tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post1982267289330338505..comments2024-03-27T10:55:24.155-07:00Comments on Utah Beer: 2011 Utah Beerfest RecapMikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00855596555082342486noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-7196243903898696612011-09-05T13:42:42.923-07:002011-09-05T13:42:42.923-07:00Agreed. I doubt this applies to many people who vi...Agreed. I doubt this applies to many people who visit this blog, but surely we all overheard people in line complaining about how they weren't already hammered. And of course, no one should "just shut up", but maybe some people should accept that a craft beer festival will never be their bag, no matter what changes/improvements could be made. People complaining that they could have gotten drunk faster and cheaper at home probably should have. No public event could ever win on that criteria.<br /><br />On a side note -- With all of the tears, I forgot to whine about my own biggest gripe: No soft pretzel vendors! At a beer festival, mind you. Come on! How can I ever trust you again, City Weekly?Ednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-84618148451531378982011-09-05T07:22:25.692-07:002011-09-05T07:22:25.692-07:00Anonymous (A common name when it comes to criticis...Anonymous (A common name when it comes to criticism),<br /><br /> You've won a gold medal in the conclusion jump. I said, if I wanted to pound a lot of beers I would have stayed at home. I'm sorry if my comments came off as insulting the intentions of you or your opinions. At this year, and last years, fest I overheard a lot of people complain that they weren't drunk in typical frat-boy manner. Those are the people who should stay at home and shotgun pbr so I can get another glass of Uinta Labyrinth. It is a safe assumption that if you read this blog you are the type of person who SHOULD be at a fest like this. I apologize if my post insinuated anything different.<br /><br />As for how many beers did I get to try? I spent all 10 tickets and picked up a couple more, and I only did the small pours. So about 12 beers in total, in 2 1/2 hours. I'm sorry you only had 3, that would have been very frustrating. I used two glasses at a time and used waiting in line to sip and discuss the beers with my companions.<br /><br /> I understand everyone's frustrations at the fest, as it is a poor fest considering the quality of others around the country. However I feel the event has improved. Douglas was right when he said "It's unfair to say that people with complaints should just shut up and stay away." I don't think people should shut up, that's why I was voicing my opinion. I do, however, feel like it attracted a number of people who would be happier doing keg stands before then next U of U football game. <br /><br />I've always voted with my wallet, if I like an event then I encourage it by spending money there and if I dislike it I don't show up. To sum up, a mismanaged event that slowly improves is better than no event at all. With that right attendees and alterations to the distribution of the beer the event could be awesome.<br /><br />---Ricky H. <br />And I really am sorry if I offended anyone, Anonymous or otherwise.Ricky H.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-22814342983609635942011-09-01T09:49:47.088-07:002011-09-01T09:49:47.088-07:00Ricky H:
Did you see someone post that they "...Ricky H:<br />Did you see someone post that they "wanted to pound a lot of beers in rapid succession"? The point of beer fests is that you get to sample a lot of different beers. I'm glad you had a good time, but let me ask you: how many beers did you get a chance to try? I got to try three. Instead of three twelve ounce beers, I wish I could have had twelve three ounce beers. Waiting in twelve lines, however, would have taken anywhere from 6 - 18 hours (ie longer than the festival). Regardless, I suspect that you already understand that your implication is false, and your straw man argument was fabricated only to paint dissenters as having a drinking problem, because you are annoyed by their dissention. Not helpful.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-11497734474180599572011-09-01T08:51:45.323-07:002011-09-01T08:51:45.323-07:00Utah Beerfest, FAIL!Utah Beerfest, FAIL!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-55291260281104681022011-09-01T08:50:47.705-07:002011-09-01T08:50:47.705-07:00Utah Beerfest: you just ruined it. Tokens, really!...Utah Beerfest: you just ruined it. Tokens, really! If I wanted to pay for beer I would just go to my local liqueur store or pub. Utah spoils everything. No wonder your tourist industry is suffering. Have you been to the Utah’s Oktoberfest at Snowbird. Lame, lame and really lame!. And I’m not just talking about the cost or beer selection, but the food is horrible! And they keep you corralled.