I wasn't able to make it to Fishers on Tap this year, but I worked last year's inaugural event, and had many of the same observations as Donovan Wheeler in his piece at Indiana On Tap. It is a delightful gathering staged by folks who are actively considering quality vs quantity, and running their show accordingly.
Plainly, there isn't enough introspection in "craft" beerland as to the relative merits of beer festivals. There seem to be plenty of willing customers, seas of beer to be consumer, and much money to be made (where it goes is a variable story). However, the customarily stated rationale of "education" can be elusive when crowds are trampling fences to urinate behind bushes in the absence of sufficient port-a-lets.
“Back in the ‘90’s,” said Broad Ripple Brewery’s John Treeter, “all brew fests were like this. Bigger events are just drunk fests, but here you can interact with the patrons…and with other brewers.” Treeter’s last comment echoed with a rising inflection, emphasizing the enjoyment brewers feel when they get to talk about their work with their competitors.
There is a disconnect in "craft" beer, in the sense of "craft" brewers having the time (in some cases, the willingness) to explain exactly what me mean by "craft," not be reference to barrels produced, but what exactly is artisanal about what we do. Whatever one's intentions, a beer festival attended by 5,000 drinkers probably isn't the best place for that. It doesn't mean it's a bad thing. Just different.
Wheeler's essay is thoughtful and well written. Here's to Fishers on Tap; good job, guys.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY: A LOOK BACK AT FISHERS ON TAP CRAFT BEER FEST AND THE CHOICE TO BE DIFFERENT
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