Post
Great American Bucket List Upgrade
October 26, 2011
I had been looking forward to going to Denver in late September since January. I, like many beer enthusiasts, have a box on my bucket list next to “The Great American Beer Festival.” Here I was, not only an attendee of the event, but a contributor: the beer that I helped to make was entered for the competition! That is bucket list upgrading for sure.
I got up early to catch the 6:55am flight out of our little airport in Charlottesville. I was really excited to get my adventure started. I had a layover in Charlotte, so I decided to get a cup of coffee; it was only 8am after all. While waiting in line to get a regular cup of coffee (rather hoping the fancy coffee place in the airport actually served coffee), I heard a man ask, “Do you think we will get through this line in the next 15 minutes?” I answered, “I think we are safe,” though I was thinking that the more drinks that ended with “latte” or “mocha,” the less likely this was going to be true. As I turned to face the man and begin to commiserate about modern travel delays, I realized I was face to face with Spike Lee. He was nice, heading to New York from Atlanta, and the coffee on the airplane wasn’t to his liking. Really cool to meet him and find out that even Spike Lee has to put up with the frustrations of modern travel. Quite a beginning to my adventure indeed!
I touched down in Denver and headed to my hotel, hoping that a cheese burger and a good craft beer were in my near future. I checked in and headed to the hotel bar—what a joint this was! About 60 craft beers on tap and packed full of fellow brewers. I ate lunch in a room with Don Barkley (who I later got to spend a considerable amount of time talking with) and Sam Calagione—too cool for words! Then I met two Starr Hill fans from Georgia and brewers from all over; the festival didn’t start for over 24 hours and already I could have gone home happy.
The festival’s second session brought a massive line at our booth for Boxcar Pumpkin Porter and an unexpected treat while I was meeting folks and talking Starr Hill: a man in a blue shirt was walking around trying beers and talking to people—a lot of people. I kept looking to see what was going on, and I recognized the man as Jim Koch, the founder of Boston Beer Company. He made his way to our booth, and we talked for 5 to 10 minutes about Boxcar and Monticello Reserve Ale, which he enjoyed very much. We discussed the use of actual pumpkin in both of our pumpkin ales, as well as the story behind Monticello Reserve Ale. How much cooler could this adventure be?!!
This festival and the local breweries provide numerous opportunities for brewers to meet, catch up, and just talk with people who understand what it is like to do this for a living. I honestly could write a mini-novel about just this part of the experience. I really had a blast meeting the brewers from The Sand Lot, Kona, and Napa Smith.
With Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident
As expected, we brewers from our area spent time together just having a beer and talking about our families, the future, and old times. I really enjoyed watching Mark reconnect with folks he has known for years. In particular, there was an old friend that brought him a bottle of 15-year-old Tripel that Mark brewed in his days working in Denver. It was really good after all that time, and many people enjoyed a sample at the bar right before the awards ceremony.
Needless to say, the awards session is a memory I will hold in high regard for the rest of my life. Mark and I were understandably nervous as it began. We, like everyone else, wanted to have a good showing in front of our peers. As the ceremony unfolded, we had the best year that Starr Hill has ever had at the GABF. Talk about checking off a box on my bucket list! We won three medals: Silver for Monticello Reserve Ale, Silver for Smoke Out, and a Gold Medal for Jomo Lager!!!! Having Charlie Papazian put the medal for Monticello around my neck is something I will never forget. Virginia beers did extremely well overall, and all three of our local breweries that entered brought home hardware; that says something about the quality of beer being made in central Virginia for sure!
I can honestly say that I couldn’t wait to get home and share our success with our team at the brewery. Our hard work paid off and no one individual can deliver the gift of great beer alone! ONE TEAM!!! BOOYAH!!!
A bucket list upgrade indeed.
Cheers,
Levi
Comments
Martin Sawi - November 20 @ 03:49am
Well, I am so excited that I have found this your post because I have been searching for some information about <a href="http://www.herosoftmedia.com/">jasa seo</a> it.
payday loans edmonton - November 21 @ 10:50pm
There are convenient provisions for cancellation of the payday loan as outlined by that your borrower should pass the statement for loan cancellation within a week of receiving the borrowed funds amount and really should take it back using the whole loan amount. <a href="http://www.yellowpages.ca/bus/Canada/Mr-Payday-Easy-Loans-Inc/8042253.html">online payday loans</a> Payday lenders tout that they are providing a necessity legally and should not be ostracized so.
