Last Saturday was the Atlanta Beer Carnival in Atlantic Station. It was moved to a warmer date because of past dates where it was colder, and not as fun. That was definitely a good decision, being that it was 80 degrees during the event with a nice breeze. My roommate and I decided to have bonding time at this event, and brought along our friend Tim for his birthday. Here are my top 5 beers from the day:
5) Wild Heaven Eschaton (Decatur, GA): This was a dark, but hoppy beer. However, it didn’t have that bitterness that you’d have with an IPA. It’s not an IPA (it’s a belgian quad), but it’s dark fruit tones give a good bitterness with an earthy aftertaste. It was different, but a good different.
4) Terrapin Black is the New Wit (Athens, GA): I originally thought that there was going to be a “Moo-hoochiatto” with Terrapin today, but it ended up being the Black is the New Wit. The name threw me off, but the taste did not. It was a Black Rye Wit, which I never had before. To me it tasted like a stout without the heaviness. I still would like to try the Moo-hoochiatto soon, guess I’ll have to make a trip to Athens.
3) Wrecking Bar Jemmy Stout (Atlanta, GA): Like the Terrapin, this was a dark beer without feeling like you’re drinking bread (lookin’ at you Guiness). What I really liked about this was that it had a small toffee taste to it, and I love me some toffee. There was also a good hoppy taste to it as well, showing off its slight deviance from a traditional stout. Definitely a sipping beer.
2) Three Taverns A Night on Ponce (Decatur, GA): Like a real night on Ponce De Leon ave. this IPA has a kick to the tastebuds but a smooth finish. This was a good introduction to Georgia spring, and I could see myself drinking this well into the summer. Can’t wait to check out their brewery later in the summer!
1) Stone Stochiasity Project Quadrotriticale (San Marcos, CA): Try saying that name five times fast. I’ve always been a fan of Stone, and their beers are ready to kick you in the face with flavor. Their IPAs are probably some of the hoppiest I’ve had, and their stouts are heavy and bold just like the brand itself. The quadro has so many different flavors going on, and just enough hops to keep your attention. Like my roommate David said when he tasted it, “mind blown, pssssshhhhhoooooooo.” Well said, David.
The games are of course fun as always. From human foosball to plinko, there was lots of entertainment to choose from. The food was also fantastic, we had barbecue from Williamson brothers which was wonderful, and the food trucks were among the best showcasing The Fry Guy and Happy Belly just to name a few.
If you missed the Beer Carnival, don’t worry! There’s plenty more of festivals like that soon, it’s spring! Atlanta will keep everyone entertained.
