Jim Parker, beermaker, former Colorado tavern owner and now editor of Zymurgy magazine, offers some tips to adventurers taking on the task of navigating the 1,669 beers at this year’s Great American Beer Festival.
His advice from Zymurgy’s September-October issue:
“Even if you attended every minute of every session, there is no way you could sample every beer in the hall. Even with the 1-ounce samples, that would be 11 gallons of beer.”
Instead, he advises moderation – or least organization.
Pick a style, from wheat to stout, and sample a variety from different parts of the country, then compare the ones you liked best with the judges’ decisions.
Pick a region, perhaps one you’ve never seen or never will see, try beers from that area. Beers from the Pacific Northwest, for example, are much hoppier than those from the Southeast.
Taste former medal winners. Or, as one attendee did, try only beers with birds or dogs in their name.
And, says Parker, don’t forget to eat, appoint a designated driver or take a cab home at the end of the evening.
More hints from Marty Nachel, author of “Beer for Dummies:”
Take and use your festival program.
Go early, avoid the crowds. Thursday’s session is usually the least crowded.
Get your sample, get away from the table.
Take notes about the beers you taste.
Accept anything handed out free.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Remember, it’s a beer tasting, not a beer guzzling.
-Dick Kreck
