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As most of you know, our own “Daddy” is a beer connoisseur. Yes, he drinks it- but he also brews it and belongs to a brew group, and is very, very serious about all this. The Atlantic City Beer Fest is one of the times during the year where fellow beer lovers (and drinkers) get together and celebrate this shared pastime- even if they are in various stages of beer devotion. 🙂
This review is from Daddy’s point of view- since mommy doesn’t drink.
Last weekend, there occurred a yearly event celebrating all things beer. This event was the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival. There were information sessions from beer brewers and experts, local chefs using beer in their recipes then giving out samples as well as the beer tasting, with over 80 breweries in attendance (each with on average two different beer types).
Every microbrewery you can think of was in attendance. This includes not only big name beers likes Sam Adams were there but also smaller brewers like Dog Fish Head and even Great Divide. Going from booth to booth gave me the change to check out the finest beers available, giving those lucky enough to attend the chance to drink some truly unique brews.
As you may have noticed, the beer fest is not only a beer fest- it was the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival. There was also some interesting bands playing, which added to the fun and playful atmosphere of the event.
The music set the perfect background for a beer festival.
There were a few different set ups brewers had available. Some went with the traditional, one lighter colored beer(ale/lager) on one tap and a dark one (porter/stout) on another, this acted as a perfect introduction to your new favorite beer. Another set up was bring out something new or a rarer premium beer. Sam Adams had a smoked bock which was very good. Boaks had a sour beer which was very interesting and had a very limited run. All Boaks’ beer is great, if you try Monster Mash and tell me you aren’t knocked over with taste and the alcohol content, pushing 10%, I wouldn’t even know how to respond to you. Dog Fish Head had their 120 minute IPA which was a wonderful beer with a great hop profile and nose.
For a change of flavor, mead and ciders were also available. The best part of mead and ciders is this was a beer festival, so people often shied away from them leading, which led to the shortest lines. My favorite mead was Zombie Killer by B Nektar Meadery, which is a Cherry Cider that is a phenomenally flavored cider with tart cherry. Angry Orchard also had a great ginger cider which had such a great nose on it, like a spiced apple pie.
All brewers had great beer flowing right until the clock sounded and the show was over.
The vendors in attendance sold everything beer related to just fun. The ACBF Suit Guys sold t-shirts which look like suits. Also every beer, keg, and glassware related product was available. Even a Kegtender, which sits on top of your keg and keeps your glass from falling over while refilling. Also beer pong tables which were refrigerated to keep the game going without drinking warm beer made by BD Pong.
This was the perfect way to spend an afternoon/ weekend in Atlantic City. I would suggest one who enjoys beer attends, preferable with a friend or two and spends the evening after the show at a local hotel.
We stayed at The Tropicana, only a few blocks away. The Tropicana has a great location to all things happening in Atlantic City. It’s right on the beach, has tons of food located right inside the hotel and casino, and is located right in the center of anything you want to go to in AC. After spending the day at the Beer Festival, we were glad to have so many food choices right inside the hotel. The Tropicana was packed to the brim and had the most active night life on the boardwalk- which really made for a fun evening out.
I am a huge beer fan myself. I went to this event in the afternoon 2 years ago. It was a great way to try many different kinds of beer. I want to go to the night session but I missed out because the even tis sold out now.
I would love to go to a beer festival 🙂 Always wanted to go. There use to be one every year back in VA where I am from but I would much rather go to one in AC. Great pic of the old boardwalk.
Hubby and I both like drinking beer. But he’s more apt to try new flavors where I generally stick with what I know. lol It definitely sounds like a great time!
I’m not a beer drinker but I can see where this would be great for anyone who is!
You had me at beer! I’m in…when do we leave 🙂
Such a cool hobby! Sounds like a fun event!
This sounds like a lot of fun! I used to not like beer at all, but have recently expanded my palate, I guess you can say, and have found a few I really like. 🙂
Ugh, See this is why I miss NY. I was close enough for cool stuff like this lol
Well I have some beer lovers in my family so I’ll pass on the link. Even though I don’t drink I did enjoy reading the review and all the varieties available. Sounds like you had a great time.
Sounds cool! I’m not a much beer fan myself (except when I make Guinness buttercream frosting)- but my dad would love to go to a festival like this 🙂