Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Well, There's Always Munich

We all look forward to the time of year when we get to toast the marriage of King Ludwig to Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The usual way we would do it here in Albuquerque was to get together at Marble Brewery for their Septemberfest- "As close as you can get to Germany in a parking lot". It was one of the most popular fests in the New Mexico beer world but will not be happening this year. Marble cites "festival overload" as one of the main reasons. And there are a lot of fests these days. With the Brewers Guild finally resembling a cohesive unit that puts on many events, along with Hopfest, Blues and Brews, something at Pajarito every week or so, breweries' time and the public's dollar are both getting stretched out. If you have some extra dollars to stretch, you can get a round trip ticket to Munich for $1,248, not including any lodging or tickets to the actual Oktoberfest. You know, a bike ride to Marble is a lot more convenient and less expensive for me. It will be interesting to see where the number of festivals overwhelms the rise in craft beer fans, if at all. The Brewers Guild put on the Beer Premier last month with a small turnout, but Nob Hill Summerfest and Cork and Tap were going on at the same time, so that may not be a good gauge. What say you? Would you have had enough festival spirit to go to Septemberfest if it was still on? Or are you saving it up for Hopfest? Or NM Brew Fest? Or the Great American Beer Fest? Or...

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Ooooh.... but a bike ride to Marble really does NOT compare to Munich. Last year we had a moderately successful private party... and I think that will be the secret to a number of successful "Wiesenesque" experiences... because I have never experienced gemütlichkeit standing in line with a wristband. Prost!

Matt said...

That's a bummer. Marblefest was always my favorite brewfest. I certainly looked forward to attending. On the other hand, with some pretty good new festivals popping up -- including the premier event you referenced, which was a great event -- I hope that some more substitutes are on the way.

Unknown said...

Sounds like an excuse to have an Oktoberfest at Balloon Fiesta Park. All of the local breweries can have tents.

George Woods said...

Worst news I've heard in a long time. Easily the best fest in town. Hopefully there will be enough of an outcry from this year to bring it back next year.

Adam said...

Serious disappointment, Septemberfest was the best brewfest around and its cancelled in favor of over-packed, for profit, "Feel Good" festivals that are obviously just out to make a buck? Losing faith in the Brewers Guild and disappointed with Marble for letting themselves be strong armed by them.

The excuse of too many brewfests doesn't quite make sense... I know of no other events planned around that same time?

Oh well too bad will likely be attending the IPA challenge but besides that see you at GABF!

Adam said...
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