All the News Fit to Brew at Bonnaroo 2015

The sun is setting on another 90+ degree day and a large crowd has assembled in the middle of a field in Tennessee. Music fans sprawl on the grass or stand reverently as Florence and the Machine take the stage, launching into a stirring set of songs backed by an angelic choir and a backdrop of shimmering sequins. Fast-forward a day and some change; the stars are out, the act is Billy Joel, and thousands of sweaty festival-goers are swaying as one to the familiar strains of Piano Man. 

 

For me, Bonnaroo 2015 was a blur of pop, folk, rock and blues, the intoxicating smell of bacon and fresh glazed Amish Baking Co donuts, the thrill of catching headliners and the joy of discovering new music. It was also a welcome return to the Broo’ers Festival — Bonnaroo’s selection of craft offerings from across the country — and daily 30-minute Broo U sessions, offering the chance to chat with experts about topics like canning and bourbon barrel aging techniques.

Walking across the Festival pavilion, it’s possible to sample brews from the East Coast, the West Coast, and in between. As Evan Sutherland of Superfly Presents [co-creators of the festival] related to me, “We try to curate smaller, local breweries for people that are coming from New York and California that want to try Nashville beer, but at the same time we have a large portion of locals from Alabama and Georgia, and we want them to have the opportunity to try something from, say, Elysian in Seattle or Green Flash from San Diego.”

Twenty-four brewers in one tent was a lot to tackle, but I did my honorable best to try as many summer lagers, pilsners and ales as I could during my three-day stay in Manchester. Along the way I took some time to chat with the folks behind the beer. Liz Bradshaw, Events Manager for San Diego-based Green Flash Brewing Company, introduced me to their West Coast IPA and 30th Street Pale Ale. She also told me what was behind the scenes at the brewer campgrounds (surprisingly, a kiddie pool and disc golf). As a Bonnaroo newcomer, she was excited to see Terrapin and Founders in attendance; both breweries Green Flash has collaborated with in the past. She shared, “The craft beer industry is just one big happy family. We’re all still in the minority compared to macro brewing companies, so we’re all working together for a common goal.”

Paul Vaughn, founder of Nashville’s Bearded Iris, had an enviable one-hour drive from the brewery’s brand new 10,000 square foot facility in Germantown to reach Bonnaroo, with his flagship DIPA, Habit, in tow. As a five-time festival attendee, Paul was psyched to be on the other side of the beer booth this time around. When asked what shows he most looked forward to, he listed Kendrick Lamar, Run the Jewels and War on Drugs. 

Lauren Cifizzari, Florida Marketing Manager for Founders Brewing Company, had a seven-hour drive to reach the campgrounds, so she made the most of her time in Manchester catching electronic music acts and sharing the Michigan-based brewery’s offerings with old and future fans. When asked about the All Day IPA served at the Founders booth, she revealed, “You get nice, citrusy flavors from the Amarillo and Simcoe hops. It’s beautiful, crisp, refreshing; perfect for this weather.” Another of my festival favorites, Kentucky Ale’sKölsch, was similarly easy to drink. 

A lot of the attendees at Broo’ers Festival had warm weather on the brain when they picked out their wares. As Mike Fann from Brooklyn Brewery explained, “We brought our Summer Ale because it’s hot out here. It’s super sessionable.” When asked why Bonnaroo was so interested in promoting craft beer, he offered this wise explanation: “Beer always makes for a good time, but the variety here gives you something new to try. Everyone’s brought something different to the table. Even if all you try is pale ales, everyone makes those differently.” 

My mission for Bonnaroo 2016 is clear: Compare and contrast takes on one style of beer. Wish me luck!