2006 Toronto Festival of Beer

Steve Spong · Post by **Steve Spong** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 6:24 pm

I think that a lot of the points on both sides of the argument are valid. Greg, I think you're absolutely right about the water, and having had a friend get heat stroke and me get dizzy from the heat and lack of shade at the fest a few years back, I can attest to the value of water on hand. While I think one litre is meagre, it is better than nothing. In the summer, I work for the city providing water and educating the public about the benefits of water consumption, so perhaps I'm biased. However, water is a necessary tool for drinking (especially copiously, and ESPECIALLY in heat and sun). The lack of shade provisions is also a problem. While many may like to soak up the sun on a sunny weekend, at least provide some tents just to stand under or, if they're feeling especially generous, some basic chairs and tables for those who are a bit more conscientious.

With regard to the benefits/drawbacks of festival attendance, I think it's something of a catch-22. It's put on by the Beer Store, whose purpose in life is to sustain itself on sales of Molbatt and other macros. Supporting this is bad. Having said that, it's a rare chance for mindless Molbatt-guzzling frat-boys to be exposed to, if not drink, the fruits of local micro production. Whether they actually do, and more importantly, see the proverbial light, is another question entirely. It is also a rare chance for local micros to strut their stuff, however much they may be ignored by the majority attending. I think it then comes down to the opinion of the individual consumer whether the support of such a venture is worthwhile.

The acid test would be if the micros made the effort to put on their own show. This would provide a viable alternative that might give people the option. A venue such as Fort York is not really necessary. Off the top of my head, a venue such as the courtyard of Hart House at the U of T would be excellent. It's fairly spacious, picturesque, and has a large covered area. Maybe some Bartowellers and some micro owners can collaborate to organise such a fest? I, for one, would be all in. Let me know, let the forum know, and maybe such an event can be made to happen.[/b]

Steve Spong · Post by **Steve Spong** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 6:28 pm

One other thing to draw upon Walter's last post - I've been looking at Buffalo, as well as the Mondial, both of which I'm looking at attending this year. This is perhaps a slippery slope, because by attending other beer festivals rather than the local one, you're doing the Ontario craft brewing industry a disservice. On the other hand, if enough people defect in one year, maybe the Beer Store might notice (unlikely - give me the benefit of the doubt here).

Sambo · Post by **Sambo** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 6:58 pm

i agree with Tupalev, dollars are votes and i will spend it on good craft beer
see whoever at Modiale

mds · Post by **mds** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 7:00 pm

Steve Spong wrote:One other thing to draw upon Walter's last post - I've been looking at Buffalo, as well as the Mondial, both of which I'm looking at attending this year. This is perhaps a slippery slope, because by attending other beer festivals rather than the local one, you're doing the Ontario craft brewing industry a disservice. On the other hand, if enough people defect in one year, maybe the Beer Store might notice (unlikely - give me the benefit of the doubt here).

Having been to all three I have to say that none of them are perfect. The Fort York one ranks last for sure and wouldn't be worth going to if it weren't for Scotch Irish and Black Oak coming up with some nice offerings.

Montreal wins for the beautiful venue and shear quantity of quality beers from regional breweries, the U.S., and Belgium. It's also nice that it's spread over five days (Wed - Sun). At this fest it's quite easy to spend a lot of money though. But you get free water and the bathrooms are nicer than at my home! I'll be going back this year.

Buffalo's fest was pretty good too. One cover charge gets you in for unlimited drinks with a pretty solid selection. Especially great if you haven't had many New York State beers before. Only downside is the venue being kind of crappy. I'll probably be back for this one too.

mds · Post by **mds** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 7:13 pm

Oh, and Labatt and Molson have huge tents at Mondial but they're near the front and very easy to avoid.

Unless you're there for the women.

lister · Post by **lister** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 7:23 pm

mds wrote:Unless you're there for the women.

That's a nice way to start the day...

GregClow · Post by **GregClow** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 9:55 am

Steve Spong wrote: It's put on by the Beer Store, whose purpose in life is to sustain itself on sales of Molbatt and other macros.

I've seen a few people refer to the Fort York festival being put on & run by The Beer Store, and I just wanted to note that this is incorrect.

While they are the main festival sponsor, the event is owned by a seperate company - called Cottage Creek Corporation, I believe.

If The Beer Store actually did run the event, I suspect the beer selection would be even worse, as they would probably limit the products to beer that is actually available at The Beer Store. So no Scotch Irish, no "Beers of the World" booth from Esprit, no one-offs...

