Cedar Rapids Brewing Society

And another Drink Local festival is in the books.

I visited with many of the breweries, ciderys (cideries?), and homebrew clubs - all of those that I visited had a good time. Several volunteered that we do a good job of taking care of them and they really enjoy the atmosphere of our festival.

I queried a few patrons, and those that I asked, were having fun and were enjoying the brews and the day (near perfect weather by the way).

And while we may have been down on our beer count this year, I think the club performed really well. On set-up, we were way ahead of last year, you guys really knocked it out of park on set-up. Things went smoothly throughout the day, and a solid crew stuck around to clean-up our equipment and to help Matt@Benz put his equipment away too. Thanks to all of the Czars for seeing to their duties and to those members who willingly served extra shifts when needed.

Special kudos go to Travis Kasper and Eric Benda, who took point and gave ALL of our beer lines a proper cleaning at the beginning of the day.

And finally, a big big thanks to the guy that makes this all happen, and makes it look easy doing it, Mark Jensen. Lot's of folks had a really fun afternoon, due to your planning efforts and follow through on execution. Thanks Mark.

Personally, I really enjoyed the day....I met a lot of new people, met some old friends, and enjoyed quite a few really nice beers. AND, as a result of this event and the relationships we continue to build in the brewing community (both amateur and professional), Wilson Orchard is interested in having a collaborative event with the CRBS, either in late September or late October. So all of you Cider Makers or Wanna Be Cider Makers......there may be a Must Rally and a People's Choice Tasting Event in your future. Stay tuned to the forum and the CRBS Facebook pages for more details.

While we can always find a few wrinkles to smooth out for next year....all of our vendors, clubs, and patrons walked away feeling it was an afternoon well spent. If that doesn't qualify as a complete success, I don't know what does.

Again, congrats and thanks to all to all of the CRBS Members who worked or contributed beer, to execute another fine festival.

And now on to Drink Local 2020!

daryl wrote:Wilson Orchard is interested in having a collaborative event with the CRBS, either in late September or late October. So all of you Cider Makers or Wanna Be Cider Makers......there may be a Must Rally and a People's Choice Tasting Event in your future.

I'm in.

Would be a lot of fun to make Cider with them.

wyzzyrdd wrote:

daryl wrote:Wilson Orchard is interested in having a collaborative event with the CRBS, either in late September or late October. So all of you Cider Makers or Wanna Be Cider Makers......there may be a Must Rally and a People's Choice Tasting Event in your future.

I'm in.

Sounds like fun

In the relationship department, IBU invited me to their meeting tonight. Just so happens Monday night is my usual night in Des Moines now.

IBU had their best showing this year, at least since I've been involved with the club. They had a nice setup and probably the second most homebrews offered at their bar.

Hey all,

Just realized I left my kegs my Benz last weekend. We had to duck out early because our garage was broken into. If someone would like to give them a loving home (you can have the beer) for a while I'll figure out when I can come get them, or at least pay for shipping.

Thanks

- Josh Peanasky

I'll pick them up Josh. If there is beer left and they are still cold, I'll take them with us to Brew BQ if you don't mind.