This past Saturday we enjoyed a hot summer night at the 1st KBF at Southern Railway Depot. Great event at a historic venue with lots of crafts brews to sample for a $35 entry fee. There were so many different beers to try we've had a hard time remembering them all.
Some that stood out were Smoky Mtn. Brewery's Scottish Ale. Marty Velas, why are you holding out on us? Put that one on your taps! Bluegrass Brewing's Bourbon Barrel Ales were a treat. Wolf Hills Amber Ale was a nice surprise from a newcomer to our area. Hope they come again, or better yet go visit them in Abingdon, VA. Highland Brewing's 'Cattail Peak Wheat' is a true summer refresher.We'll be sure to bring some home with us here to 'Beertown'. Lazy Magnolia Brewing's 'Reb Ale' was enjoyed since we personally love the Kolsch/Golden Ale style and speaking of Kolsch, the one from Chattanooga Brewing Co. was quite tasty. Almost as good as their seasonals we've enjoyed at the brewery. We always head for Sweetwater 'Georgia Brown Ale' when available, and we're glad they were. We had our first Boulders Beers' 'Hazed and Infused' with surprisingly pleasant hoppy results. We were glad Yazoo was there with Hop Project and Dos Perros, but we had to wait the entire festival until 'Sue' was tapped near the end. If you haven't tried one yet you are in for an indescribable experience.
Another pleasant surprise was 'Kilt Lifter' Scottish Ale from Moylan. Never heard of it before this event but we'll be sure to look for it again. Also, don't feel too bad for Woodruff Brewing being left of the guest list. We had their great IPA at the Dead End BBQ tent. Marble City's Amber Ale was good from Knoxville's newest brewer.
One final mention is to our friends and hopefully new neighbors with Sierra Nevada Brewing. The whole crew at their tent could not have been more fun and friendly to talk beer with. We tried all they brought and enjoyed them all, especially 'Bigfoot' We've always wanted to try a barley wine and that one was worth the wait. Excellent!
Job well done Bearden Beer Market! With very few complaints and lots of great sampling, we'll be looking forward to next year and the next and yes, 'jammers' Knoxville can and should host more than one successful Beer Festival, maybe more.
