Two of us recently attended the Beer Dabbler Highland Fest and it was unfortunately disappointing from a beer point-of-view. I have probably had Lakefront’s Fixed Gear (American Red) a dozen times and always really loved it, and it was still probably my personal favorite beer of the event, due to a notable absence of unique and special beers. Best new (to me) beer was probably Deschutes Chainbreaker IPA, with extra emphasis having been served out of the travelling cask-mobile, and with extra points since we did a sessiony and softer version of this style at our July brewday. What saved the day was the amazing food truck fare, especially a chorizo arepa from Hola Arepa (an arepa is like a fried mexican english muffin cut in half and stuffed with goodness) with some kind of crazy red cabbage pickled slaw (or something), and an amazing array of homemade salsas and sauces to throw on top. Solid points for Gastrotruck, as well, that I had previously experienced at the Beer Dabbler Winterfest, along with Potter’s Pasties, both to critical acclaim (from us primarily). Both definitely worth finding. And speaking of food trucks, which I am now becoming obsessed with and considering how awesome it will be when the central corridor light rail line is finished so I can ride downtown for lunch, check out this resource from Heavy Table and try some of these out. There is usually at least one at Fulton Tap Room during regular business hours…we had fish n’ chips from the Anchor food truck when we were there last week and it was delicious.
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Beer Dabbler is kind of the C-list of beer festivals – average and kind of fun but not on par with ABR, St. Paul Summer Beer Fest or Winterfest, among others. I think you’re always going to see breweries’ best showings at the fests that have proven themselves over the years and the fests that fill up with junk like Leinkugel’s standard offerings or boring imports like Stella and Peroni and beer pourers who don’t know what they’re talking about.
Sure…where were you like a MONTH ago when I needed this guidance!?
Actually, I can see it being kind of fun if you just attended for some food and a quick skim for any interesting beers, before heading out to join the family on the bouncy castles and other main Highland Fest activities.