The Bar Towel

Yeah, the pre-fest was awful. Way too crowded. Other than that it was totally awesome. My non-Cantillon highlights were Postgalcial by Homes, Here's to feeling good all the time by Bissell Brothers, and Vimana and Vadar Seizeon by Forest & Main.

Ended up going despite feeling a bit under the weather (and not being able to find a buyer for the ticket). Glad I went as this was the best beer event I've been to in some time. I was at session 2. Didn't find the opening Ontario "gauntlet" that bad. Although Ontario brewers really seem hung up on barrel/sour styles based on what they brought to the fest. Had a few things outside but it was indoors where the real goodies were. So many excellent IPAs. Other Half, Bissell Brothers, Homes, Triple Crossing were all great to name a few.

Very well run event. Only real lineup was for Cantillon and even that moved fast. No long waits for the portaloos either. Beer/coat check also a nice touch. The Lyft discount offer was a smart idea, though I opted for the TTC as I wasn't too far gone when I left.

And who doesn't like a party with a mariachi band?

I was at session 1 and it was pretty great.

They must have underestimated how many people would show up for the opening 45 min Ontario session because we were like sardines in there for a while. Good on Bellwoods for opening the main event 15 mins early.

I only went for Cantillon once, there was just way too much greatness around here to keep me occupied.

I thought the event could have used more stouts. However there were a few really good ones available.

House of Fermentology Silver Dot was my standout. Also loved the Oysters at $5 for 4.

Masterplan wrote:Great time at Session 1. 46 beers tasted including every Cantillon. The start was a gong show in the Ontario "line up" but after that it was very well managed.

46! jeebus!

Lots and lots and lots of bottle at Hafis.

Lots.

JerCraigs wrote:

Masterplan wrote:Great time at Session 1. 46 beers tasted including every Cantillon. The start was a gong show in the Ontario "line up" but after that it was very well managed.

46! jeebus!

Well technically 46 half samples as I was sharing.

This ruled so hard. Was so happy to try stuff by breweries like Forest and Main and Tired hands (just to name a couple) and they didn't disappoint. Extremely well organized. Absolutely LOVE the mariachi band.

Oh and all the releases were absolutely ridiculous as well.