Festiv-Ale

August 26, 2006

"This is a benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation" I repeated to myself as I entered the Festive-Ale after purchasing my $45 ticket. I approached the venue, body vibrating from the unmeasurably loud rock music, and was Immediately let down by the sight of the large, hot-looking tent-like structure which certainly contained all the food and beverages. Not much of a problem, normally, but it was a very warm day, humid, and spitting rain. I circled the tent 360 degrees, half of that with fingers-in-ears, and found the small opening. People were trickling in then trickling out in bottle-neck fashion, like an entrance to one of the bathrooms at Verizon Wireless Music Center. I shouldered my way in...

Walking in a straight line was not possible inside the tent. It was dark and everyone was heading in a different direction, bumping into or detouring around one another. Apart from Main Street Brewing and Oaken Barrel, there wasn't much of a platform for the Indiana breweries. Yes, Rock Bottom and others from Indiana were there, Shlafly and others from out of state, but it seemed their focus was on serving, not educating. But how could they given the intensity of that bad music blaring in their ears? The quarters were tight, cramped and unorganized. Did I mention it was hard to move around? Poor Cavalier was stuck right next to the band. "This is for charity."

So what good can be said about the Festiv-Ale? There were some surprises. The silent auction was one. Tables and tables of items to bid on, many craft-beer related, like a growler sampler from Oaken Barrel and a private beer tasting for 12 of your friends compliments of Cavalier. There were other items of modern brewerania, signs, posters and the like. But my pockets were not deep enough to bid. It was fun to browse, though. Another plus was the food. Several restaurants catered providing small portions of some pretty tasty food. Everything from fish and chips to chicken tacos to pizza to crab cakes. And another plus was beer, lots of it. No waiting in line, generous pours, and a good variety. But you had to get outside to enjoy your food and beer- through that darned bottle neck of sweaty people. "This is for charity."

I think the Festiv-Ale could be a great beer tasting event. Some of the ingredients would have to be changed. Here are several that come to mind... 1. Invite the Foam Blowers. 2. Hold the event both inside and outside the restaurant, 3. Hire an Irish band and keep the volume reasonable, 4. Invite the brewers of the beer served at the event and reward them for attending, and 5. Improve air circulation.

Summary: If you've been looking for a festival centered around learning about and tasting craft beer, this year's Festiv-Ale may not have been for you. But, perhaps next year's might be? Our fingers are crossed!