This is my third year covering the Valpo Brewfest. It's only my favorite event of the year. People having a good time, breweries showing off their craft, a great setting, and so...much...beer.
Like previous years, the event sold out quickly because many people feel the same way that I do about the Brewfest. There were more than 175 craft brews that were available for sampling, and over 70 breweries there, ready to pour their hearts out (and by hearts I mean beer).
3,500 people milled about on this beautiful Saturday, sampling their fill of a variety of beers. All who entered got a fancy commemorative glass (which garners a crowd-wide yet harmless, "AW!" when someone slips up and drops theirs on the ground. It's an unspoken tradition) in which 3oz samples are poured by the fun, friendly, and knowledgeable brewers. Those who sprang for VIP tickets got a sour experience. Different sour beers were available from New Belgium Brewing as well as some different seasonal beers. Food and beer pairings were given by Chef Nicole Bissonette of Bartlett's Gourmet Grill & Tavern as well for VIP ticket holders to enjoy.
Live music was provided by Zydeco Voodoo and for those who wanted some grub with their suds, delicious food was available from local vendors for purchase. And guests could vote for their favorite Indiana craft beer to win the Hoosier Brew Award. Each Indiana brewery nomimated up to two beers and only one will leave with the prize.
Volunteers from Valparaiso Events works hard to make the Brewfest an amazing experience for everyone each year that it takes place. An event of this brings in lots of tourism to the area and not only benefits the breweries and other companies involved, but the surrounding businesses as well.
"This is our 5th year for the Brewfest," Tina St. Aubin Executive Director for Valparaiso Events said. "We have the same amount of guests here but more breweries in attendance. We love this event! After Popcorn Fest, this is the largest event that we do. We have great weather for this every year and people are happy and having a great time."
Breweries in attendance were: Abita Beer, Sun King Brewery, Barley Island Brewing Company, Brooklyn Brewery, Bell's Brewery, Inc., Blue Moon, Illianan Beer Rackers Union, Argus Brewery, Boulevard Brewing Co., Crispin, Crown Brewing, Dark Horse Brewing Co., Anchor Brewing San Francisco, Atwater Block Brewery, Figure Eight Brewing, Flat 12 Bierworks, Finch's Beer Co., Chapman's Brewing Company, Goose Island, Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales, Leininkugel's, Left Hand Brewing Company, Lakefront Brewery, Inc., Magic Hat Brewing Company, Samuel Adams, New Belgium Brewing, Ommegang Brewery, Stone Brewing Co., Shoreline Brewery, Schlafly Beer, Destihl Brewery, Sierra Nevada, Southern Tier Brewing Company, Upland Brewing Co., Victory Brewing Company, Woodchuck Draft Cider, Four Fathers Brewing, Founders Brewing Co., Iechyd Da Brewing Company, People's Brewing Company, Green Flash Brewing Co., Burn'em Brewing, Evil Czech Brewery, Great Divide Brewing Co., Greenbush Brewing Co., Cutters Brewing Co., Kona Brewing Co., Triton Brewing Company, The Devil's Trumpet, Summit Brewing Co., Lagunitas Brewing Company, Veteran Beer Company, 3 Floyds Brewing, Ironwood Brewing Company, Tow Yard Brewing Co., Oskar Blues Brewery, Rogue, Virtue Cider, J.K.'s Scrumpy Hard Cider, Vander Mill Cider Mill & Winery, Epic Brewing, Drewrys Beer, B. Nektar Meadery, Two Brothers Brewing Co., Breckenridge Brewery.
The Brewfest is a favorite of many breweries in the area.
"We have been involved ever since the Brewfest came about," Neil Davey, Purveyor of F8 at Figure Eight Brewing, said. "It's a great time. All of the local breweries are grouped together and then the nonnative breweries are in another section. The Valpo Brewfest always has a good balance of local and non local breweries so guests can try a little of everything."
Hunter's Brewery, Figure Eight Brewing, Burn'em Brewing, Ironwood Brewery, Brewhouse Supplies, Tapestry Brewing, and Chef Dave Hemdal of Latitudes got together this year to make special "Collabrewations" which are specialty beers that are only served on the day of, and only at, the Valpo Brewfest.
Making its debute at the Brewfest was Four Fathers Brewing and Jason Lacny, Brewer/Owner of Four Fathers Brewing said, "The Valpo Brewfest is one of those pivotal Brewfests in Northwest Indiana. A lot of great people and a lot of great breweries come out and it's such a great time."
A veteran of Brewfest, The Devil's Trumpet recently opened their taproom in Merrillville and brewmaster Chris Pearson said, "This is a great way for a brewery to get its name out there. It's pretty huge and gnarly!"
Click here to see more photos from the 2014 Brewfest!
Presenting Sponsor: Bison Financial Group
Supporting Sponsors: Earles Architects Associates, Indiana Beverage, Paul Sur Buick GMC, Greigers Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Cadillac, General Insurance Services, NITCO, Triangle Liquors and Trail Inn Liquors, Woodchuck Hard Cider, Bartlett's Gourmet Grill & Tavern