<br />I’ll just stick to real Beerfest like the Great American Beerfest in Colorado and Oktoberfest in any other state except Utah. Watch my money go to other state while you dumb these events down in good old Utah.<br />The sad story, is Utah does have some great brewers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-70500620355950483482011-08-31T22:07:52.168-07:002011-08-31T22:07:52.168-07:001000% agree with douglas.1000% agree with douglas.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-497888858615237272011-08-30T20:26:07.251-07:002011-08-30T20:26:07.251-07:00Most of the feedback here is quite useful and from...Most of the feedback here is quite useful and from the site we are on it is obvious everyone here wants a good beerfest in Utah. It's unfair to say that people with complaints should just shut up and stay away. After all, Mikey created this post for the exact reason to discuss the festival- good and bad. No need for anyone to be defensive here.Douglasnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-72634184841313157182011-08-30T13:27:44.073-07:002011-08-30T13:27:44.073-07:00Malty Goodness - I don't see the problem with ...Malty Goodness - I don't see the problem with people making a financial decision based on the value of the event. Based on the number of negative responses, I think the larger issue here is whether or not this year's event has alienated so many patrons that next year's will be a loss. Or maybe there won't be a Beer Festival for you to enjoy without the "whiners". Whiners or not, people speak with their wallets - do you really think there would have been any change for the better from last year if there wasn't fear of attrition? Maybe you don't want things to change and don't care if the event sucks, but don't crap on people who care enough to voice their opinions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-78305862022484326842011-08-30T13:15:28.740-07:002011-08-30T13:15:28.740-07:00So,
Interesting perspectives from everyone. ...So, <br /><br /> Interesting perspectives from everyone. I am not going to speculate if the breweries made any money or who was to blame for the positives or negatives of the festival. I just want to say that I am pleased this event happened again this year, it was a bit better than last year and I hope it keeps expanding and getting better in each subsequent year.<br /><br /> If you had such a bad time, don't go and make the line shorter for me and all my friends who came. The event seemed to be a success, and obviously needs a larger space with more people pouring more beers from more breweries. I had a great time and fully plan on going to all the upcoming fests. I spent all my tickets plus some and I showed up at about 3:30. Patience is an important virtue, especially at a beer fest. If I wanted to pound a lot of beers in rapid succession I would have stayed at home and drank a few gallons of home brew.<br /><br />---Ricky H.Ricky H.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-63163154507392975062011-08-29T21:35:09.753-07:002011-08-29T21:35:09.753-07:00Seriously, many, MANY whiners. I've been to br...Seriously, many, MANY whiners. I've been to brew festivals in Portland, OR and I can tell ya, if our brewers were allowed to pour EXCLUSIVELY from kegs, the lines would likely have moved quicker.<br /><br />Even still, it's only their 2nd festival! I missed last year but from what I've heard from friends, this year was an improvement - even if only a slight one.<br /><br />And please, all you that are threatening to avoid next year's fest, keep your promise. I'm sure I'll enjoy it more without you.Malty Goodnessnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-12538279559151649802011-08-29T19:10:11.209-07:002011-08-29T19:10:11.209-07:00I took the plunge and did the VIP tent. It was a ...I took the plunge and did the VIP tent. It was a great experience. I would highly recommend this experience if it is offered again. At one point we left the tent to stand in line for 40 min at one of the tents for an item that was not being sampled in the VIP tent. It seemed to be not as much as a free for all feeling that last year had. One can only hope that this is a learning experience for all and it only gets better.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-67196943469522686212011-08-29T18:48:15.944-07:002011-08-29T18:48:15.944-07:00I was there all day working my tail off for a loca...I was there all day working my tail off for a local brewery and just so y'all know, we were only given three (3) passes for employees (we did request more) and one table for pouring. We were pouring bottles and neither the three employees nor the one table were nearly enough to accommodate the crowd from the minute they opened the gates. And then there was the confusion with full pours (12 oz) and the fact that the souvenir glasses they had for purchase were 16 oz. Why not simplify by providing a 12 oz glass to begin with???