Festival Beer

[Gards]

This year will be my third fest,and I am hoping that I will not encounter my previous problems.
As a person who believes that good music and good beer go hand in hand,I was disapointed that on the 2nd Sat and Sunday last year that Fosters was sold out,not just because I am an Australian I might add as I believe that the US version is made in Canada,on the final day only miller light was available and I had to abstain which unfortunately still didnt fix the sound at the Gentilly Stage.
I seem to remember that Fosters sold out every day on my first visit in 2002 and may have posted about it then.I presume that the people who who do the ordering are not bad at stock projections,but are hamstrung by sponsorship agreements,like the awsome Byron Bay Blues Fest that I recently attended.
If someone could shed some light on this I would apreciate it.

Cheers
Gards

[Polkaholic]

As a beer fan, but not a fan of the "beer" at Fest, I tend to stick to iced coffees, teas and lemonades, with MAYBE a beer accompanying spicy food (can't have boiled crawfish w/o beer!!) My drinking doesn't really begin until post-fest. It makes that first pint of ale at DBA taste absolutely heavenly!

Realize that's not an answer to your question, to which I would only reply that Foster's seems to sell out every day, every fest, year after year, and will probably continue to do so.

[Belle]

This year will be my third fest,and I am hoping that I will not encounter my previous problems.
As a person who believes that good music and good beer go hand in hand,I was disapointed that on the 2nd Sat and Sunday last year that Fosters was sold out,not just because I am an Australian I might add as I believe that the US version is made in Canada,on the final day only miller light was available and I had to abstain which unfortunately still didnt fix the sound at the Gentilly Stage.
I seem to remember that Fosters sold out every day on my first visit in 2002 and may have posted about it then.I presume that the people who who do the ordering are not bad at stock projections,but are hamstrung by sponsorship agreements,like the awsome Byron Bay Blues Fest that I recently attended.
If someone could shed some light on this I would apreciate it.

Cheers
Gards

I posted this from the hotel last year and suggested to 2nd weekenders to buy Foster early. Dont know if the inconvience was fixed but hubby likes Fosters.

[ozzie]

First year I worked at Ms Lenas Beer tent I had these ridiculously small buttons with a kangaroo on 'em. In an effort to be rid of them I was spruiking "buy a six pack of aussie beer and get an ausie surprise". Punters were surprised alright! :D

[Carolina Beadhead]

My understanding is Millers allots the fairgrounds sellers X number of cases of Fosters which, I assume, the sellers divvy out daily.

[ShaSha]

As a beer fan, but not a fan of the "beer" at Fest, I tend to stick to iced coffees, teas and lemonades, with MAYBE a beer accompanying spicy food (can't have boiled crawfish w/o beer!!) My drinking doesn't really begin until post-fest. It makes that first pint of ale at DBA taste absolutely heavenly!

Realize that's not an answer to your question, to which I would only reply that Foster's seems to sell out every day, every fest, year after year, and will probably continue to do so.

Dan, I will see you this year? :)

[ShaSha]

This year will be my third fest,and I am hoping that I will not encounter my previous problems.
As a person who believes that good music and good beer go hand in hand,I was disapointed that on the 2nd Sat and Sunday last year that Fosters was sold out,not just because I am an Australian I might add as I believe that the US version is made in Canada,on the final day only miller light was available and I had to abstain which unfortunately still didnt fix the sound at the Gentilly Stage.
I seem to remember that Fosters sold out every day on my first visit in 2002 and may have posted about it then.I presume that the people who who do the ordering are not bad at stock projections,but are hamstrung by sponsorship agreements,like the awsome Byron Bay Blues Fest that I recently attended.
If someone could shed some light on this I would apreciate it.

Cheers
Gards

I think even if they purchase more Fosters every year, it will continue to sell out b/c it's a better beer than the alternatives. Does the Pilsner also sell out?

[mdfest]

I think this was mentioned in another thread. From what I recall, Fosters under delivers on purpose, to keep margins high somehow.
Rhum + whatever(mango freeze, lemonaide, etc) = good.

[bluesgirl]

Does anybody know if Miller is going to be selling their "artisan" (I think that's what they're called) beers at fest? Miller lite just makes me heave. Luckily, I found some heffaweisen by the grand stand.

Oh, and the red SC things are quite yummy, too. :D

[ShaSha]

Does anybody know if Miller is going to be selling their "artisan" (I think that's what they're called) beers at fest? Miller lite just makes me heave. Luckily, I found some heffaweisen by the grand stand.

Oh, and the red SC things are quite yummy, too. :D

A hefe on the fairgrounds? Do tell...! :D

[djgriff]

The Fosters has sold out every year I've been at Fest second weekend. That's why I'm going first weekend this year. ;)

[bluesgirl]

A hefe on the fairgrounds? Do tell...! :D

They were selling it at a cart over by the grand stand, near the WWOZ brass pass tent. It was quite yummy.

[ShaSha]

They were selling it at a cart over by the grand stand, near the WWOZ brass pass tent. It was quite yummy.

