W
ith a bustling crowd and plenty of flowing suds, Saturday’s Craft Beer Tour at River’s Edge Convention Center felt more like a beer commercial than it did a fledgling event.“It’s a very social gathering,” said St. Cloud’s Sarah Henning. “It’s something new to talk about.”
In its second year, the event returned much bigger. The day featured 43 breweries from across the country — up from the 29 breweries that attended last year — with about 150 craft beers available for tasting. There was even a zone complete with televisions and gaming consoles for those looking to take a break from beer.
The additions seemed to pay off. Ticket sales more than doubled for this time around, with about 2,500 being sold before the doors even opened Saturday. The event’s organizer, Christian Medford, said the upgrades seen this year are mostly due to the fact that he had more time to plan the event.
“There’s always plans to make this bigger and better. Last year, I only had three months to plan it. This year I had more time,” Medford said. “I want it to be a great time for everyone. I asked a lot of people what they liked and didn’t like last year and tried to make it better.”
That attitude made for a unique experience for patrons and vendors Saturday.
“I didn’t really know what I was getting into. It was really surprising,” said Cory Bloch of Holdingford. “We’ve kind of been all around (today). I’ve never been to anything like this.”
Corrine McCalla of Watertown said there’s a method to navigating the variety the tour has to offer — start with what’s familiar. She noted that Lake Superior Brewing Company out of Duluth is always a must-stop for her.
“We usually start with brewers we know and then (go from there),” she said.
More beer drinkers are embracing the craft brews, Medford said. The growing craft brew market in Minnesota has helped with the event’s appeal.
“Minnesota beer is becoming more and more popular. It makes it kind of fun because it’s not just dealing with guys from (other states), but it’s a lot more about the guys from Minnesota.”
Attendees weren’t just able to taste different brews; they also were able to add their own critiques on various beers.
Medford said the programs being handed out at the event had a scorecard where people could keep track of the beers they liked.
By the time the event was over, an award was handed out to the best-liked brew. Last year’s winner was one from Third Street Brewhouse of Cold Spring.
Representatives from the brewery were hard at work trying to make another good impression Saturday.
“It helps us get our name out there,” said Michelle Hovanes of Third Street Brewhouse. “I think a lot of people in the St. Cloud area know we’re in Cold Spring, so it’s an eye-opener for the St. Cloud area to come here and try our beers and to see how good they are.”
Medford said that as much as the event is about having a good time, he also thinks that craft brew lovers can get valuable experience by attending the tour.
“If you like beer at all, even if you’re a light beer drinker, this is something pretty fun. You get learn what you really do like and what you don’t like,” he said. “It’s just a unique deal.”
Follow Ben Katzner on Twitter @BigKat0.
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