Also if you have been to any, please post which ones and how was your experience? I never have myself so I'm curious and I'm sure others are as well.

I leave this Thursday for our 2nd trip planned around Dark Lord Day. Last year was great, four of us made a 2 night/3 day vacation out of it visiting many local brewpubs and bottle shops. The DLD event itself was insane, and I was there primarily for the experience and sharing obtaining the actual bottles was low on my priority list. This year we are doing 3 nights/4 days and will be visiting more places. A local we met last year is hosting a tasting for us Thursday night and we are hosting another at our hotel on Friday along with some of our other local pals who just happen to be staying at the same hotel (a true coincidence). DLD is merely the catalyst for these trips, and gives me something to plan around and work up a beer itinerary. I've also attended the Great Lakes Barrel Aged Blackout release the past couple of years. What's nice about this is that the beer goes on sale in their gift shop the next morning so you don't need to attend the release. They put out some good food and you get a handful of samples including Rackhouse Ale, and vintage Blackout. Worth the cost of admission....not really but we make a full day out of it with some brewpub visits. And the BA Blackout is a great beer. It all depends on what you are after, I wouldn't stand in line for hours and pay exploited costs JUST to buy a few bottles of beer. For me it's all about the celebration of friends and craft.

ya a few times...most recently to San Antonio (Freetail) but a 4 hour drive sucks, and then the 4 hour drive back [xx(]

I was at Pelican for the Mother of all Storms release and it was pretty busy but nothing too nuts considering that it is a 2hr drive or whatever from Portland. The Hair of the Dog release party for Matt was really low key, lots of people but, once again, not overly crazy. Yea, peeps were there lined up but it was quick and smoothly run. One of the factors contributing to the quietness of the even was due ot the fact that the sales started at 10am but they would not be serving liquor until 2pm. You got yer liquor and left. Good times, took my max of whatever I could!

i haven't been to any (on purpose) only because it doesn't seem to be something that's really done within driving distance of where i live. the first year of 50 50's Eclipse release party, we were there by pure coinsidence, but in subsequent years, the price of the beer has gone up faster than the quality dictates, so i haven't gone back on purpose. I'd go to DLD with Cory every year if I was closer...

quote: Originally posted by slowrunner77 I'd go to DLD with Cory every year if I was closer...

i'd even go so far to say if i was single and kidless, i'd fly out, but alas, i am not. sounds like a great time, and i loved the dark lord when i had it (while watching black dynamite - good combo!) but...i...just...can't. GAAA!!!

quote: Originally posted by kinger quote: quote: Originally posted by slowrunner77 I'd go to DLD with Cory every year if I was closer... We should be bellied up to the bar at 3Floyds this time tomorrow, want me to save you a seat?

I went to DL Day once, in 2006 and it was crazy then. I would not attend another event like that. Just too many people and wait in line for one beer? No thanks. However, I might attend the tertiary events at some time, though as long as I knew some of the people attending. But then again, I have been to a few festivals and am not a big fan either. I know I am in a minority, but again, I feel claustrophobic and rushed. Almost like too much sensory input.

quote: Originally posted by heemer77 But then again, I have been to a few festivals and am not a big fan either. I know I am in a minority, but again, I feel claustrophobic and rushed. Almost like too much sensory input.