<br />I feel CW did a much better job at organizing it this year and as with any large event, you learn from your mistakes and try to do a better job next time around.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-89709418747277324002011-08-29T17:56:47.878-07:002011-08-29T17:56:47.878-07:00I have a hard time believing anyone was at the fes...I have a hard time believing anyone was at the festival the whole time was unable to use all their tickets. I arrived an hour late and still went and bought ten more tickets. The lines did suck; honestly they were worse than I had anticipated. But I still had fun. Why? Cause I knew it wasn't going to be a major drink fest and got to spend a lot of time hanging out with my friends talking (yes, in line). <br /><br />Unfortunately a Utah Beer fest can never be like the Mountain Brewers Fest in Idaho falls - we will never have the brewer to drinker ratio of an event like that. <br /><br />City weekly tried - they had a lot of volunteers and employees keeping it organized. I wouldn't be surprised if they just give up after this years backlash, but I think that would be sad.Branniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08179824770197844651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-9212229765688222782011-08-29T16:29:30.317-07:002011-08-29T16:29:30.317-07:00Almost all of the breweries pouring draft still ha...Almost all of the breweries pouring draft still had beer and plenty of it. This is not their first beer event. It didn't help that the cops forced every brewery to stop pouring at 5:30 only to find out that was total crap at 5:50, but many started breaking down. It's up to the organizers to determine space. Every table had multiple pourers with only one person served at a time. It's better sure, but to blame brewers for bad thru-put because of token confusion and one person at a time lines. I bet every brewery would have love to have a whole tent, many pourers, and the whole block. I saw plenty of full kegs ready to be tapped. Face it the DABC no doubt had their say after watching last years and they got their lines in place, anything to make it hard to get a pint.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-53021485475224030082011-08-29T16:02:27.371-07:002011-08-29T16:02:27.371-07:00Yeah, the brewers faults...mmm hmmmm. Never have I...Yeah, the brewers faults...mmm hmmmm. Never have I seen so many ungrateful drinkers in one place at once. Stay the fuck home & drink yr pbr & canadian host instead of showing off yr lame ass tattoos u copied from an episode of Miami ink. Smaller lines fr true beer heads.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-69961927727239560482011-08-29T15:13:06.578-07:002011-08-29T15:13:06.578-07:00I have worked both years at this festival (volunte...I have worked both years at this festival (volunteer). City Weekly deserves some criticism (mostly for last year but they fixed what they could), but get real. It way improved over last year and the one place it didn't was the beer lines. <br />The long lines for the beer were not the fault of City Weekly. All the breweries knew how many people to plan for but they went cheap and City Weekly gets blamed for trying. Some beer ran out so you know they didn't plan because city weekly has to buy the beer, not them. If you want more people pouring beer go cry to the breweries who never supplied enough taps or people. All they had to do was supply one more pour person per brewery and the lines would have not been a problem.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-3816538646430359732011-08-29T12:38:37.457-07:002011-08-29T12:38:37.457-07:00So they're selling a lot of beer at wholesale?...So they're selling a lot of beer at wholesale? That's hardly a donation. I'll concede the point on "a killing" but either way, the breweries profit, whether in fact or in PR (and therefore not a loss). I was not expecting liquor store prices, thank you Ed, but I was also not expecting that my first beer cost $15, that I'd have to wait in line 40 minutes to get it, and it wasn't because of the laws, it was because of poor planning.Mattnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-2290361375163269732011-08-29T12:06:40.898-07:002011-08-29T12:06:40.898-07:00The breweries don't make a killing. They sell ...The breweries don't make a killing. They sell the beer to the event organizers at the same wholesale price they give every other retail establishment. What they get is marketing and hopefully by putting out great beer, and a more personal connection with their consumer following. Not a killing at all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-56380410428490062462011-08-29T12:05:29.773-07:002011-08-29T12:05:29.773-07:00What I meant by "easier said than done" ...What I meant by "easier said than done" is that there it would take more time and money to "Just get more people to serve more beer".