That's a great style to drink in the heat...very refreshing. I wonder which brand it was? Oh well, I can just about guarantee you'll find me over in that area if they have it again this year.

Thanks for the tip!! :D

[Polkaholic]

Dan, I will see you this year? :)

You will indeed, darlin'! First weekend only. And the meeting place shall be... Paky!!

[swag]

The beer tents will have Miller, Miller Lite, MG draft @ $4.00, plus Foster and (new this year) Miller Chill (made with lime and salt) @ $5.00.

Last year, they also had Sharps (non-alcoholic) @ $4 and Sparks (tricked up with sugar & caffeine) @ $5. I'm guessing the Sharps will return but the Sparks may not.

There are several draft booths, inside the grandstand and on the pavement near the jazz/blues/gospel tents. Offerings varied booth to booth, but last year included Lite, MGD, Pilsner Urquell, and I think it was Leinie Wheat.

[ncfunk]

I've pretty much given up on drinking beer at the fairgrounds. Between the meager selection (even with Foster's), the rising prices and the heat, I've found that I'm much better off drinking an Abita or three before I get to fest, then sticking with water all day during the fest. I end up with more energy for the nighttime entertainment and more beer money to spend on beer that is a) not made by Miller and b) not served in a can.

[mkraus]

Probably the only thing I don't like about the fairgrounds is the beer. Fosters is slightly better than the rest, but for an extra $1, it's all still bland lager. The Pilsner isn't a bad beer, but the ones I've had there haven't been stored well, and when it gets warm it's aweful (at least the cans you can keep on ice).

Miller has so many decent brands that don't have their name on it, it would be nice if they gave us a choice. But I'm looking to get my Abita fix soon. Whoever mentioned DBA has it exactly right.

[Amy Winette]

Don't forget the champagne! Spendy but yummy :)

[swag]

Probably the only thing I don't like about the fairgrounds is the beer. Fosters is slightly better than the rest, but for an extra $1, it's all still bland lager. The Pilsner isn't a bad beer, but the ones I've had there haven't been stored well, and when it gets warm it's aweful (at least the cans you can keep on ice).

Miller has so many decent brands that don't have their name on it, it would be nice if they gave us a choice. But I'm looking to get my Abita fix soon. Whoever mentioned DBA has it exactly right.

You know, after SAB Miller bought the Urquell brand, some of us speculated whether we might get it at Fest that year, but when it was there it was a surprise.

This past year, SAB Miller bought Grolsch. So it's a possibility. Though, it's yet another light lager.

Leinie Red would at least offer some variety.

[chicagomike]

Wasnt too long ago when those beers were 2 bucks. Ahh the good ol'days.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

The Fosters has sold out every year I've been at Fest second weekend. That's why I'm going first weekend this year. ;)

Dan, what is your beer of choice?
See you 1st weekend.

[mangoon]

On the bright side, of the mass produced lights Miller Lite is definately better than Bud or Coors Lite. Things could be worse on the beer front. TASTES GREAT!!!!!!!

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Maybe they will add Miller Chill this year.
Miller Chill with a taste of lime & salt.

[Carolina Beadhead]

Maybe they will add Miller Chill this year.
Miller Chill with a taste of lime & salt.

It's already added...

[festivalgirl]

I think even if they purchase more Fosters every year, it will continue to sell out b/c it's a better beer than the alternatives. Does the Pilsner also sell out?

The first year Pilsner was there (2005?), there was a bidding was at the truck outside the Blues Tent at about 6:30 2nd Sunday. It was quite funny. I had been tipping them all weekend so the squeezed that keg for my last beer of the fest! Now that there are more draught choices, they don't seem to run out of anything.

[mendelj2]

All I know is those soco drinks are wonderfully evil

[aardy90210]

http://usmrin.org/images/Miller%20Genuine%20Draft%20%20cans.jpghttp://usmrin.org/images/Miller%20Genuine%20Draft%20%20cans.jpghttp://usmrin.org/images/Miller%20Genuine%20Draft%20%20cans.jpghttp://usmrin.org/images/Miller%20Genuine%20Draft%20%20cans.jpg

dont resist the goodness that is MGD.

[bluesgirl]

All I know is those soco drinks are wonderfully evil

The red one is my best friend!!!

[stlbarb]

http://usmrin.org/images/Miller%20Genuine%20Draft%20%20cans.jpghttp://usmrin.org/images/Miller%20Genuine%20Draft%20%20cans.jpghttp://usmrin.org/images/Miller%20Genuine%20Draft%20%20cans.jpghttp://usmrin.org/images/Miller%20Genuine%20Draft%20%20cans.jpg

dont resist the goodness that is MGD.

last year, by mid day of 2nd friday, i could only find Miller Lite at the 'can' booths. saturday & sunday, only miller lite. i cannot swallow (sorry muffdiver) Miller Lite. i thought surely they would bring in something else, but they stuck to the stock on hand. it sucks.
for the days they do have MGD (or fosters) available, we tend to stock up the cooler at basecamp. Miller HighLife would be welcomed back by my krewe.

was it 2007 or 2006 that had a day that ran out of all beer, water & soda early. i couldnt believe they didnt bring more water in.

