A Craft Beer Writer Attempts to Remember FWIBF 2017

Covering a beer festival is a tricky line to walk as a journalist. And when attending one of the premier beer festivals in the world, it’s not always easy to get the whole story. Sure, if you’re not much of a beer drinker, have an iron will or a tolerance the size of Texas, you might do a stellar job covering such things.

But being that we’re the cream of the craft beer press, we take pride in our liquid depravity and despite our best intentions when presented with 6+ hours of unlimited pours, we were still unable to sample a vast majority of the 150+ beers on hand at Firestone Walker’s 6^th Annual Invitational Beer Fest. So we had to take a shit-ton of pictures in order to re-create what (to the best of our estimation) did in fact go down while baking in the 95 degree heat of Paso on Saturday.

So here’s what happened, as best we can remember…

Before the gates opened, the hour+ VIP session was quiet. We raced from 3 Floyds, to Side Project, then Omnipollo and Garage Project as they were some of the longest lines of the day. And for good reason…

Omnipollo (Sweden) collaboration with Dugges Bryggeri (Sweden) called Anagram – a Bourbon Barrel Aged Blueberry Cheesecake Stout, with soft-serve added to the tasting glass.

Garage Project’s Yuzu Sun Rising (a pour of Yuzu Sour below, Raspberry Sour on top) overlooking the International Tent.

Side Project’s Derivation (Blend #6) – Imperial Stout

Three Floyds’ Sicario Pina – Muscat barrelled, Pineapple Brett Saison.

…and then the gates were opened at Noon; the crowds and lines grew and it was now around 90 degrees.

So I got into those lines I knew I needed to try before the taps disappeared… like Other Half.

Their hazy Daydream in Green DIPA was probably the best of the style at the fest.

…and they were one of the first to kick all their kegs a few hours later.

Then, unlike the smart folks under the shady coverings with spraying misters, I got back in line.

And after a tasty pour of Trillium’s Night and Day, I got in Russian River’s line for some 2017 Beatification.

Eventually the heat won, though I thumbed my nose at it with another heavy stout, this time, Cigar City’s Hunahpu’s. And rinsed my glass with one of the water mister’s on hand…

 Then there were great tastes from Creature Comforts, Gigantic and Fonta Flora, three different delicious samples from Highland Park, but it was the last few hours that were most fun. First, meeting Cory King from Side Project and sampling their Anabasis Blend #2.

And soon it was “3:15” at the Firestone Walker Barrelworks taps: aka, the unleashing of the 3 Liters…

El Gourdo: Probably the best Pumpkin Beer I’ve ever had, because it didn’t taste like all the rest. A wild/sour delight.

Before we knew it, the festival was pretty much over, with Brewmaster Matt Brynildson awarding the People’s Choice Award for the Brewery of the Fest.

Which for the second year in a row went to Side Project Brewing.

A huge thank you to everyone at Firestone Walker for continuing to put on the best festival in the industry. We feel privileged to have been invited again ourselves.

Though next year, to better survive the heat, we might just follow the lead of this smart festival goer…