We had never been to a beer festival before. We saw an incredible opportunity in this one so we got two tickets and a sitter for the kids. Sierra Nevada is only about 45 minutes from our house. We parked about a half mile away and were shuttled in on a beer camp bus. When we arrived at the entrance to the breweries sprawling compound it was a well manicured masterpiece. We could tell we were about to set eyes on something spectacular. When we came around a couple of turns we laid our eyes on a stunning building. It is easy to see why Sierra Nevada is one of the big boys in the craft beer scene. No expense was spared in this North Carolina creation.
We stood in line anxiously waiting for them to open the gates for the festival to begin. Breweries were setting up in their assigned areas as we watched from outside the fenced in area. We over heard a couple saying they came as far as Virginia. There was so many people there that they had to open the gates early. As they ushered us in they handed us our glass and map of where we could find every brewery on the property. We were a little overwhelmed but very excited. We made a plan and waited for them to ring the official bell so the festival could begin.
Ding! Let the beer flow! We tried so many different kinds of beer from so many different breweries that quite honestly it was beginning to be difficult to select the winners for us. We enjoyed the live band they had and awed at the cleanliness of the event. The staff was so polite and the festival goers all got along. We saw people of all age groups. It just goes to show what kind of community craft beer is.
Just a few of the winners for us were Perfect Day IPA by Asheville Brewing Company, Hop on Top IPA by Lynnwood Brewing Concern, Wilma’s Wandering EyePA Double IPA by Double Barley Brewing, Jade IPA by Foothills Brewing, Freedive IPA by Coppertail Brewing Company, and Heroes Never Die!!! IPA by Beer Army Combat Brewery. There was so many to choose from we just couldn’t hit them all. Needless to say that event got us hooked on beer festivals! We made our way home and thought to ourselves, we need to find the next beer festival.
So that’s exactly what we did. Now we could have hit more between now and last August but everything would just not fall in place for us. It finally did and we will be heading out for the next great festival. Brewvival in Charleston, SC. If it is half as good as what we experienced in Mills River (and we have heard that it is) then we are in for a pleasant surprise. Hope to see everyone there!
Cheers!
Jason
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