Extreme Beerfest

While I used to avoid this early year event, I have been frequenting it the last few years. I definitely was unable to review it the same day as it appeared that I had three computers with about 1000 keys to press.This was the 11th annual Extreme and I am not sure if it is just me or what, but I didn't find it that amazing this time. My current favorite brewery, Madhouse, was there with the sours that I love, but now I can get them at HyVee. Not really a mind blowing chance to snag the hard to finds. Lucky Bucket had their Oud Bruin and that is the only beer that I like from them. There were a few new names and some great beers this year and I had a good time. It is important to note that you should have a buddy system here because you may find yourself wandering aimlessly for a little bit.

This event has only one review as I write this, and the complaint is mainly about the VIP ticket sales. Tragic? Possibly, but that tells you nothing about the event.Over 50 breweries come here to represent their beers. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, come to try those beers. It's a great event, and I come for the variety.The real benefit of VIP tickets comes for those who want some time to explore the space before the crowds grow large. Of course, if you're a collector is a VIP glass is unique. Sadly, the VIP room beers are typically good but nothing hugely rare. They're almost always findable later. So if that's what you're worried about, don't be.The amazing beers are reserved for the time releases. This mean you don't miss any beers by getting the general admission tickets.

I love Extreme Beerfest! It's always a great time! This year was my third year attending, and I really like the change to Ralston Arena, as I feel like there is more room here than at CoCo Keys. My favorite part of this is definitely the ability to have unlimited samples, as well as the "Special Release Tappings." The reason I like the unlimited number of samples, is only because it takes out having to deal with tiny tickets that you are supposed to give each vendor. Let's be honest, I've been drinking, the last thing I want to deal with is having to remember where I put my tickets at after I got my last beer. The "Special Release" tappings, for me, are where it's at. It's fun to scout out a table and have to crowd your way in to be able to get a taste of a rare-ish beer. Our game-plan usually centers around these, and mixing in some other breweries in between tappings. For the future, I'd love to see more breweries and beers that we don't typically get here, but overall a great event!