It was a big deal to move a festival as large at the St. Louis Brewers Guild’s Heritage Festival from the Arch grounds back to its original home in the idyllic Forest Park, but I think it was one both local brewers and beer lovers will agree was worth it.
There is no other beer festival in the city that offers the rugged poetry of one of the nation’s most beautiful parks. Which, I must say, will take on new meaning after a few beers and a clear starry sky.
This festival is really unlike any other in St. Louis because unlike others, this one is really a celebration of St. Louis’ nearly 200 year love affair with beer, hosted by the men and women who have redefined this love in the 21st century. It’s a giant pat on the back, it’s a loud “good for us dude, look at what the fuck we built here!”
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Now in its 12th year, the festival will be just one session, feature live music, entertainment and include a commemorative tasting glass and unlimited samples from the 50+ pro-brewer beers, Homebrew Club beers, festival beer, and my personal favorite, the Tapping Tent.
Saint Louis Hop Shop Rare Tapping Tent
Last year’s Rare Tasting Tent was the hit of the festival, featuring truly rare beers, including my festival favorite, Red Hot Riplet Gose by Earthbound. This year’s Rare Tapping Tent is once again hosted by Ryan and Justin, the owners of Saint Louis Hop Shop. They are curating an incredible selection of releases featuring beers that are more readily available but with a creative twist.
Among the breweries providing these “beers with a twist” are:
Earthbound Brewing
- Dead Druid King – A once a year beer brewed sour brown ale.
2nd Shift Brewing Co.
- Art of Neurosis – Cask edition
Mark Twain Brewing Co.
- Sawyer’s Blonde Ale infused with fresh grapefruit
4 Hands Brewing Co.
- Single Speed with Vanilla
Old Bakery Brewing Co.
- Hibiscus Tart with blackberry
Urban Chestnut Brewing Co.
- Ku’Damm with blueberries and vanilla
Rockwell Brewing Co.
- Chano, an American brown ale with Dark Matter Coffee’s Saison-Fermented Catuai coffee beans from the San Jeronimo Miramar farm in Guatemala.
4204 Mainstreet Brewing Co.
- Greco Roman Pit Boss
We’re also expecting original beers from Narrow Gauge, Alpha Brewing, Main and Mill Brewing and Modern Brewing.
To keep the beer flowing all festival long, the Saint Louis Hop Shop will be joined by the gentleman from Beer Outside, St. Louis’ first and foremost pop-up beer garden. Their tap trailer will keep these creative beers flowing inside the tent.
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New location, new breweries, new glassware, new poster | 2018 Heritage Festival is ready to rock
3 breweries to seek out at this year’s St. Louis Brewers Heritage Festival
