Blue Point Brewing Cask Ales Festival

My boyfriend grew up in a town neighboring Blue Point. Back in the budding days of our relationship, he introduced me to Blue Point Toasted Lager and I was head over heels… and I guess I liked him, too! For my birthday each year, he would bring a six-pack up north for me and it was always my favorite gift! Even though I like to think it was my boyfriend and I that put Blue Point on the map, I guess most of the brewery’s popularity is credited to Anheuser-Busch; however, the small-town brewery has attempted to remain true to its downhome traditions.

The Blue Point Brewery celebrated its 12th Cask Ales Festival this year and I was lucky enough to scout it out. About 61 brewers from as far as Oskar Blues Brewery, Colorado to as near as Oyster Bay Brewing Co., New York took part in the day’s festivities. Each brewery was represented by 2 flavors of beer. There were also food trucks with good eats for purchase and a live band performing all day.

On the way to the event, our Uber driver weighed in on our decision to attend the Cask Ales Fest. “You spent $55 on these tickets?” he scoffed, “What are you even going to get there? Doesn’t sound worth it to me…” To be honest, we were skeptical, as well. The website said we would receive a half-pint glass and 6 tasting tickets, so $55 was a little steep in our eyes, but we were definitely excited to spend a day in the sun and figured we would just stay an hour or two.

When we got inside, we realized our tickets were WELL worth the purchase. No tasting tickets were distributed, but rather the beer tasting was unlimited! Try any beer you want as many times as you want - and there sure were a lot of options!

Our Favorite Brews

High Ryse - Hoppy Brett Saison Iconyc Brewing Company, Long Island City, NY; 7.5 ABV

This was my favorite beer of the day! The flavor is super crisp and almost tropical without being too sweet. I normally like for my beer to be as cold as possible, but I liked this one even later in the day

Apocalypse IPA Dry-Hopped 10 Barrel Brewing Company, Bend, OR; 6.8 ABV

This brewery had two kegs labeled with the same beer; however, one was made with Chinook & Cascade Leaf, and the other with Chinook & Simcoe Pellets. Both had strong citrus flavor and were pretty bitter. My only complaint was that they were a little flat, but otherwise totally refreshing!

Our Favorite People

Miss Amy, Miss Amy’s Preserves

Miss Amy had a small stand next to the back entrance to the brewery. She manned three folding tables covered with pretzels, a toaster oven, and tons and tons of her homemade Blue Point Toasted Lager Mustard and preserves. Miss Amy let us know that she is actually the only entrepreneur who has been at all 12 of Blue Point’s Cask Ale Festivals, and she was there for good reason. Her mustard is delicious and I couldn’t help but bring some home (rockin’ addition to ham and cheese on a NY Bagel). Not only were her products delicious, but Amy was a sweetheart and truly brought a down-home feel to the event!

Pete, Homebrews and Handgrenades, Baldwin, NY

Pete was distributing homebrews at his station that had great flavor! When he asked how I liked them, I told him I really did, but that I noticed they lacked carbonation. He went on to explain that there are 100 home brewers that contribute to their homebrewed brand and that sometimes the carbonation is inconsistent. Pete was amazing! He invited us to one of the Homebrew &; Handgrenedes weekly meetings which are held on Tuesdays.

All in all, the Blue Point Cask Ale Festival offered much more than I had expected! I could’ve done without the music - a little loud and boisterous for my taste – but the band did add another fun dimension to the atmosphere. Good weather – good people – good beer! What more could a girl ask for? I am already looking forward to next year!