Brewer's Fest

Last Saturday we made the annual trip to downtown Harrisburg for Brewer's Fest sponsored by Troegs. This an outdoor activity, rain or shine, and some of the best craft brewers show up here. The entire event benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, so you get to feel good about feeling good.

Some of the highlights were:

Oskar Blues. This brewery continues to impress me with their consistent good tasting beer. They push the limit of styles, with Imperial Reds (G'Knight) and stout (Ten Fiddy), and cram more hops than previously thought possible in the Gubna.

Duquesne Brewing Company. This small newcomer revived the old Rolling Rock Brewery, and their one on-hand brew was refreshingly good. Even better, is the relatively inexpensiveness for a case of it.

Straub. Even though it always seems like your grandfather was the only one who drank the stuff, it still is one of the freshest beers around. Of particular interest was the Special Dark. Those who typically turn their noses up at darker grogs, really should put this one on the "Need to Try" list.

Nodding Head. Every time I try one of their beers I am reminded why I don't like it. Always unimpressive, and the bobble head is more annoying than anything else. Sorry, not digging this one.

Dogfish Head. I love how Sam always tries something different, incorporating odd and unique ingredients. The Brown Ale is still great, the Festina Peche is still terrible.

Original Sin Cidery. More often than not, I steer clear of ciders. The sickeningly sweet ones more than something dry and less sugary. Their Pear Cider was outstanding, and I will look to make a batch of it myself.

Obviously I didn't try every beer there....or did I and I just can't remember??