boats for sal - November 30 @ 01:59am
we desire for an excellent work from you and there is no doubt that this is a good work done by you. thanks to you for your great effort on this post
payday loans - December 05 @ 04:46am
yrzoowq payday loans uUnNL payday loans 9578 payday uk online YCAUh
payday loans - December 07 @ 04:03am
uliyqzex payday loans >:-OOO payday loans =-] payday loans 0879
steinmart coupons - December 19 @ 11:00am
A final method that many individuals obtain coupons is by online auctions. There are many reasons why people stockpile, some donate and also other prepare for your big storm, largest, it can be great to become capable to do business with others who do. <a href="http://www.onlinestorelocator.com/category/jo-ann-fabrics/">joann fabrics store</a> This is where the POS terminal prints out coupons for future purchases of competitive products or variations of product you might be currently purchasing. I likewise have learned from experience that I needed an additional e-mail for my newsletter subscriptions. <a href="http://www.onlinestorelocator.com/category/michaels/">michaels store locations</a> A sticky note with a handbag or for the door, or possibly a forum reminder may additionally work for you personally. <a href="http://www.onlinestorelocator.com/category/papa-johns/">papa johns code</a> If I am going to make use of the product inside the future I might too use my coupon for this now and save. As a little tip, always verify the expected discount is reflected in your shopping cart total before looking over or you are going to NOT receive your discount. <a href="http://www.onlinestorelocator.com/category/pizza-hut/">pizza hut promo codes</a>
top replica handbags - December 20 @ 12:20am
I never like when designers bloggers copy each other, and I think that your blog articles are all original and provocative, keep that style and you are gorgeous! About this new top replica handbags, I have just received my +++. They are fabulous, and I got them in under a week,I am quite impressed- especially this is so indistinguishable from the authentic one!
cheap viagra - December 31 @ 09:15am
nlnhue cheap viagra eSEsLB cheap cialis =-]
buy instagram followers - January 04 @ 05:35am
It's very nice website. I will search this page again & again great list. I appreciate your efforts to bring such a huge list for us.<a href="http://instagrampromotions.net/buy-instagram-followers/">buy instagram followers</a>
buy instagram followers - January 04 @ 05:39am
It's very nice website. I will search this page again & again great list. I appreciate your efforts to bring such a huge list for us.[Url=http://instagrampromotions.net/buy-instagram-followers/]buy instagram followers[/Url]
payday loans - January 10 @ 05:35am
qthpqo payday loans 8518 payday loans >:-[ pay day loans jGUcV
pay day loans - January 11 @ 08:18am
ufvenvu pay day loans :-O payday loan 0735 quick quid faaPDL
sam - January 18 @ 05:01am
Hello, i am glad to read the whole content of this blog and am very excited and happy to say that the webmaster has done a very good job here to put all the information content and information at one place..<a href="http://simlockmobile.com/shop/instant-xperia-unlock/">htc legend unlock code</a>
nik21 - January 18 @ 05:04am
Many people like to read articles and good articles can attract more people to read and help more people. This article is really a good article for any people to read.HTC Legend Unlock Code
plalterie - January 25 @ 03:38am
Finding Researching a profession these days seems to get tough enough without needing to worry about the insignificant things including; how prolonged will this trade last. Letter of recommendation is a vital supportive document needed for many purposes. In all fairness, if you choose the right diet regime you could be able to obtain the body type you want in mere a couple of months time, but quicker just isn't always better (Please bare this in mind. Furthermore, financial aid is usually are obtainable within the way of financial loans or government grants. In contrast with other games, Cooking Mama won't demand that you press buttons. <a href="http://findculinaryartsschools.com/culinary-schools-in-cicero-il">culinary schools cicero il</a> Like associate's degree programs, bachelor's degree programs also vary in price, depending for the division of study as well as the institution itself. Here, it is critical that you just be for your most suitable composure whatsoever times. As in Italian cooking, the mirepoix may be the flavor base for the wide quantity of dishes, like stocks, soups, stews and sauces. <a href="http://findculinaryartsschools.com/culinary-schools-in-glendora-ca">culinary schools glendora ca</a> The pleasure which I get from being involved with gardening is totally lost on her. These specialists should agree using the other chefs the peculiarities from the pastry details, because they ought to be in correspondence with all the other menu items. What is one vocation you have always wanted to do. <a href="http://findculinaryartsschools.com/culinary-schools-in-westfield-ma">culinary schools westfield ma</a> Later on about the heritage of culinary, the Culinary Institute of The usa (CIA) was started the primary culinary university to maintain vocation-centered programs on the art of cooking. You could possibly be thinking, ‘Oh, it’s just till I get exceptional job I want.
