I’ve written about several beer festivals in Memphis this year, but the best one of them all happens this Saturday. The Cooper-Young Regional Beerfest will be held from 1 to 5 PM.
The organizers have told me it will be even better than last year, and let me tell you, last year’s was pretty good. I walked in last October and they gave me a generously-sized sampling mug (14 oz. I think). The majority of the beers served were not ones commonly seen in Memphis.
What really set this festival apart, though, was the opportunity to learn about beer. Early in the afternoon, I wandered into the education tent, mainly to get some shade. Once there, though, I found the brewer presentations to be fascinating. If you want to learn how to brew your own beer, or how beer is brewed in a medium-sized craft brewery, this is your chance. In addition, most of the brewers were in their booth when not presenting. The number of attendees is kept small so people have time to talk to the brewers and get questions answered.
The high point of last year’s event was the Vino’s (Little Rock) booth. They found an old recipe for Goldcrest 51, brewed in Memphis’ Tennessee Brewery in the early part of the 20th century, and re-created it. They also had a book for sale on the Tennessee Brewery and its history, based on research the Vino’s people did. I bought a copy, read it, and then passed it on, because I wanted as many Downtowners who live near the brewery as possible to see it. I don’t know where the book is today, but I imagine some of the regulars at Max’s Sports Bar would know. Anyway, that’s the kind of cool and unexpected stuff you will find at this event.
They’ll have food for those that need to get something in their stomach to make it through the 4-hour sampling. Central BBQ is on board. Yum!
I bought my ticket within 2 hours of the festival being announced. Tickets are still available, but the event could very well sell out before Saturday. Get tickets here and “Like” the festival on Facebook here.
Weather looks gorgeous for Saturday: Low 80s, no chance of rain. Downtowners: This is most definitely worth a cab ride. If anyone wants to split one, meet me at the Saucer around 12:30 Saturday. Hope to drink some beer with you at the fest.