Apr 4, 2014

I worked as a floater at Vineland Memorial during the day, covering random classes all morning and managing to get out early. I went home and got some food before picking up Chuck to head to Atlantic City for the beer fest. Mike hooked us up with some tickets, but they weren't at the will call window when we got there. We went over to Tun Tavern and had a beer while we waited. The Berliner Weiss was fantastic and really funky. We went back over to the convention center and, after quite a bit of waiting and running around, we got our tickets and hopped in line.

The waiting didn't really slow us down as we got right in and started tasting. We went in order, which didn't really make sense because we weren't going to be able to make it the whole way around. A couple of my favorite that I tried were the Fort Collins Ashes, a smoky and balanced beer, and the Evil Genius Purple Monkey Peanut Butter Porter, which speaks for itself. There were a bunch of good beers of course, but the highlight for us was meeting Brian O'Halloran of Clerks fame at the NJCB booth! He was just there! We talked to him for a few minutes and got a photo before he disappeared into the crowd.

Fresh off being starstruck I went to see Saves the Day on the main stage while Chuck continued drinking. They opened with "All-Star Me" which I haven't heard them play in years. An awesome opener to a somewhat disappointing set. Only because they played a lot of newer songs that I'm not really into. And only disappointing because every time I've seen them it's been like a greatest hits of my personal favorite songs of theirs. To be fair, they did play 30 songs, including "A Drag in D Flat," "Sell My Old Clothes..," "Jessie..," "Can't Stay the Same," and "Firefly." So honestly, a pretty amazing set with some downtime songs. After they finished I found Chuck and wandered back to the car to head home.

Apr 1, 2012

Kate and I went to have breakfast at The Queen and I got an omelet that was much too big but very delicious. After that I met Ryan at the gym for our weekly muscle medley followed by a trip to Parvin for a run. We did four exercise stops along the way, making it seem much more difficult than my longer run the other day.

I came home for a bit but had to go back out shortly after for Kate's cousin Hunter's birthday party. He was turning 7 and got way too much candy as presents. He seemed to be having a good time. We hung out and had some ice cream and I listened to them tell their old family stories for a while before departing.

I spent the evening working on this video as a teaser/intro for NJCB and the interviews I will be editing soon. I'm pretty happy with how it came out. I wish I did more general footage of the fest though. Next time I'll know.

After some perusing of the internet I was ready to get to bed early.

Mar 31, 2012

After some much-needed rest we got back to it in the morning. We grabbed a breakfast sandwich on the way to the convention center and then I got into interview mode with a handful of NJ breweries. I think I got some good footage.

After the crowds came in I joined in the tastings once more before I decided I needed a break. I took a walk and went to the hotel to relax for a little while away from the insanity and lines.

When I came back it was even crazier since everyone was drunk. I wandered around and took some shots of what was going on and sampled a few more then I went back to the NJCB booth and hung out.

I chilled at the booth during the changeover and read a little bit until Kate got there at the beginning of the third and final session. I brought her inside and we began making the rounds. I was able to direct her to the best brews I had tasted so we were able to get around the whole place much more quickly.

Once Kate was sufficiently buzzed (drunk) we came back to the booth and hung out with everyone. Mike had to put up a sign letting everyone know that we just sell the discount cards and don't have beer. A lot of folks were quite disappointed when we couldn't fill up their little cups.

Once the final bell had sounded we packed up all the shit at our table and I brought the car in. It felt odd driving through the convention center. Once we were all packed up I headed to the hotel room to drop everything off.

We hung out for a bit at the hotel sipping on a bottle of Great Imperial Pumpkin Ale from Iron Hill. It was good stuff, but you know how it is after tasting beer all day. I was not interested in more than a taste.

Once we said our cheers and thank yous and goodbyes a few times in the hotel, Kate and I made our way back to the car and headed home. It was a great two days of AC Beer Fest, but I was ready for bed!

Mar 30, 2012

The best job I could get was a half day so I had the morning to do some things that needed doing. Like getting my hair cut. The woman that cut it was so awkward and unfriendly though.

I went to the park for a run and tripped on a little stump in the first minute. Haven't had a skinned knee in a while. I ran five miles and stopped because I had to get to work. I substituted a fifth grade class. It was an easy day; they watched a movie, went to lunch, played on computers, and had art class.

I finished packing for the weekend and Kate picked me up and took me down to AC Convention Center for two days of Beer Fest! True, I'm working it, but it's still exciting.

The building is massive and was relatively empty of people when I got there. The vendors were setting up and putting out their signage and icing down the kegs. I got the lay of the land and then tried to get some pre-doors beer.

I got a couple of beers from nearby tables before the doors opened. I sipped them down and then did some video of everyone setting up.

The New Jersey Craft Beer table was right in the cluster of Jersey breweries, fittingly. We had a nice spot and some great neighbors. Carton's Milk Stout was pretty good and Cape May Brewery brought their Honey Porter. Oh, and how could I forget Turtle Stone Brewery from Vineland had a Chocolate Milk Stout. Yes.

Chuck came down with Brian using the tickets he won from NJCB and we began the great tasting. I really started slacking off on the photography when we started going around trying things. We did our best to hit up as many tables as possible.

Among my favorites of the night were definitely the Innis & Gunn Scottish Stout and Blue Point White IPA. Solid beers. There were a ton of other great beers I tried, including my first taste of mead, which is similar to wine, but they use honey instead of grapes. It has a really interesting taste and seems quite versatile.

The night was a blur and a success. I met some great people and tried more beers than I can count. The night fest finished its first session with Marky Ramone's band playing a set before they called last call and gave everyone the boot.

We all went to Vagabond for the NJCB after party with a special beer called SS NJCB brewed by Carton. It was strong and I was not in the mood for more beer, especially strong stuff. We sat at a table in the back and I ended up heading back to the hotel room early when Brian and Chuck were ready to leave.