Bloomington’s Longest Running Beer Festival Proves Why We All Need To Get Over Ourselves

Several weeks ago when I first glanced at the beer line-up for the 2014 Big Red Liquors Beer Fest in Bloomington, IN, I’ll have to admit, I was a little disappointed. It felt like I had to search pretty hard to find Indiana craft beer on the list, let alone any craft beer. I noticed strange beverage names such as “Bud Light Lime-a-rita” and “Smirnoff Ice”.

Obviously I’m being overly stubborn and snobby. I acknowledge that Big Red Liquors and Best Beers have to show love to all of their clients. However, the commercialized beer line-up has been what has prevented me from attending the festival for the six years I’ve lived in Bloomington, and I know I’m not the only one. I figured six years of stubbornness was enough, and I decided to suck it up and check out the festival.

I picked up my sample glass, and made my way through the Bloomington Convention Center. Thoughts of mascots dressed up as Bud Light bottles and “shot girls” handing out free booze were racing through my mind as I entered the main hall. But wait, where was Shock Top, Blue Moon, and Crispin’s Apple Ale?

I instead saw hoards of people standing in line for Sun King, Triton, Upland, and New Albanian. My worries immediately dissipated as I headed over to the Triton table to start my evening off with some Rail Splitter. After Triton, I ventured over to Chapman’s for their Englishman Brown…then to Carson’s for the Pagan Pale Ale…after that it was Upland for some Teddy Bear Kisses…then on over to Tin Man for their Alloy Pale Ale.

No, this wasn’t at all what I expected. And I couldn’t be happier.

I glanced over my shoulder to see Bloomington Brewing Company cheerfully pouring their Java Porter and Rooftop IPA for dozens of thirsty customers. I looked back at the Corona table, and their servers looked bored. I almost felt bad for them. Almost.

This made me realize that the Hoosier beer drinker is more selective and more educated than ever before. I looked around the room at my fellow festivalgoers, and didn’t see beer enthusiasts, but INDIANA CRAFT beer enthusiasts. Sure, I hit up Dogfish Head, Rogue, and Oskar Blues, you’d be crazy not to, but it was obvious (by the length of the lines) that the main draw for people were the Indiana craft breweries.

After enjoying my moment of realization, I figured I’d better get back to work. I wondered over to Fountain Square for some Hop Your Face Imperial IPA…then on over to Sun King for their Kung Pao Brett, brewed with peppercorns and pineapple…then over to Function for their Chipotle Cream Ale…and eventually over to Quaff On.

So, what’s my point? For years many of my peers (and myself) have turned our noses up at the Big Red Beer Fest due to its commercial vibes. I think it’s probably about time we get over ourselves. Big Red Liquors and Best Beer’s commitment to craft beer is obvious. All you need to do is walk in to the massive beer cooler at the flagship Big Red store in Bloomington to realize this.

This was a legitimate craft beer fest. I know I’ll be returning to this festival next year, and I hope you do too. At the end of the day, it’s our choice what we drink, and It was clear that the attendees of this year’s fest were definitely making the right choices.