place. Not sure if I'll be there or if I am going to the CT Real Ale Fest on Sunday (not both). Have to decide soon...

Cheers!

[chazwicke]

I'd like to go to both.

[Bruno_78]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I'd like to go to both.


My thoughts exactly.

[Bruno_78]

Hey Chaz, Looks like I'll be able to get $199 Round trip south bend, to boston. Cool!

[jalstromer]

List of speakers is almost done:

http://beeradvocate.com/fests/ebf/speakers/

[Bruno_78]

Got tickets ordered for both events. This looks like it's going to be a GREAT week!

[jalstromer]

The beer list is shaping up ... take a look:

http://beeradvocate.com/fests/ebf/beers/

[chazwicke]

Wow! Looking forward to it.

[Bruno_78]

Any word on those tickets yet, chaz?

[chazwicke]

Still waiting on tickets for Connecticut. I tried to get my buddy to agree to stopping at Foxwoods when we are in Connecticut too. He's not much of a gambler.

[Bruno_78]

I sent an email to terry to get a confirmation. What's foxwoods? A casino?

[chazwicke]

Yeah. I've not been there before. Don't mind trying my luck now and then.:D

[Bruno_78]

Hey Chaz, I got status on my tickets from Terry, if you haven't seen yours yet, you should call him and make sure they got your check.

[Bruno_78]

Got those tickets today, Chaz, any word on yours?

[chazwicke]

Just got home last night. Have not looked over the mail. Do you still have Terry's number?

[Bruno_78]

I just got it off the BA website. Mountain View Wines? or something like that.

[chazwicke]

I'll look over the mail more closely this evening. If they are not there then I'll give him a call tomorrow. I'm getting thirsty!

[Bruno_78]

I think this is going to be my best beer road trips yet. Considering I've only taken one other one.

[chazwicke]

There is no such thing as a BAD beer trip. :D

[Bruno_78]

Looks like I picked the wrong week to go to Boston!

(cheesy "airplane" reference, And yes, I'm old enough to remember that movie!)

We're leaving out early in the morning, they SHOULD have the streets cleaned up there by tomorrow night, right?

[chazwicke]

Bruno, I'm leaving Wednesday evening and taking in several Brewpubs on my way up. I have both your's and Newport's cell numbers. I'm looking forward to meeting both of you. Have a safe trip. See you Saturday if not before.

[Bruno_78]

I can't wait! This is gonna be great!

[newportstorm]

Both the Extreme Beer Fest and CT Real Ale Fest are SOLD OUT! Both promise to be kick-ass festivals - those who thought about buying tix but procrastinated....see ya next year! Can't wait!

Cheers!

[Xaos]

Just got home from the extreme beer fest, had a great time...
Who knew you could get so drunk from those tiny glasses? Anyway I'll be there next fest!

[newportstorm]

EBF was awesome!! Packed house, but not unbearable - hardly any real lines except briefly for the DFH special releases. Great to meet bruno78 & chazwicke - two real beer lovers that made loooong drives to attend the fest (and the CT Real Ale Fest on Sunday). Too many great beers to be able to try them all. Water and food kept my feeling OK 'til the end, though. Til next year....or until May, when the New England Beerfest rolls around!

Cheers!

[chazwicke]

I had a great time at both fests although the CT Fest was Way too crowded and became a chore just to get beers. I really enjoyed meeting both Newport and Bruno. Both great guys. Wish we had known Xaos was there. I ran into other folks I knew at both fests so that was also nice. Our trip consisted of 10 breweries / brewpubs and the 2 fests. Not too bad for 4 days.

Westchester Iron Hill, General Lafayette, Ship Inn, Keegans, Guilded Otter, Great Barrington, Northampton, John Harvard, Extreme Fest, Boston Rock Bottom, Bru and Connecticut cask ale fest.

Thanks Newport for the beers and glass. My car was in valet oblivian but I'll send the beer I had brought for you. It was a real pleasure meeting you guys and I'm already thinking about the next fest there. I liked the venue much.