What an afternoon for beer sampling! The weather was perfect with low humidity and a consistent breeze and live music all day. The Broadcast was my favorite performer, I have not heard them before, but I will make it a point to catch them again. She has a soulful voice with a rock style and great energy. We arrived on time and we are glad that we did because the lines were 1/3 of what they would be later in the day, still only having to wait 3-4 minutes at the max for the more “popular” beers after about 3pm, where the lines were moderate to short before 3 and for some of the less mainstream breweries.
I am not a beer expert by any means. I recommend going to read other reviews for true tasting notes and ratings, my review is purely and always, my opinion. A list can still be found online so I am just going to go over my highlights.
Best Summertime beer: RJ Rockers Son of a Peach – crisp, light, refreshing wheat ale with a d-licious and unique peach flavor without being too sweet.
Runner up: Pisgah’s Blue – not as blueberry as Sweet Water Blue but a good rounded flavor.
Best non-beer: yes, there was non-beer – Bucha was there with a few fermented teas, if you haven’t tried these they are supposed to be very good for your digestive system and have probiotics but the taste is acquired. My favorite was the Fire with ginger and cayenne, I think the ginger covers up the fermented odor I have a tough time getting over. As a digestive aid they work.
Yumminess award: French Broad 13 Rebels out of the cask! If you were there early enough to try this it was so good! Well balanced, not too strong with a hint of citrus.
Best beer to turn me on to their brewery: Craggie Brewery, Dubbelicious. So the girls and I decided that they named it this after the bubble gum and after talking to the people at the stand we may have a been close (and who said girls don’t know anything about beer). It’s a Belgian Style Double with 4 malts brewed with Belgian candy sugar. Yes, I have had Craggie before but they were not on my go to list until I tasted this beer.
Runner up: Appalachian Craft Brewery Copperhead Amber Ale is crisp, caramely (now a word) goodness! I hadn’t had a beer from ACB before yesterday and I must admit I am now a fan!
Best Saison – The Wedge Super Saison a Belgian Farmhouse Ale with a mild orange flavor dry-hopped.
Not to be forgotten: Highland had a great Vintage and a cask.
Best booth: Thomas Creek – large selection and fun people!
Best apparel: Green Man Brewing – thanks Lauren and Jill for my hat!
So, that sums it up … for now! I will be back for sure! Thanks Darcy for the great pics!
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