It’s an absolute must.<\/a><\/p>\nManage your liquids, mister.<\/strong> This means drinking lots and lots of water and luckily all of the rinse stations have potable water. A seasoned vet informed me that he starts drinking large amounts of water several days prior to the fest to maximize hydration. Yes, drink lots of beer, but also do yourself a favor and don’t be afraid to dump anything you don’t dig.<\/p>\nDon’t forget the frickin’ firkins, man.<\/strong> This was one unanimous piece of advice that, I too, stand behind wholeheartedly. The Real Ale Tent is truly the hidden gem of the Great Taste and often the most overlooked. This is where you’ll find the true artistry of brewers, where they’ve created amazing one-offs and experimental brews. Last year, I remember Surly Darkness in the cask without a line in sight.<\/p>\nThe Real Ale Tent is truly the hidden gem of the Great Taste and often the most overlooked. <\/blockquote>\nBe Tactful.<\/strong> The Great Taste is just as much a brewer’s festival as it is beer festival. This means actual brewers are present to pour their beers. While it might seem like a good idea at the moment to try to get brewing tips from Dan Carey, if you’ve got a line 100 deep behind you, make like you’re in front of the soup nazi, get your pour and step off to the left. On the other hand, if you stroll up to a booth and your favorite brewer is just chilling, don’t be afraid to show him\/her some love and talk them up!<\/p>\nMind the lines.<\/strong> You could spend your entire day in line at the Great Taste and the last time I checked, that ain’t much fun. While it’s fun to try to hit a few special releases here and there, they’re usually where you’ll find the longest lines. Unless there’s a white whale that you’re hellbent to try, your time is best spent elsewhere, perhaps finding new and interesting breweries you’ve never tried before.<\/p>\nBe prepared.<\/strong> It’s outside, rain or shine or sleet or whatever else Wisco will throw at you. Bring what you need to be comfortable ie. sunscreen, money, insulin etc. Have a meet-up spot in case you lose your buddies and pack a snack bag to enjoy between tents.<\/p>\nSee those name tags?<\/strong> The one’s that say Great Taste of the Midwest Volunteer? Yeah, this is completely volunteer run event. While you enjoy this world-class beer event, keep in mind that this ship is being driven by the hard-working volunteers you see around you. Don’t be shy in thanking them often throughout the day.<\/p>\nThis ship is being driven by the hard-working volunteers you see around you. Don’t be shy in thanking them often throughout the day.<\/blockquote>\nHave a good time.<\/strong> Yes, drink phenomenal beer, but don’t forget to socialize and listen to music. Kick back and enjoy the stellar views and don’t be afraid to occasionally abandon your plan every once in a while and try something totally different. This is, after all, the Great Taste of the Midwest.<\/p>\nSpecial thanks to Dan Schrader, Scott Peters, Jesse Lyons, Tim Tautges, Ben Moore, Luke Forehand, Paul Miller, Doug Randall, Casey Pennewell and Shelby Kuenze for the stellar advice.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Behold, the do’s and don’ts of the 2015 Great Taste of the Midwest.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":18882,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[931],"yoast_head":"\n
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