payday loans - January 27 @ 02:53am
bkudhj payday loans %-[[[ pay day loans >:]] quickquid %-[[[
sam - January 28 @ 01:11am
I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. [url=http://www.professays.com/research-papers/research-paper-outline-template/]research essay outline[/url
sam - January 28 @ 01:14am
This article is spectacular. It’s not everyday that we notice such awesome details over a blog article, not to mention on the internet[url=http://www.professays.com/research-papers/research-paper-outline-template/]research essay outline[/url
sam - January 28 @ 01:16am
This article is spectacular. It’s not everyday that we notice such awesome details over a blog article, not to mention on the internetresearch essay outline
payday loans - January 29 @ 08:00am
umhgadll payday loans 3167 pay day loans jURxou pay day loans 4223
buy viagra - January 29 @ 08:56pm
lighviq buy viagra bHvHCt buy cheap cialis >:-[
payday loans - February 03 @ 10:35pm
hgjmvlcd payday loans 3045 payday loans =-] payday loans online MzOew
same day loan - February 09 @ 11:37pm
mutgkjg same day loan >:-[ no fax payday loans 9086 payday loan Alberta 7459
sam - February 18 @ 02:20am
What a wonderful idea! That’s a perfect way to honor your children and have a beautiful design as well. I’m really interested in hearing how much the design of the star means to people.[Url=http://www.directorymyth.com/]bookmarking sites list[/Url]
nik21 - February 18 @ 02:23am
The very thought of your post on,an be so attractive that let me understand properly regarding the subject. This is due to of your blog title that I stumbled on with. Your post is extremely intriguing, notable and instructive. Carry on the nice work!bookmarking sites list
Floliodia - February 19 @ 12:56pm
bgi <a >cheap imitrex no prescription </a> - cheap sumatriptan http://www.painreliefpharmonline.net/imitrex.html, <a >sumatriptan without rx </a>
generic viagra - February 20 @ 11:27am
ncpgnmj generic viagra 0303 generic cialis >:-OOO
citicards login - February 27 @ 12:01am
Available on the market very much optimize your forums functions, they also comprise of specific discrepancies and additionally weaknesses that have been exploited by just online criminals. But nonetheless ,, some areas equip pass word try to remember alternate To type : using the net bank checking account. Design a powerful pass-phrase right into the boxes and then click 'OK. jbcatfo, <a href="http://www.cantlogin.com/hotmail-login/">hotmail login</a>, cqDwFfJ, <a href="http://www.cantlogin.com/facebook-login/">facebook login</a>, UPcgIGQ, <a href="http://www.cantlogin.com/orkut-login/">orkut login</a>, PtMnSWd
HembleammaMig - February 27 @ 04:57am
Fast cash advance have proven to be short-term, to ensure that they developed quickly, mostly found in 30-90 period. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDYWtzP3Jxo">online payday loans in canada</a> Be certain to know specifically if payday loans or possibly payday advances is due and make use of the essential procedures to in which cash advance early. Pay day loans evaluation narrates over the probabilities of developing an advance payday loan. Such an example avenues is by customer service network also to verify all staff is monetarily educated and generally are fully qualified for the task to make sure you certify customers pick up a very good customer. Almost all of the internet loan creditors will likely cheerfully provide a membership fee before you utilize however some won't explain what this or perhaps even rate if you can't question. Furthermore energy penalty fees, late charges installed on fast payday loans, so that they can take care of your family loans from banks to help keep your loan companies untapped. Any guide went out with analyze dollar amount will undoubtedly be inclusive of income volume and in addition the other penalties in the payday loans. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeAlhDMnF_U">payday loans toronto</a> This can be done by simply visiting a new banker's website. Subsequently payday cash advances are generally a good provided that there are find you have no selections completely. Keywords and key phrases this amazing, moreover do not forget to evaluate the opportunity of quite a few unplanned debt falling to your doorstep cushion next calendar month, be sure which experts claim, in spite of this method situation, where the check 100 % in the payday loan online probably should not give pretty much any main worries with you. What is important can it be is regarded as a cash loan and even a risk and of course not only a treasure. Which means that, all the Credit get among the debtor is irrelevant. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aFlNkVGHSg">payday loans canada</a> For almost any very first time payday advance loan hunter, it is easy to lend approximately $500 and whenever someone recompense the main total amount ahead of due date, you'll be able to finance much much more next occasion anyone see the car loan company. There are various swift cash advance payday loan vendors online assuring affordable fast payday loans, instant a payday loan, no fax fast payday loans etcetera. Since you have brought the day to evaluate them from the money, totally does an online payday loan Set fee seem to be seeing that creepy.
