Mad Anthony Brewing Company OktoBEERfest Recap

It was a hot, humid day, but that did not stop me or the sizeable crowd which was larger than last year's event from attending this year's Mad Anthony Brewing Company's OktoBEERfest that was held in downtown Fort Wayne at Headwaters Park Pavilion West.

The beer tables were located in the covered pavilion shaded from the sun and heat where the thirsty attendees had access to unlimited samples of 100+ beers, ciders and meads.  There was a very wide variety of beer styles available to appeal to the newcomer to craft beer to those that are no strangers to the world of craft beer.  There was beer swag available at most of the brewery's tables ranging from cardboard coasters to beads, to key chains, to stickers and more.  Since I collect the cardboard coasters, I was able to add to my collection which made me a happy camper!

Again this year there was a drawing for two tickets to this year's GABF being held next month in Denver, CO.  Unfortunately, like last year, I did not win; however, congratulations to the winner and I hope they have a very beery time at the event!

It was nice seeing a few new breweries in attendance this year.  They are:  Chapman's Brewing Company (Angola, IN), Tin Man Brewing Company (Evansville, IN) and Union Brewing (Evansville, IN).

The M.A.S.H. (Mad Anthony Serious Homebrewers) brought Meads and Ciders for the attendees to sample and as always they were very tasty!  If you are at a beer event and see their sign, by all means sample what they have available.

I sampled ten (10) rateable beers and two ciders (I am a beer rater at www.ratebeer.com) throughout the event.  I am not a "hophead" per se so I tend to drink beers that are more smoother, maltier tasting than those that are hoppy and bitter tasting.  I sampled/rated beers/ciders from the following breweries:

Bloomington Brewing Company - Ruby Bloom Amber
Chapman's Brewing Company - American Ale Cider
Cutters Brewing Company - Monon Wheat
Evil Czech Brewery - John the One Eyed (Abbey Dubbel)
Fountain Square Brewery - Workingman's Pilsner
Half Moon Restaurant & Brewery - Stoplight City Red (Amber Ale)
Mad Anthony Brewing Company - Peach Wheat
McClures Orchard/Winery - Farmhouse (Dry, British Cider)
Tin Man Brewing Company - See my rating below
Union Brewing Company - Cannon Ball Doyle (Dry Irish Stout)

Of the beers/ciders I rated, the Tin Man Rivet Irish Red Ale was my favorite and a beer that I would drink again.  It has a malty, caramel, lightly hoppy, and lightly fruity aroma.  The taste is sweet, malty, caramel, lightly hoppy, hint of toffee, and banana.  The ABV (Alcohol By Volume) is 5.1% which makes this a nice session beer.

My photographer, aka my husband, took approximately 40 pictures throughout the event and here are some chosen at random:

The beginning of the line of attendees

M.A.S.H.  Homebrewers

 

Tin Man Brewing Company

Flat 12 Bierwerks

Fountain Square Brewery

Cheers!!

Summit City Brewerks

Chapman's Brewing Company

Blooming Brewing Company

Drawing for the GABF Tickets

As a final note, Mad Anthony Brewing Company President, Blaine Stuckey, thanks all the breweries for their attendance at this year's event and for all the beers they brought.  Blaine also thanks all the attendees for coming out to this year's event and sampling some very good Indiana brewed beers, meads and ciders.

See you next year and keep supporting Indiana breweries!!