Great Canadian Beer Festival 2007 - Saturday

For the first time in years, it didn't rain for Beerfest! It's like Summer finally decided to arrive for a little while around here. Nice to not have to cart a jacket around or start out wearing jeans only to have the weather get better and wind up cooking because I'm overdressed. :)

Another plus to being a volunteer is that I didn't have to wait in the gianormous line at the main gate. I got to trot on down to the volunteer entrance and walk right in. Score! I was also smart enough to buy my tokens on Friday night before I left so I didn't have to line up for those either (although the line was basically non-existant anyway).


Got there a bit earlier than my friends, but ran in to some others so carefully picked out my first few beers. I always do pretty good actually thinking about what I want to try for the first couple of hours, but then after that just go wherever. I started with the Wraspberry Ale from Wild Rose...nice light, fruity beer to start off the sunny day. I then went for another Great Pumpkin Ale since I had a bit of time to kill (it must have been a younger keg because it wasn't as good as Friday's at all).


Once the friends arrived we really went for it. Some of my favorites of the day were Cannery's Blackberry Porter, Crannog's Pooka Cherry Ale (and of course the perenial favorite Backhand of God Stout), Tree Brewing's Thirsty Beaver Amber Ale, and Wildwood's Hefeweizen. The big winner for me for the day was Pike Brewery's Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale...soooo yummy....which thrilled me because they had cool stickers and I only want stickers from breweries I actually like! I like Pike!! They also had a Triple Ale that was very tasty. Close second was Russell Brewing's Lemon Wheat Ale, which sold out before I could get another one. And I should give an honorable mention to Big Rock, who showed up with a yummy cider this year!


Near the day's end we decided to leave a bit early to avoid being crushed in the 4000 person mad dash for the gate. Probably the best idea we've ever had. LOL. We were able to take some time to get a bite to eat, unwind, drop stuff off at the car, and wander downtown. We got to the pub early enough to get a good table, but not so early that it was boring.


Eventually the rest of our group trickled in (and a couple got the boot out for already being too drunk). It was a fun night of drinks, nachos and dancing!! Too bad trying to get a cab afterwards almost sucked the joy out of the night! But waking up the next morning without a hangover made up for that. :) Thanks to pacing myself, eating lots, and that huge glass of water before bed!