Only The Curious

I blog about a lot of things here, but one of my interests that I haven’t written about on this blog is craft beer. So, add it to the list. Today the Great American Beer Festival takes over Denver (well, really beer madness started taking over about a week ago) and there’s a ton of buzz about it. I’ve talked to several friends in the last few days who are going to GABF for the first time this year, and realized there are some things that are helpful for newbies to know. So, here you go:

1) Make a pretzel necklace. I know this sounds kind of ridiculous, but trust me, you’ll want one. Grab some twine or ribbon (don’t use dental floss- the salt on the pretzels shreds it) and string as many pretzels as you can on it. I highly recommend adding some string cheeses as well, and possibly some beef jerky if you’re into that kind of thing.

Why?

For one, the pretzels serve as a palate-cleanser between beers. For two, pretzels and other salty things taste good when you’re drinking beer. For three, it serves as a snack and something to get in your belly while you’re trying a bajillion kinds of beer. Also, EAT BEFORE YOU GO. Convention center food is mediocre at best, and you’ll want to have some padding in your stomach. If you don’t feel like cooking, a fleet of food trucks will be parked outside the festival this year. But you can’t leave and re-enter, so get there early and get food first.

2) Plan transportation home that doesn’t involve you driving. Bike, get a cab, have your little brother come get you, walk, take the bus, take the light rail, but don’t plan to drive.

Why?

Even if you’re not planning on getting drunk, you probably will. Four hours is a long time, and the little one-ounce samples may not seem like much beer, but if you’ve ever done a power hour you know that you can get plenty drunk on little shots of beer. That’s not to mention that most of what will be at the festival will be big, often strong beers. Especially if you’re usually more the coors type, we’re talking about more alcohol than you’re used to in your brews. Also parking downtown will be expensive and a pain in the ass. Ride your bike. But lock it up well. Or better yet, get a bcycle for the night.

3) Be ready to wait in line. The line at the door forms early and wraps around the building. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of beer for everyone, but be ready to stand around for awhile. Also recommended to get there before the session start time.

Why?

Because this festival draws people from all over the country, who have waited all year for this event. The GABF is, in fact, the definitive annual beer competition. You may be going just for fun, because your significant other wanted to, or because you kind of like beer, but a lot of the people here are SERIOUS about this event.

4) Drink water. There are water stations all over throughout the event. Stop, grab a cup, and chug it, at least once an hour if not more. Just do it.

Why?

Because we all know that drinking dehydrates you. Four hours is a long time to go without drinking water regardless, but it’s even more important when you’re drinking. A lot of people don’t want to drink water because they’re worried about getting their money’s worth of beer tasting, or because they don’t want to have to stop and pee (you’re going to have to anyway, at some point) or they forget to because they’re already consuming liquids all night. But the thing to keep in mind is that you’re trying a lot of different kinds of beers – you’re basically mixing all night long. You will have a headache tomorrow if you don’t hydrate like crazy.

5) Don’t drop your cup unless you like LOVE being the center of attention.

why?

At GABF when you drop your cup, everyone within 300 yards of you will stop, point and yell “ohhhhhhh” like you’re a second grader who just swore on the playground. Also if you hear lots of people shouting, this is probably why.

Those are my tips for absolute must-dos for beginners. I also recommend having a plan of action – knowing which beers you want to try and which you don’t want to wait in line for, but chances are as a newbie, you’ll have fun just trying whatever looks good. That’s a valid strategy too.

HAVE FUN and come visit Island K if you’re there Thursday or Saturday night, I’ll be there volunteer pouring. Happy sampling!

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