Barrel Massacre, or, How 18th Street Brewing Held a Party and Everyone Showed Up

By Writing & Reporting Community Member Aleea Perry

Author’s Note: Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Barrel Massacre at 18th Street Brewing (Gray, IN). Barrel Massacre was a celebration of the beers that 18th Street has been barrel-aging for the last six, eight, and twelve months – all served in three shifts to their Kickstarter backers and fans. A special thanks to Joey Potts and all the lovely people at 18th Street who made me feel welcome today.

The Event: I’ve been to plenty of tasting events, brew fests, breweries, and celebrations of beer. That being said, Barrel Massacre will be written down in my personal history as the single best organized beer event I’ve been to. Period. What makes it so organized, you ask? First, the check-in system was efficient – patrons arrived, names were checked off the list and wristbands were issued. No waiting for the doors to open before check-in – this was all done in advance of the door opening to allow for full utilization of the beer-time allotted. Second, while the event was busy and full, the bar lines were not insurmountable (only a few minutes wait at the busiest time) and there was plenty of room to relax with your friends and beer. The event was clearly sold out, but not overcrowded. Third, there was food available and at a reasonable price – for just a two-hour event. If you were feeling so inclined, there were a few options available, plus the local pizza place, Miller Pizza, was serving two 18th Street beers and their own menu and was only a two-minute walk from the event. Finally, there were plenty of 18th Street staff around to answer questions about the beer, the event, and upcoming information.

The Atmosphere: 18th Street has an ample facility for an event like this – parking is nearby or you could opt to take the local commuter rail, the South Shore (as I did). The best way to describe Barrel Massacre’s crowd was congenial, interested, and fun. I tweeted about the event as a party with all your friends, good beer and good hosts – and this is absolutely true. While I attended alone (generally I bring a friend or two), I never felt alone while I was there.

The Beer: I tried three beers – a Barrel Aged Brown, Barrel Aged Hunters Coconut and a barrel aged Bitch B Crazy Russian Imperial Stout. Beers were poured in five and a half ounce commemorative snifters which made for just the right amount of beer for a full taste while not going overboard on consumption. I started with the Barrel Aged Brown – a rich, almost nutty beer with a smooth finish. While it was not my favorite of the day, it was nothing less than excellent. My second beer was the Bitch B Crazy – I have a long love affair with Russian Imperial Stouts and this one held true. Rich and creamy with a definite presence, this beer was made to be savored. With each sip it got better and as it warmed a bit in my glass it mellowed out nicely without losing any of its bite. A fine beer worthy of the RIS name. My final beer was the Barrel Aged Hunters Coconut – and this one was my favorite. Chocolate, coffee, and coconut all blended together in a decadent brew. It was, in a word, exquisite. Finely balanced, rich, dark, delicious – truly a masterwork in the art of craft beer. If they had sold this in a bottle onsite, I may have taken home as much as I could carry and may have contracted with another guest to haul more for me. An exceptional beer, and in my personal top five beers I’ve ever had the opportunity to try. My only regrets are that I didn’t get a second fill before last call and that there were no bottles to purchase. Alas.

A Final Word: The barrel-aged goodness offered at Barrel Massacre are limited releases. If you get a chance, make your way to 18th Street and give these a try. If they are off tap, try anything else they offer – you won’t be sorry.