JerCraigs · Post by **JerCraigs** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 11:01 am

Figures Greg would beat me to correcting the sponsorship/running the show thing.

I think Fort York is definitely a show where you get what you want out of it. Myself, the last couple years I have gone Friday and Sunday, but I have had the luxury of subsidized entry. My usually tactic has been to spend Friday geeking it up, trying the new stuff from Scotch Irish and sampling anything new that has shown up at the fest that I have not tried before. Chatting up the brewers who are usually a little more relaxed than they are by the end of the weekend.

Sunday is traditionally the day most of my non-beer-geek friends go. In years past the traditions were to drink a lot and get the pictures with pretty girls etc. Lately it has been more about the traditional food purchases, chillaxing, seeking out some favorites etc. For me sunday is more of a hang out day. a party without the frat boy aspect. (as much)

Saturday is just rediculous, and I have avoided going on that day as it is the "worst" for people there just to party and dont really care what is in their glass.

I think having such a high admission cost adds to the party/drunkfest atmosphere a bit as people want to "get their moneys worth". The oft mentioned mondiale costs nothing to get in, but many samples cost more than they might otherwise. The advantage is that it gives people the chance to just swing by for a couple samples and leave.

I dunno, maybe it's just me but I have gotten to the point where at Fort York I can just do my own thing and either ignore the drunkards, or enjoy the comedic value.

As implied by many, the value of the fest diminishes a bit for those of us who are already familiar with the wealth of micros available, and know where to find them in town, so if you feel that way you basically have to ask - is it worth the price of admission to me to go to the fest for the other reasons? For me the answer is yes, if only to continue my streak of going every year, but I can see how for many they'd rather spend the money supporting Ontario brewers elsewhere.

As with many situations I think we beer geeks need to realise that we are not the core target market.

And on that note, I'm going for a beer!

PRMason · Post by **PRMason** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 12:02 pm

The beer geeks are MY core target market. Upon reflection, they may be my the only market I have!

jmcnally · Post by **jmcnally** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 12:28 pm

I'd have to say I'm in agreement with tupalev on this one. Too many frat boys and bad beers and a dearth of decent food and water and shade. Long lineups for the portapotties. Just a sad atmosphere. I much prefer drinking my beer in a dark pub with friends interested in conversation.

That being said, Volo's event sounded great and I hope they'll do it again.

HogTownHarry · Post by **HogTownHarry** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 12:36 pm

Perry - I just shipped a couple of Sgt Majors and SIX Tsarinas to a beer geek in Wisconsin - we'll get the word out for ya! I've shared the wealth with 4 out-of-province beer geeks re. the Tsarina.

Speaking of which ... I'm still up for another case! If you ever drag some cases into downtown Tronna, I'll meet you and give you cash.

<end hijack>

BeerMonger · Post by **BeerMonger** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 4:29 pm

The Fort York event is run by Cottage Creek Corporation...and I think they recently morphed into a new name but I don't recall it.

There's word of another new significant event likely to take place in May...I will post details of location and focus when I hear more but beer is definitely part of the equation.

A · Post by A » Wed Feb 22, 2006 4:51 pm

I think it would be a ballsy move for Volo or someone else to run a craft brewer festival the *exact same weekend* as the Fort York festival. It would probably get a lot of free advertising in articles ('David vs Goliath' type spin)

detritus · Post by **detritus** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 5:04 pm

A wrote:I think it would be a ballsy move for Volo or someone else to run a craft brewer festival the *exact same weekend* as the Fort York festival. It would probably get a lot of free advertising in articles ('David vs Goliath' type spin)

Yeah, but they'd be putting the (micro-)brewers in a really tough spot.

-Josh

Andicus · Post by **Andicus** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 5:36 pm

HogTownHarry wrote:Perry - I just shipped a couple of Sgt Majors and SIX Tsarinas to a beer geek in Wisconsin - we'll get the word out for ya! I've shared the wealth with 4 out-of-province beer geeks re. the Tsarina.

Speaking of which ... I'm still up for another case! If you ever drag some cases into downtown Tronna, I'll meet you and give you cash.

<end hijack>

<resume hijack> Harry, how do you usually send receive bottles across the border? Both to protect from breakage, and to pass through customs. I would've PM'd, but I thought others might be interested as well.</resume hijack>