Event Review - Big Texas Beer Fest 2012

I so wanted to go, but previous commitments kept me away, so some of the other Snobs made the trip.  Thus as a treat, we have a guest event review penned by Saint Bernardus.  Enjoy.

This past weekend the crew and I attended the First Annual Big Texas Beer Fest at Fair Park. Being the first of its kind (around here anyway) I was skeptical as to how successful this might be (having heard less than flattering reviews of the Brew at the Zoo event this past fall, AND from our very own Bon Vivant no less!). With that, it took a little prodding to get me to go along, but I figured at the very least being in the company of good friends would make it all worth while, so I agreed. Viewing the brewery list from the event website also greased the wheels for me and my skepticism began to fade.

Upon arriving at the Fair Park Automobile Building we were disappointed to find a rather long line made up of a dejected looking bunch, in queue waiting to get in. What we didn’t know, but would very soon learn is that line would extend well BEYOND the main gates of the park! Amazingly, in spite of the large number of people, the incredible length of the line, the threat of rain (a drop or two hit me), AND only one damn door open with which to get in, the line moved rather quickly! Once in you’re given a ticket, which only a few feet away you exchange for a commemorative Big Texas Beer Fest taster cup (2 oz.) and a “sample card” made up of 12 spaces to check off as you taste beer. The ticket to sample card exchange seemed a little redundant, but oh well.

On to the beers…the breweries represented and their selections were not bad. There were probably not as many seasonal or rare tappings available as I would like to have seen, but just the same we were able to try a few new beers (new to us anyway) like Ballast Point Sculpin IPA and Alaskan Amber Ale. We couldn’t pass up on a few old favorites either like Abbeye de Leffe Blonde and Orval Trappist Ale. Other than beer there were craft soft drinks available like Denton’s Armadillo Ale Works Ginger Ale and even a cheese table, which I’m sorry to say I didn’t sample. It was encouraging to see several of the new local breweries were on hand like Peticolas and Deep Ellum to name a few.

Generally, the lines inside were not terribly long, moved quickly, and if you happen to be a fan of Pabst Blue Ribbon or Lone Star, well, there was virtually no wait at all, a sight I found particularly comical! Oh, and shame on the two food trucks that skipped out!! It was an hour and half wait in those lines. You would’ve made a killing!!

Overall, I would say it was a success. Sure, there were a few misteps here and there, but nothing that would warrant not returning next year.

Berny
http://www.bigtexasbeerfest.com/