Hop Fest Specials

Hop Fest is next weekend, which is a bit of a shame it's not today with the perfect weather we're going to have. Organizers are still putting together the complete list of beers but have released the following list of special beers:

Boulevard Test Sour Love Child #2 -keg

Southern Tier - Gemini, Imperial Blended Ale

Crispin - oak aged Pear and Apple Ciders - only eight in MO

Lagunitas Brown Shugga 2010 -keg

Boulevard Hoppy Wheat - keg

Troubador Magma -keg Belgian IPA

Monk's Café - keg Belgian Sour

Southern Tier - Oaked Aged Unearthly ( Imperial IPA)

Tallgrass - Velvet Roster (Belgian Triple)

Southern Tier - Jahva (Imperial Coffee Stout)

Tommy Knocker - Hop Strike (Black IPA)

It's a bit sad that I can look at a list like this and be a little disappointed. Nothing really blows me away but we have many solid options. I haven't tried Love Child #2 yet so that's where I'll go first. Monk's Café on tap should be nice. I had Velvet Rooster a couple of weeks ago and it's definitely worth trying. You probably know how I feel about Brown Shugga'. Solid, but not mind blowing. I'll be giving Southern Tier another shot as well, I almost bought a bottle of Oak Aged Unearthly the other day.

Keep in mind, this is just a list of some of the "special" beers. Many other beers will be available, surely enough to make you beery. Tickets for Hop Fest are still available at The Well and Lew's, both of the VIP variety and regular.

Also, as part of Hop Fest, on Friday night The Well is hosting a beer dinner with beers from Lagunitas, Stone, Goose Island, Schlafly and Boulevard as well as representatives (and maybe an owner or two) from each brewery.

1st course—Werner’s Bratwurst wrapped in smoked applewood bacon, Bavarian kraut pretzel twist and three mustard sauce

2nd course-- Shrimp & Crab Lemon chive aioli crostini

3rd course-- Grilled Beef Tenderloin with balsalmic onions and crimini mushrooms topped with gorgonzola, sundried tomato butter and served with zucchini fries

4th course –Chefs Seasonal Choice

5th course—Ambrosia chocolate flourless cake with crème anglaise and fresh berries

Tickets for the beer dinner are $50 and are available at Lew's and The Well. Ladies, if you want to make your husbands really happy, get them some tickets to Hop Fest and the Brewmaster's Dinner, offer to drive and let them enjoy themselves surrounded by beer, every father's dream.

Disclosure: I have received a couple of complimentary VIP tickets to Hop Fest from a source interested in selling more tickets to Hop Fest. It doesn't affect my feelings toward the fest, but you can be the judge of that.