04 Oct 5th Annual Irvington Brewfest Offers Great Beers, Greater Cause
By Andy Kretchek for Indiana On Tap
Tucked in the rapidly growing neighborhood of Irvington is Our Lady of Lourdes church and school. This parish was the venue for the 5th annual Irvington Brewfest and Fall Festival. The event brings people from every walk of life together for carnival rides, good food, and tons of great local craft brew.
Just fifteen dollars gained you access to the beerfest and a “swag bag”. In the bag (which is the perfect size to carry a 32oz. growler/bomber), I found a decorated pint glass, coasters, ten tasting tickets, and a passport. This passport acts as your guide to the event, listing beers, breweries, and detail descriptions on both. As many beer fest patrons know, after a few good tastings things get a little fuzzy. Have no fear, because your passport gets stamped after each tasting and allows you to take notes on the brews.
Area favorites Black Acre, Flat 12, Fountain Square, St. Joseph, and (new to the event this year) Metazoa were on hand to pour. There were definitely some standouts this year. The Saucy Intruder RIPA (ABV 7.2%) from Black Acre provides a large hoppy flavor with a citrus and rye background. I could drink this RIPA year round. It pairs great with Jockamo’s Pizza, one of the beer fest sponsors, which is right next to Black Acre. Fountain Square outdid themselves with the Java Amber (5.7%). This is their Preacher’s Daughter Amber infused with Mexican coffee beans. I am not a coffee drinker and I enjoyed this beer. Too many times I find that the coffee overpowers the other flavors in the beer, but is not the case with this Java Amber. By far my favorite of the evening was the Prophecy Porter (ABV 5.2%) from St. Joseph Brewery and Public House. At first this porter hits you with a roasted dark ale flavor, but finishes nicely with chocolate and caramel. After tasting, I pulled my brewfest pint glass from my bag and requested a pint of this delicious nectar. For just five dollars, I able to fill my provided pint glass with brew of my choosing.
Under the tent I was able to snag a seat and listen to Audio Diner as they serenaded the large group with their music. I soon realized that the large VIP tables, that can be reserved for fifty dollars, would be the way to go if you want to make sure your seat is still there when you get back. The event is scheduled for the last Saturday of September every year. There are only 320 tickets sold, so make sure you mark your calendars.
I left this beerfest feeling pretty good. Not just as a result of the beer that I had consumed, but because I knew the proceeds and the money I spent were going back to the church and community. I will definitely be attending next year’s event and frequenting the Irvington area. Hope to see some other Indiana On Tap members out there.
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