Shelton Brothers, and The Festival in Louisville, 2016.

Tim Eads of Starlight Distribution handles Shelton Brothers in Indiana, and Michael Minton (Dauntless) in Kentucky. I saw them both during Session Beer Day, and it goes without saying that they're slap happy excited about The Festival 2016 in Louisville.

I am, too. Just because I'm a "shift to local" kind of guy doesn't mean I've forgotten the power of Shelton's book.

NABC's Pizzeria & Public House has bought a lot of Shelton Brothers beers over the years, and I'll be forever grateful to Dan Shelton and his wife for devoting the better part of a day of their time in Bamberg, 2009, for brewery tours at Spezial and Mahrs. It was an unforgettable day.

For once, even I can hardly wait for a festival.

THE FESTIVAL 2016

We’re excited to announce that this year’s Shelton Brothers Festival will take place in Louisville, Kentucky!

What: The Festival 2016, presented by Shelton Brothers

When: October 28 and 29, 2016

Where: Copper & Kings in Louisville, KY

The world’s greatest and smallest artisanal beer, cider, and mead makers will join us to meet festival attendees and share their stories and knowledge. You’d have to spend months and countless dollars for a chance to meet this many world-class brewers. We’ve saved you the trouble and the expense — they’ll all be on hand personally to talk about their work and to pour for you. And many will be creating special brews specifically for the event — you won’t be able to find them anywhere else!

Admission to the festival gets you our special-edition sample glass, plus the opportunity to meet the best beer and cider makers in the world. The cost of admission also goes to covering the costs of the festival, including bringing these incredible brewers in from all over the world.

Every producer listed will be on hand to talk about their creations. Never before have this many small-batch artisans been gathered together in one room — well, maybe at last year’s festival.

The list of participating breweries is pending, but keep checking back. You can expect the very best local, domestic, and international producers. Here’s what we poured last year.

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