In April, the first ever Slow Fest was held in Boston, MA. Put on by Dig Publishing (the folks who publish Beer Advocate Magazine), Slow Fest was a celebration of low alcohol beers (under 5% alcohol by volume or ABV). As a big “session beer” fan (a term used to describe lower alcohol beers) I was excited to get a chance to attend this event.
The Slow Fest included over 30 breweries, including some that would surprise you to know brew quite a few low alcohol beers, like Stone and Victory. In addition, the Slow Fest incorporated an element of slow food to accompany the “slow” beer.
Slow Food is a movement that is centered around getting people to be more aware of where their food comes from and taking the time to enjoy meals. It’s essentially the complete opposite of “Fast Food”. A perfect pairing for craft beer, which despite a debate on the definition of the term, really is the opposite of mass produced beer.
The event was a great chance to try a lot of flavorfull beers, perfect as the temperatures rise and session beers become more of what I crave.
Hopefully they will do this event again next year. If they do I will certainly be there, and as always, I”’ be here for the beer.
In this episode we talk about Beer Advocate Meet Ups. They are a great way to meet other beer enthusiast in your area. BA Meet Ups occur all over the country, to find one near you go to the events page on Beer Advocates website. Most recently we attended the BA Meet Up in Vermont, this one was at Otter Creek Brewery in Middlebury. There was an amazing selection of beers including homebrews, rare beers, production breweries test batches, and beers from all over the US and the world. Some of the big labels at our event were Westvleteren 12, New Glarus Raspberry Tart, Russian River Damnation,New England Imperial Stout Trouper and the list goes on and on. What I like most is you can try these rare beers along side of more popular beers in the same style and determine for yourself what is hype and what is truly a world class beer. That and of course all of the great friends we make.
Thank you Mike Garhart for hosting this event and Ruth Miller for organizing and executing it. We had a blast and look forward to seeing everyone again soon, Cheers from here for the beer.
In December of 2008 the Brick Store Pub was named the #2 Best Beer Bar on the Planet Earth, by Beer Advocate Magazine. It is pretty easy to see why this Beer Bar is a favorite of many. From the casual and conversation centered atmosphere (no TV’s or blaring music) to the incredible selection of unique and interesting beers to a competent staff which is well educated about the beers – Brick Store Pub truly stands out in the crowd. Add all of that to a solid menu of tasty food and you have a winner.
In this first episode from Brick Store (we seperated out our tour of their cellar – it is worthy of its own episode) we talk with co-owner Dave Blanchard about the restaurant and pub and how they played an integral part in converting Georgia into a haven for beer lovers and take a look around the pub and restaurant.
Be sure to keep an eye on our site (or subscribe, or follow us on Twitter) for part 2 of this episode where we head downstairs with Lee Dickson (beer manager) on an exclusive tour of their beer cellar.
If you are in the Atlanta area be sure to check out The Brick Store Pub. It’s just an easy train ride to Decatur, the train leaves you just about a block away from the Pub.
Brick Store Pub
125 E. Court Square
Decatur, Georgia 30030
phone: (404) 687-0990 WebsiteMap
