Following a two-year hiatus, it’s time for St. Louis beer drinkers to get loopy again. 4 Hands Brewing Company’s Lupulin Carnival returns to The Big Top on Saturday, May 14. The tenth annual celebration of the hop, the flower used in brewing that provides bitterness and flavors and aromas ranging from fruity, floral, citrusy, earthy and dank, features over 40 breweries from around the country alongside thrilling sideshow acts, live music, fortune tellers, balloons, a photo booth, carnival-inspired food, games, prizes and more!
But, just what is a Lupulin?
Some exhaustive research we dug up this gem: From the 1909 – United States Committee of Reference in Pharmacy Report on Lupulin: “Presumably this drug will be omitted, as it is practically never used.”
It appears that Lupulin, as a drug, wasn’t cutting it so the experts decided it had no use. But it may have influenced American lexicon. Legend is that doctors from the early part of the 20th Century used Lupulin, which is the yellow, pollen-like material found in Hop plant cones, as a sedative.
Patients who were given Lupulin were described as “loopy.”
A century later, much has changed. Now we celebrate the “loopy” Lupulin in St. Louis with this annual party.
The Main Event
They’re calling it the Greatest Beer Show on Earth! A truly unique beer festival experience celebrating the hop and release of 4 Hands’ War Hammer, an Imperial IPA. At 9 % APV | 83 IBUs Warhammer is a local favorite that pours a deep golden color with nice fruitiness. But if you really want to know what it tastes like, just look at the label artwork. A pile of fresh hops exploding.
For the first time in the festival’s history, a VIP session is available from noon to 1pm and will grant attendees an extra hour to explore and taste before the general admission session begins at 1pm. Tickets are $55 (general admission) or $80 (VIP) and include a commemorative stainless steel tasting glass and the opportunity to enjoy unlimited samples from the participating breweries.
In addition to the 40+ breweries, attendees will also have access to tasting tents featuring spirits and canned cocktails from 1220 Spirits and Withered Oak, the distilled spirits arms of 4 Hands Brewing Company.
The Venue
The Beer
Ah, and of course the beer. At the current count, you will be able to sample beers from 65 local and national breweries. Here is the guest list.
