There are a handful of beer festivals coming up here in the Quad Cities.  I got to thinking about the "best practices" or "pro tips" to get the most out of your experience.

Charlie Cole from the Blue Cat and I talked about what to expect if The QC Beer Battle on the Belle is your first beer fest.

Know What To Expect

Breweries tend to bring at least 2 beers of their own for you to sample.  You'll get a glass to use and they'll pour 2 ounces for your drinking pleasure.  Just be sure to rinse the glass between pours so the tastes don't mix.

Try New Styles

We have a habit of going with what we know.  We latch on to what we know we like and are afraid to try anything different.  This is not the place to try beers you have in your fridge.  Go out of your way to try a style you don't particularly like.

For instance, I used to say I didn't like sours.  Now, because I've tried a few variations, I can't say that anymore.

Photo by Elevate on Unsplash
Photo by Elevate on Unsplash
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Don't Be Afraid To Toss a Beer

No, not literally! There are going to be a LOT of beer options for you.  Slamming every single one just because it was given to you is not necessary.  Don't be rude about it in front of the brewer, but don't feel obligated to finish every drop.

hoto by Wil Stewart on Unsplash
hoto by Wil Stewart on Unsplash
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Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

There are rinsing stations placed all around to make sure you don't taint the flavor of one beer with the next.  But feel free to drink some as you rinse.  Hydration is key to consuming alcohol responsibly.

Photo by Lanju Fotografie on Unsplash
Photo by Lanju Fotografie on Unsplash
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Get Some Food In Your Belly

Make sure you get a good meal in your system before you try to tackle the 16 breweries at the Beer Battle.  You've got to have a solid foundation in order to take full advantage of the offerings.

Photo by No Revisions on Unsplash
Photo by No Revisions on Unsplash
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Track Your Beers

Whether you're using the UnTapped app to "check-in" with the beers you've sampled or if you just want to remember which ones you liked...make sure you have a system in place that won't hold up the line behind you.  Step aside to take a picture or write notes down on your QC Beer Battle "Passport".

https://www.facebook.com/untappd/
https://www.facebook.com/untappd/
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Plan Ahead for a Designated Driver

Make sure your Uber app is updated or at least make sure your mom, significant other, or next-door neighbor is willing to pick you up after the big party.

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
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Have Fun

The best part about a beer festival is hanging out with other beer lovers.  Trying different things and enjoying the experience is what it's all about!

Italian Youths Shop, Socialize And Party
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Upcoming Craft Beer Events You Should Attend:

  • May, 14 Quad Cities Beer Club at Maquoketa Brewing in Maquoketa, IA – Sign Up!
  • May 16-21 – QC Craft Beer Week – Look for daily deals and events to be announced!
  • May, 21 Quad Cities Beer Battle on the Belle – on the Celebration Belle Riverboat in Moline, IL – Sold Out...We'll see you there!
  • May, 21 Shops with Hops – in Downtown LeClaire, IA – Limited Tickets Left
  • June, 25 MoTown Craft Beer Festival – at Bass Street Landing in Downtown Moline, IL – Tickets On Sale Now
Coffee Stout Beer Fans – Don't forget to hit up Bent River Brewing this Wednesday 5/11 to try the next version of the 2022 Local Uncommon Tour featuring their tasty stout blended with a local bag of beans from a different QC coffee house

 

What's Tappening This Week

 
Join the club, the Quad Cities Beer Club
On the second Saturday each month, local craft beer fans get together at a local brewery, taphouse, or pub to support the local craft beer scene.
QCBC members get exclusive deals on beer during meetups, take part in the six-pack mix-pack bottle share, get chances to win giveaways each month, and access to discounted or FREE tickets to some of the best craft beer events.
Come make some new friends, sign up at CraftQC.com today!
 
Follow CraftQC on Facebook and Instagram

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