Beer fest to support AcA happens Saturday at the Horse Farm. On Saturday, Oct. 19, from 6-9 p.m., the 7th annual Gulf Brew takes over the Horse Farm to showcase more than 120 beers, live music and food - it's the hottest place this weekend to sample beers from our own backyard and across the country. Plan out your tasting ahead of time to make sure you don't miss a favorite beer or something you've been dying to try. Here are a few of the beers on tap that pique INDEats' interest:
At Schilling's three draft trailers, sample Bayou Teche's Biére Miel Sauvage, a French-stlye ale crafted with local honey and has flavors of smooth vanilla oakiness and whiskey. It's a limited release as only one batch was made this year. Also from Schilling is the Lazy Magnolia Jefferson Stout - brewed from sweet potatoes and lactose with notes of roasted chocolate, coffee and caramel flavors that comfort for fall.
Crescent Crown's three trailers offer flavors from NOLA Brewing like the Smoky Mary which is a spin on a German Rauchbier with a subtle smoked flavor to compliment any BBQ. Abita's Abbey Ale will also be on tap with fruity tastes from organic raspberries.
The Home Brewers and Craft Beers tent is intense - try the Rogue Chocolate Stout that's dark in color with mellow oat, chocolate malt and hops that offer a bittersweet taste. The Estrella Damm Daura Gluten-Free beer is the first in Spain to guarantee a gluten content below 3ppm and won the title of world's best gluten-free beer in 2008 and 2009.
New to this year's Gulf Brew is The Green Room Lounge - a hangout to sit and chat with friends about which brews were your favorite and which ones were pas bon. Since this year's event has changed venues from downtown to the Horse Farm, Gulf Brew has planned ahead for those who had more to drink than expected by offering free towing home from Guy's Towing. Of course, the best solution is to always have a designated driver - the crew even has free Swamp Pop soda for these special friends who choose to hold the keys to the car. If you prefer to bike to the Horse Farm, Bike Lafayette will keep your wheels safe in its bike corral on site.
Bring a blanket or a lawn chair to sit, sip, snack at this year's Gulf Brew all while listing to great music by Devils and Trains, Cedric Watson and the Bijou Creole and the Babineaux Sisters. General admission tickets are $30 and $75 for VIP area.
By supporting Gulf Brew you are also helping foster arts and culture in Acadiana through the works of the Acadiana Center for the Arts. The AcA presents performing arts including jazz, folk, opera, dance, theater, film and education to students about the arts. To learn more about AcA, visit their website. For additional information on this year's Gulf Brew, download the 2013 Brew Book.
2013 Gulf Brew map is available as part of the Brew Book download