I figure that I would and should write about the ACBF 2011 while it is still fresh in my head. And, I feel bad for not blogging last week, but the hardest part of keeping something up is keeping it up when it isn't new or exciting anymore. But, it was also a very busy holiday weekend here at the Musser household.
But, anyway, I just have to say how lucky I am to be even loosely affiliated with the wonderful beer culture that exists here in Boston. I wish that I could still be, to some degree. Not that I am not happy, but really, I like so many people that are already in the industry. Not all of them, because nothing is perfect, but enough. And, to even be recognized by Todd Alström, who does so much positive work to promote something so wonderful, and many others of the Beer Advocate crew, as a person who loves good beer, it's a good feeling. A feel of family and belonging. That I miss. Drunks? Not so much, but for those who enjoy good beer and good company, those will always be my people.
I thought, for fun, to stick to my rating system of beer, and use it for the fest. I'm not sure what it will show, but dammit, it's my blog post, I can do what I want.
Who? Beer Advocate
When? 6/4/2011
Where? Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA
Hype 8 / 10: I look forward to every fest, being a volunteer or a patron. This one isn't necessarily my favorite, but comparing it to the fests at the Cyclorama, it is very much apples and oranges. It's great to have such a large fest where a lot of great breweries get a chance to shine. I got to try Boulevard next to Duck Rabbit next to Tullycross. Unless I were to travel to Denver, for the GABF, where else would I get a chance for such variety? But, the downside is that it is starting to take an effort to find beers that are different. I loved the imperial stout from Tullycross, which I have never even heard of and only visited because of the short lines. I wish I had visit more unknowns to me, now. But, the smaller fests, my favorite breweries are more likely to bring out the special beers that you'll only get to try once.
But, this is the fest where you really get to see all the beer-loving volunteers, and get a chance to know them. I'm at the point where I wish I was on a better friend basis with some of them. It's sad to see some awesome people only three times a year. But, perhaps that is what makes the fests so special, too.
Taste 12 / 15: Overall, of course, you know that the beer selection will be good. But, there are a lot of beers that I just don't like or don't want to drink again. It's a challenge, for I am a fan of drinking certain beers in the right situation. Like warmer stouts versus cold, crisp hefes. And I like to drink slow, too. I am not saying that the beer was bad, but I can definitely say that all the beers were not meant for me.
Memorability 14 / 15: What I will remember about this fest is that Beth got the job at the check-in booth, and I got to help wristband about 10,000 people. I loved it, because I got to be outside on a beautiful day and see a lot of excited, wonderful people. I do still thrive off of that churn-and-burn mentality that Starbucks had installed in me. But, I was polite to everyone, calling them friend, captain, or placated them with my smile. And, after that intense 90 minutes, the rest of my shift was easy. Filling in here and there. I also like to think/hope that this fest is the fest where people are starting to recognize us as cool people. Though, as natural introverts, I don't think that people gravitate towards us, but at least they seem to respect us. I know that this is a lot of tooting my own horn, but after three years of volunteering, I hope that we are turning a corner.
Environment 6 / 5: I am cheating a little bit here, but it really earns extra credit for the fantastic crew atmosphere that exists. Perhaps it appeals to my whole issue of needing to be needed, but when I can work with a bunch of recent strangers and get things done, I can't express that joyous feeling enough. And, for those people that I have known for a while, I look forward to seeing them every fest. And drunk/tipsy people... a lot of them are awesome. Not the drunk "yeah-dude"s, though. I can live without them. But the smiling normal people. Those, who I consider myself to be when I go out for beer, those are the people I can relate to. I would love to be part of a restaurant that caters to that European since of beer dignity. An early evening Novare Res, if you will. Why can't life be like this all the time?
X-Factor 4 / 5: Nothing all that exciting happened. It was interesting to see the fest clear out a little bit because of the Bruins game. And it was cool to see some awesome people as patrons of the fest. And the people in the industry who still like me for me, and not because I can buy their beer for business. I was sore and exhausted, though after the fest, where I don't stand on my feet that long anymore, and I don't stay up that late. But in the morning, I am glad that I am a part of a wonderful thing, and I encourage everyone else to join us some time.
Score: 44 / 50, B+
PS> The after brunch at CBC was great!
PPS> I wear my blue KU hat at the fests so that I will recognize myself in photos. Not luck yet. Though I will need a less sweated-in hat for social functions soon.
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