Leading up to this event I was not at all enthused.  I was perfectly willing to work and miss this event if I must. My initial schedule conflicted with the date of this event. Leading up to the event I was questioned by confirmed attendees and with resignation answered: “Can’t make it sorry, I have to work.”

Even when the opportunity to switch my schedule arose I still balked.  I switched the schedule around and then considered Springhouse’s oyster fest instead of Imminent Liquidation.  I then received saintly information confirming that I would not have to drive to the event courtesy of two excellent souls.  I promptly pulled the trigger.  I wasn’t sure what to expect even then.  I mean how great could it be?

This great….

.

How in the world could I have considered not being there?  I suppose my reticence came from the fact that I had never attended this event before.  I’m incredibly glad I overcame that.

This well-furnished meeting hall played host to, I hope I’m not exaggerating the number, fifty-plus guests.  The space was ample and the facilities comfortable and well maintained.  A resounding applause to Ted for facilitating the use of this location.  Alas, I was too beer focused to snap more pictures, but the deck, spaciousness of the building, parking, cleanliness, and overall comfort made for the perfect environs.  Perhaps fate smiled on this event as the weather was even perfectly appropriate.

So upon this lodge a convergence of beer enthusiasts did occur.   My offerings were far outclassed by the whales that were offered with magnanimity and enthusiasm.  Some favorites from the event were a few wild ales from Almanac, rare Lost Abbey offerings, a decadent Black Tuesday vertical, vintage Alaskan Smoked porters, Shorts Carrot Cake, anything from Three Floyds, and of course the Hunahpus.

To evaluate the litany of amazing beers would take hours, and the quality of the offering in general was world class.  Additionally, after a certain point, I’d venture just about every beer consumed was spectacular.  My excess likely led me to offend one very generous and informative attendee. (Sorry Karl)

But what struck me most was how I felt about the people at this event.  Perchance fueled by the shared brews, or possibly by a mutual appreciation of the craft, I don’t feel I could have engaged a more pleasant group of people.  Everyone shared happily and willingly with each other.  It pleased me to even make several new beer friends. There were a few closely guarded (and probably rightly so) circles for tastes of extreme rarities.  That aside though, the generosity on display was magnificent.

Several tasty home-brews were shared around, along with some helpful tips.  I, being more recent into the brewing world, was very grateful for any and all trade secrets.  Dan shared copious amounts of charcuterie from Rooster Street Provisions.  Several others brought snacks and cheeses.  Al’s of Hampden made a delicious 17 pizza donation in absentia.  Various glassware and beer-geek items were donated through several businesses and raffled off to attendees.

The spirit of fellowship and camaraderie overwhelmed the event.  My only regret was strangely towards a beer tool that I use frequently, Untappd.  While I find this app to be useful in tracking my beers, and also in the evaluation process, I found its use distracting.  I checked into an admittedly excessive number of beers, and consequently drained my phone; thus pleasantly facilitating my connection with kindly Vince who shared of his phone charger.  There was a perpetual checking in of beers and beer-gush photo snapping.  I found myself wondering, if not for all this digital activity, might I and others have had a more organic experience with all these terrific people present?

The day sped along and the conclusion filtered many people from the event.  A booze fueled karaoke fest ensued with a close group of acquaintances, whereupon I opted to make my finest impersonation of a donkey.  We braved swirling gusts of wind to our vehicles and absconded leaving little trace of the unbelievable occasion.

I’m already excited for next year.

The most painful lesson learned from this event though is, do not, under any circumstances, work at seven o’clock the next morning.

Humbly yours,

J