The 2014 Noblesville Brewfest was packed with fun, great weather, and delicious offerings. We couldn’t have asked for a better atmosphere to enjoy some great ales. Entrance into the event moved smoothly and the staff was prepared to provide a great time. Essentially, it was divided into three main parts. Upon entry, you were greeted with some old classics to get your mouth wet and prepared for the many other various styles. Household names like Sam Adams, Corona, Guinness, and New Belgium were even on hand and more than happy to remind everyone of their proven recipes, even if they aren’t technically considered ‘craft.’ Table placement made for ample walking space and allowed patrons to mingle about their favorite beverage.
The middle tent was the smallest of the three but offered the widest variety of tastings from breweries like Green Flash, Bells, Unibroue, Rogue, Boulevard, and Indiana native Upland. The event staff and coordinators did a great job laying out the three areas within an earshot distance from the stage where musicians filled the air with joyful melodies. A few extra steps gave way to a nice selection of food from your favorite four wheeled restaurants.
The third area (and what appeared to be the busiest of the three throughout the day) was welcomed by a large table featuring Leinenkugel’s seasonal offerings. This area had a lot of buzz as more people kept migrating to see what was being poured. The tent offered many local favorites as well, such as Ram Brewery, Sun King, Barley Island, Grand Junction, Brugge, and Triton–which all flowed many house regulars among some special offerings as well. Brewers offered everything from traditional IPA’s to seasonal styles like Octoberfest–and a few even brought the acquired taste of sour ales. In talking with some of the other attendees, the event was much larger than expected. Many taps were finishing quickly as guests were keeping the lines moving. Event staff did a great job maintaining peace while allowing everyone to have a great time.
After visiting all of the tents we did come up with a list of favorites that were being poured. Triton’s Soul Crusher was a wonderful tasting IPA. We also enjoyed The Ram’s Red IPA and Green Flash’s Triple IPA. On a sour note (literally, not figuratively), we enjoyed Tin Man’s Apricot Sour and Brugge’s Pooka. Being IPA and sour fan’s, personally, these were the beers that stood out the most to us. But again, to each their own!
If the brewfest continues to grow, (or even if it doesn’t), it should be a favorite for years to come. Special thanks to the many breweries that came to help a good cause and thank you to Indiana On Tap for the tickets and allowing us to report on the event. From the aura of the crowd, this will be marked on many calendars for some time–especially my own.
Byron Haflich
This event and all, I repeat all the proceeds go to support the Forest Park Aquatic Center, this pool is managed, supported, run in every aspect by removing leaves in the spring and by removing leaves in the fall by volunteers that love this facility. We may be located on city property but do not, take tax dollars to run this facility. Thank you all who supported this event your participation is greatly appreciated.