<br /><br />I don't know how the math worked out, but I'm pretty sure brewers do festivals for the P.R., not so they can buy another Ferrari. And having attended the festival, I know the average price of a 12 oz. pour was not $5, and I really doubt all of that went straight to the brewers. And did you actually expect the prices to be the same as if you were buying a bottle off of a shelf and taking it home? Oh, man...Ednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-51473271055231592712011-08-29T11:32:28.464-07:002011-08-29T11:32:28.464-07:00I wasn't able to make it this year, but based ...I wasn't able to make it this year, but based on the comments and the picture, maybe that was a good thing. I knew it was going to be crazy-packed by just looking at the map of the location - they really needed the entire block and not just 1/3 or it. I think City Weekly is just trying to make due with what they have. That's fine, but unless a larger venue can be had, then this whole thing should be reconsidered for next year.<br /><br />Most of the comments I see posted make penty of sense - one tent per brewer, one line per tap, etc... This is all predicated on space.<br /><br />Really, what is the point of this beer fest? Is it just to have beer or is it to showcase local beer to those who may not take the time to find out on their own? If it is specifically to push local beer, then the breweries need to be more involved in event planning and maybe help to get a bigger location. There are more than five breweries in this state; get them all involved. If the point is to just have a beer festival, well that's all on City Weekly to fix if they want this thing next year.<br /><br />As for the state - we know the dumb rules. People just have to learn to come up with work-arounds.Planghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02653369707738276129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-87256852532032513102011-08-29T11:22:30.832-07:002011-08-29T11:22:30.832-07:00Ed, I seriously doubt brewers are losing money. Ac...Ed, I seriously doubt brewers are losing money. Actually, I have a feeling they made a killing. Brewers go to beer festivals all the time - and they don't do it to donate their beer. They got an average of $5 for every 12 ounces they poured, which is steeper than liquor store prices. Why don't we agree to talk about the things CW could have done right this year instead of giving them a scapegoat for putting on a shitty event for two years in a row? As for "easier said than done", all they have to do is put another table up under the tent and have two more volunteers with an ice bucket. Stop making excuses. This event was terrible, not because of laws, space constrictions, number of breweries or not enough supplies. It was terrible because CW chose not to learn from last year's mistakes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-42195233888590630242011-08-29T11:00:50.678-07:002011-08-29T11:00:50.678-07:00I think Mikey hit the nail on the head: The demand...I think Mikey hit the nail on the head: The demand for this type of event is much bigger than the supply. So on the occasion that this type of thing is "allowed", then yeah -- there'll be a crowd. <br /><br />Of course more lines/taps would help. But logistically, that's probably easier said than done. I would assume the brewers are already losing money on the deal as is.<br /><br />Hate to even suggest this, but: It would probably help to have a big-ass macro tent, for the people who want that. I 100% appreciate that the festival is supposed to be all about the local brewers -- and all of the advertising made that pretty clear. Yet, for whatever reason, you still have people showing up expecting the kind of "beer fest" where you chug Coors Light out of a boot until you're shit-faced enough to start fights... and they just get in the way of what is really going on.<br /><br />Wouldn't hurt my feelings if there was a whole separate event for that -- just dreaming ;)Ednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-58842910460015509482011-08-29T10:52:45.440-07:002011-08-29T10:52:45.440-07:00I also wanted to mention that all volunteers and s...I also wanted to mention that all volunteers and servers worked hard and did an amazing job.Mattnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-3348997235781327202011-08-29T10:36:06.220-07:002011-08-29T10:36:06.220-07:00CW will have to earn my trust again. I'll have...CW will have to earn my trust again. I'll have to hear some REALLY good reviews next year to go the year after that. I'll supprort local by buying their beer at the liq store and bars but, I suspect, probably never again at the Beer Fest.Mattnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15458742.post-25424876743826558942011-08-29T10:32:17.826-07:002011-08-29T10:32:17.826-07:00People would get back in line, in the sun, with be...People would get back in line, in the sun, with beer in hand, waiting to get another beer. They should have been able to go sit down in the shade and enjoy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com