It was an early start for the festival Saturday, I was set to be a volunteer for the afternoon session. It was interesting for having attended so many festivals to work one for a change. There were the odd random problems that occur at large events, but the crew handled them with minimal amount of fuss and the attendees were patient thankfully.

During the course of the day I had the chance to meet Rick Lyke, brewers, some members of BN Army, and many craft beer enthusiast. The homebrewers were out in force and if anything surprised me it was how many of them I knew. I'd expect that in some other places, but to know that many people here in Raleigh showed how this really is becoming home.

In the second session I helped out at the American Brewmaster tent but also had the chance to check out some of the beers. North Carolina was well represented with most every brewery in the area there. Of course my friends at Lonerider, Big Boss, and Aviator were all in attendance. I didn't really talk to the Big Boss team, because I have notice they are a fest favorite and always gets mobbed. The Surrender Monkey was delicious. Scott from Stone seems to be kept quite busy circling the Southeast. Robert Gordash of Holy Mackerel showed up with an amazing Golden ale and Russian Imperial Stout.

I used to go into festivals and try everything, but I noticed I was now I am more reserved looking for particular styles. I don't think I had a pale ale, brown, or amber the whole festival. That said Oscar Blues pilsner was quite tasty hopefully we will see it here in the state in the coming months. I found myself enjoying particularly the saisons and farmhouse ales at this festival.

The festival was quite a success from audience and volunteer perspective, I look forward to attending future events and I think I may splurge on a VIP ticket some of the beers they got to sample were simply amazing and the bathrooms were nice as well.

I managed to take at the festival that can be found here.

POSTSCRIPT: This post just reminded me that Tupper's Hop Pocket was at the VIP tent. It was a little young, the owner had to practically beg the brewer to give him some but it's awesome to see it coming back into the market. It was every bit as good as memory serves me.