[sfnola]

High Life would be gobbled up by our crew as well. It's generally our "macro" brew of choice.

But I must stand up and defend Miller Lite! For eight hours under the Louisiana sun, a flavorful, high-alcohol, heavy beer would just destroy you. Miller Lite goes down easy, does not have the off-putting taste of MGD (blech!), quenches your thirst, and is light enough (in both calories and alcohol) to allow you to keep drinking it throughout the day.

I speak as a connoisseur of beer. If it's cold, give me a Guinness. If I'm having only one or two, give me a flavorful microbrew to chew on. But if it's hot, and I'm going to be having many beers throughout the day, give me something that will let me keep on consuming. 6-12 Miller Lites is totally do-able over the course of a day at the fest. Try that with Anchor, Red Hook, Fat Tire, etc and you'll be face down on the track.

I'm sure many of you consume less, so I understand the desire for something tastier. But, at least for our crew, Miller Lite would be the choice at the fest even if there were more beers available.

Hmmmm, now I'm feeling thirsty....

[Muffaletta Diver]

In the spirit of sfnola's post I offer up the following:

To every beer there is a season,
a time for every beer under the sun.
A time to be born and a time to drink beer;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up that beer which is planted;
a time to kill and a time to heal by drinking beer;
a time to weep over a beer and a time to laugh over a beer;
a time to mourn your last beer and a time to dance for a new beer;
a time to embrace the beer drinker next to you and a time to refrain from embracing the beer drinker next to you;
a time to lose your beer and a time to seek a new beer;
a time to rend barley and a time to sew hops;
a time to keep silent (I love you man); a time to speak (you have
great b00bs);
a time to love beer (JF day) and a time to hate beer (morning after JF day);
a time for war (never) and a time for peace (always).

[stlbarb]

High Life would be gobbled up by our crew as well. It's generally our "macro" brew of choice.

But I must stand up and defend Miller Lite! For eight hours under the Louisiana sun, a flavorful, high-alcohol, heavy beer would just destroy you. Miller Lite goes down easy, does not have the off-putting taste of MGD (blech!), quenches your thirst, and is light enough (in both calories and alcohol) to allow you to keep drinking it throughout the day.

I speak as a connoisseur of beer. If it's cold, give me a Guinness. If I'm having only one or two, give me a flavorful microbrew to chew on. But if it's hot, and I'm going to be having many beers throughout the day, give me something that will let me keep on consuming. 6-12 Miller Lites is totally do-able over the course of a day at the fest. Try that with Anchor, Red Hook, Fat Tire, etc and you'll be face down on the track.

I'm sure many of you consume less, so I understand the desire for something tastier. But, at least for our crew, Miller Lite would be the choice at the fest even if there were more beers available.

Hmmmm, now I'm feeling thirsty....


i agree, i love porters, stouts & ales but not for drinking in the sun.
i wish i thought Lite was tasteless. it has a bite to it that i just cant deal with - i'm serious when i say i cannot swallow it.

ps - the newish Bud Select is pretty easy on the belly on a hot day. love those aluminum bottles 'cept they made them black - soaks up the sun.

one of my krewe once said, i dont drink much during the day at fest, maybe 5 or 6 beers. and that is light for us.

[stlbarb]

slight drift from fest, but still on beer.
interesting, slighty long article on craft beers.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/business/stories.nsf/story/6F1284BB25CB716D862574290008937C?OpenDocument

[festivalgirl]

last year, by mid day of 2nd friday, i could only find Miller Lite at the 'can' booths. saturday & sunday, only miller lite. i cannot swallow (sorry muffdiver) Miller Lite. i thought surely they would bring in something else, but they stuck to the stock on hand. it sucks.
for the days they do have MGD (or fosters) available, we tend to stock up the cooler at basecamp. Miller HighLife would be welcomed back by my krewe.

was it 2007 or 2006 that had a day that ran out of all beer, water & soda early. i couldnt believe they didnt bring more water in.

difference between spit & swallow ... good taste!!

[ShaSha]

You will indeed, darlin'! First weekend only. And the meeting place shall be... Paky!!

Awesome! See you there! :D

[jazzykeb]

I hear they will be serving Duff beer this year!

[festivalgirl]

I hear they will be serving Duff beer this year!

DOH!

[mkraus]

There are many craft beers that are fabulous for hot days in the sun. They don't have to be dark lagers. IPAs, Wits, and a few others can be quite refreshing and not terribly high in alcohol.

The STLToday article was great. Proof that there are all sorts of great beers of all styles (the wood finished ones can be very refreshing - well, maybe not the stouts).

We all know that they should be serving Abita at the festival, and we all know it's not gonna happen (had a couple on tap last night at a new place in LA called South).

As far as the choices at the fest, my crew generally drink Miller Lite. If we're drinking #%#%, it might as well have less calories.