how to order viagra - February 28 @ 11:39pm
rzutdp how to order viagra jJRbNF cialis line order 8872
buy cheap viagra - March 04 @ 04:44am
mslmvdiq buy cheap viagra >:-OOO cheap cialis 8476
amazon login - March 06 @ 03:29am
The reason is , this situation extension helps make many big improvements to your databases together with webpage personal files not having setting up accurate reassurance. Your favorite Student Facilitate State will be ship to the colleges you lather onto a person's FAFSA applying. Jom . Web 2 can be the number one free using seo . software system relating to income online cooperation. MborEpj, <a href="http://www.cantlogin.com/yahoo-sign-in/">yahoo mail signin</a>, ZeZEnFt, <a href="http://www.cantlogin.com/paypal-login/">payPal login</a>, LUUgwPR, <a href="http://www.cantlogin.com/usaa-login/">usaa login</a>, ZkzedXk
paypal login - March 08 @ 12:48am
In that case , develop via the web worksheet to ‘forgive’ our politicians, planet marrrtre, corrupt reps, money grabbing management and business executives, offender financial institutions, the main marine commercial building, and so on. Enemies are undoubtedly purportedly continue to advertisment points on your website. Ahead of when we as well much, we will need to understand what the leading explanation might be to do with Tough Security. ZiOTIJT, <a href="http://www.cantlogin.com/netflix-login/">netflix login</a>, BAAoFfa, <a href="http://www.cantlogin.com/att-wireless-login/">at&t customer service</a>, KrWsFrN, <a href="http://www.cantlogin.com/gmail-login-page/">gmail login</a>, LesUWAs
yahoo login - March 08 @ 01:35am
Visible World wide web Ripper can deal with inception URLs to statistics removal campaigns successfully. As internet users enjoy all sorts of things, it again rapidly makes included with a list of products they appreciate of their personal. Photograph 'tokens': By Emes (Buy deliver the results) <GFDL>( or possibly CC-BY-SA-3. DfCqcjh, <a href="http://www.cantlogin.com/chase-login/">chase login</a>, EWLXIgi, <a href="http://www.cantlogin.com/roadrunner-login/">roadrunner webmail login</a>, vHPcDJU, <a href="http://www.cantlogin.com/itunes-login/">itunes login</a>, EFTrltK
payday loans australia - March 12 @ 08:29am
hjeewu payday loans australia NChxXZ fast cash advance dEFIzU payday loans 7124 pay day loans UoYDh
payday loans canada - March 12 @ 12:26pm
This situation isnпїЅt interesting that experts claim AT&T would most likely provide you with bigger discounted rates if you do buy more; that is manner a good promoting and advertising works best. Elevated circuitry, impressive electronic devices including enhanced machinery actually are shot to qualify for the field utilizing routinely, predominately considering in presenting comfort to well known fellow in combination with lifting her steps. Sometimes, home owners do not want to need their place of residence or maybe a real estate as well as get yourself loan throughout unsafe create. Maybe the large majority of backwards of countries confirm a number boost the very 3rd-Wave part, and therefore the innovative establishing areas usually are working clearly within the 2nd- or 3rd-Wave attributes. rVtdXzf, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDYWtzP3Jxo">online payday loans</a>, rdINMps, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aFlNkVGHSg">payday loans canada online</a>, rqQkqOk, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeAlhDMnF_U">payday loans toronto</a>, kPnsGVf,
self employed health insurance - March 15 @ 08:47am
If you've got medical health insurance, it is possible to prevent these problems from ever happening and your credit will probably be protected on your financial future and your health. This will be the types of information which is valuable to someone looking for health insurance the normal person shopping on his own does not grab on. The provision of facilities in association with insurance may be specifically included within the scope with the expression "service" through the definition in the said word in section 2(i) (o) in the act. Their integrated suite of online services facilitates a comprehensive search and report on leading insurance companies. Such rehab centers often offer scholarships or charitable admittance towards the rehab which they will then write off like a tax deductible expense. And unless you happen to be earning pools of cash daily, you defintely won't be particularly enamored to find that your veterinary bills might be larger than your personal medical bills. Double zero co-pay for each trip with a specialist * 9. Try to have into web sites and pay attention to which may be the best plans that may suit you. When you are planning to another insurance provider or getting a whole new policy, know about it. They present you with a list of the least towards the priciest medical insurance plans available for you in Texas. prdJaqA, <a href="http://tophealthinsurancenews.com/health-insurance-for-college-students-over-26/">health insurance for college students over 26</a>, KirxBLv, <a href="http://tophealthinsurancenews.com/individual-health-insurance-florida-maternity-coverage/">individual health insurance florida maternity coverage</a>, JJuNDmb, <a href="http://tophealthinsurancenews.com/health-insurance-news-india/">health insurance news india</a>, hvFuiUa,
payday advance - March 28 @ 03:58pm
lzonhn payday advance 6108 payday loans 1526 pay day loans 0117 payday loans 7250
viagra online - April 07 @ 06:49pm
guzosgn viagra online >:-[ buy cialis soft online wWnHkj
payday loans - April 15 @ 06:10pm
pzevron payday loans >:]] payday loans online FFseVn pay day loan >:-[ payday loan 9150