It's Always Sunny at BeerFests-- Especially Indoors (Part One)
For a while, many folks wondered if Spring would ever get here. This past weekend, it did, and it was glorious. The favorable weather allowed yours truly to attend two different beerfests in two states, and, though decidedly different in scope and appeal, both were spectacular.
The first, on Saturday, was in Jersey City. and though the beer action (and the cider, Smirnoff, bourbon, food, bric-a-brac and clothing action) took place indoors in The Atrium, the venue used the magnificent NYC skyline as a backdrop. On a sunny day, there aren't many vistas that can top it, especially with temps in the 60's that allowed for sitting, perambulating or posing on the deck.
Many beer vendors, both in-state and out-of state, plied their wares in a jovial and upbeat, albeit pretty crowded, festival area. My buddy Paul and I estimated that well over 1,000 beer nuts showed up to mingle, sip and sample. Live music added to the festive atmosphere.
It was serendipitous that the very first brewery proffering their products upon entering was Rahway's Wet Ticket, and there's no way The PubScout is not jumping on that Trolley Hopper--even if it's only three ounces at a time. But there were many other outstanding breweries present, and every one had a line in front of it.
My man Rob Muscatello was manning the Southern Tier stand, so a visit there was obligatory. I hoped against hope that he'd have some Monstrosus on hand (if you've never had it, run, don't walk, to get some), but it wasn't in the cards. What was in Muscatello's cards, however, was a secret out-of-this-world 10% stout called Samoa This. Chanting its name, Paul and I kept going back for Samoa This. We even tipped some comely lasses to its existence, and Rob, being the gentleman he is, introduced them to what good beer is supposed to taste like. They, too, wanted Samoa This.
I also stumbled upon a Belgian IPA I had not yet had. Called Thorberg Five Hop, it received higher ratings on Untapped than Duvel or LaChouffe. Using a mixture of European and American hops, namely Mosaic, Citra, Golding, Willamette and Equinox, and dry-hopped with secondary fermentation in the bottle, it was surprisingly different and good. NEIPA Nuts probably won't go for it, but those who have broader horizons than just hazy, dank and juicy, will, I believe, find it very satisfactory. I sure did.
Long Trail had an exceptional IPA, Lagunitas offered a superb 9% Imperial ESB (!) and Cypress had an excellent porter ready to go. After sampling three or four of each, it was time to hit the deck, get some air and meet some people--which we did. Below, lovely Marie and Satthia, from Montreal, but working and living in the city, were as pleasant and cordial as could be, despite having to entertain two geezers who ambled over and commandeered seats at their table. (There is something oddly satisfying in being the oldest beer nuts at a festival, too.)
As The PubScout has long maintained, you meet the nicest people at beerfests, and Jason, sisters Lisa and Nicole (top) and many others proved my point at the Jersey City Beerfest.
It was truly a topnotch event held in an iconic setting on a perfect day. The event was well-run and well-managed, and if you get the opportunity next year, don't miss it. When you add in the special Fest parking fee of just $5, it was a homerun, considering the normal parking situation in JC. Many thanks to my son Kaz and his lady-love Emily who gave me the tix for my birthday. See what happens when you raise them right? Cheers!
The PubScout
