BEER 101 :: Beerfest Etiquette

By: Brad Beneski, Penn State University

Updated: February 19, 2009

Just as comic nerds have their celebrated conventions, beer geeks have their festivals. However, an unfortunate misconception has been lent to such get-togethers that depict them as events concerned with mass rather than quality. The fact is that most beer festivals are actually for craft beer-lovers and are put together in order to help breweries create some buzz for their products. If you hear the term beer festival and in your head appears a rowdy crowd of frat brothers chugging large amounts of light beer then it may be worth your time to learn exactly what a beer festival is and the expected behavior for its attendees.

So, replace the mugs for 2 to 4 ounce tasting glasses, swap the light beer out for hundreds of different styles, and leave the frat party expectations at the door, because these festivals are all about discovering different styles of beer from different breweries from around the world.

If you’re looking for a cheap buzz, take the ticket cost and gather some of your buddies to the old watering hole and spend your wad on some Jager-bombs and Coors Light pitchers. However, if you’re looking to expand your horizon into the world of craft beer through the commemoration of a craft beer festival— Just remember these tips:

Quality Over Quantity

A beer festival is not the proper venue to become a belligerent drunk. No one will be impressed and it will only result in problems and embarrassment when you are more than likely asked to leave. Just take it easy and embrace your limits. Take it one beer at a time and don’t rush to finish it and try the next beer. This will help you make better choices and truly understand what it is that you like. At the end of the day, you’ll remember the festival as a helpful event that let you hone your appreciation for beer, not just an expensive bender.

Keep Your Palate Fresh

Such diversity in styles and flavors in craft beer can make for confused palates. The best way to gain accurate tastes from the beers at your disposal is to come prepared with reserves of water and pretzels. A popular trend among fest-goers is the advent of pretzels necklaces that give beer geeks a palate cleansing within arm’s reach. The salt and dough of the pretzel are perfect agents to strip old flavors from the tongue and leave it waiting for another round. Water also helps in avoiding the influence of former beers while also providing hydration, which is a very important aspect of surviving a festival without a hangover.

Talk To The Reps

A beer festival is just educational as it is fun. You get to try different styles that you might not have sampled before and acquire a first-hand judgment of the attempts made. There are no better sources from the beer industry than the representatives that will be present at the brewery’s table. They are there to point you in the right direction and find something from their arsenal that you will enjoy and become a patron toward the brewery. They are also chockfull of great beer knowledge and welcome questions. Just beware to not become a camper!

Camper, No Camping!
Camper (kam-pur) n.
1. One that acquires his or her sample of beer and then continues to stand at the front of the line and drink it while discussing it with friends.
2. The most loathed person at any beer festival.
3. Not even campers like campers. Often time, they don’t even know that they’re doing it, but believe me—other do.
a. If any respectable beer geek has a question that they would like to pose to a brewery representative, it is proper to move to the side and then engage in conversation.

Be Respectful

A common theme among all of these tips would be to respect beer and others during these festivals. And that is simply part of being a decent person. There are more than enough great reasons to respect the promoters who are putting together the event, the other attendees, the hand-crafted beverages that are being celebrated, and most importantly yourself. No one likes a beer geek who can’t hold his or her own at a festival.

Finally, if the temptation to abuse alcohol supercedes your ability to embrace the delicious drinks and great company in a responsible manner, then maybe it’s time to return to those comic book conventions. May the force be with you.