The Autumn Brew Review

5 hours, more than 40 breweries, unlimited tasting…do we even need to point out that the ABR is an awesome time? As an annual event, the Autumn Brew Review gets our highest recommendation—it’s an easy A+—but we’re not interested in reviewing it. More in reliving it…and, just a little bit, in sticking it to the beer lovers who couldn’t make it (and there must have been many of you poor souls, given how fast tickets sold out this year). So, without further ado, we present a few notes from the ABR:

1. Great setup this year. Last year, you were immediately struck walking in by how congested everything seemed, but the planners have managed to use the space much more wisely this time around.

2. Congratulations, Lift Bridge Brewery! At times, their lines nearly rivaled those of Surly Brewing (no small feat, as Surly is hands-down the most popular brewery at the Review). Everything we’ve had from Lift Bridge so far tells us that we can expect great things from them in the future.

3. Barley John’s Dark Knight, which won best of the fest last year, wasn’t quite as good this time around. But Darkness, even more than last year, blew me away (“me” being Andrew; Sarah doesn’t care for it). Is it possible that it’s even better this year than it was last year? And is it possible that I may actually brave the madness that is Darkness Day for some bottles of this stuff?  Answer: yes on both counts.

4. Other highlights: For Andrew, Townhall’s Wee Heavy, Tyranena Dirty Old Man, Flat Earth’s Winter Warlock Barley Wine, cask Furious (naturally), and Fitger’s Skyline IPA. For Sarah, Surly Smoke, Furthermore Oscura, and New Belgium’s Giddy Up!

5. Crappy breweries: why do they bother? Who wants Gluek Honey Bock when you’ve got so many better options available?

6. Let the countdown to ABR 2009 begin!