Don't be embarrassed if you're new to craft beer festivals! Thorough explanation from preparation to how to enjoy it

In this article, for those who are attending a craft beer festival for the first time, we will explain in detail everything from the necessary preparations to how to enjoy the event at the venue. It is full of information to help you enjoy the festival to the fullest, including basic knowledge about beer types and brewing methods, tips on food pairings, etiquette at the venue, and communication points.

1.First of all

For beer lovers, craft beer festivals are truly a paradise. However, if you are participating for the first time, you may be worried about what to prepare and how to enjoy it. In this article, we will introduce a wide range of information about craft beer festivals, including basic information about craft beer festivals, tips for enjoying them, how to prepare, and even information about popular festivals. We hope this guide will help you enjoy craft beer festivals to the fullest. Please read to the end.

2.What is a craft beer festival?

A craft beer festival is an event where a wide variety of breweries come together and you can sample craft beers that make use of the characteristics of each brewery. In particular, in recent years, various expressions have been experimented with, such as beers that make use of local ingredients and beers with unique flavors that reflect the unique ideas of brewers, and this diversity is what makes craft beer so appealing. Masu. It can be enjoyed not only by beer lovers but also by those who are not familiar with beer.

Craft beer also has a higher alcohol content and richer flavor than products from major beer manufacturers. Therefore, it is important to understand the characteristics of each beer and enjoy the taste of each. Therefore, by sampling a wide variety of beers at festivals, you can have fun discovering your favorite beer.

(1) General definition and characteristics of craft beer festivals

A craft beer festival is an event where various brewers gather to showcase and serve their homemade beers. Although the scale of this festival is small, you can enjoy craft beer with a wide variety of flavors and aromas created by individual brewers' unique recipes and manufacturing methods. It is also known as a place where you can interact directly with brewers. Unlike the general beers produced by major beer makers, each craft beer is unique, and you can feel the regional characteristics and the passion of the brewer. This can be said to be the charm of craft beer festivals.

(2) The appeal and types of craft beer

The biggest appeal of craft beer is its unique flavor and aroma. Unlike regular beer, it is possible to have a wide variety of flavors by using a variety of ingredients. For example, by adding different ingredients such as fruits, spices, and herbs, you can create a beer with a unique flavor or aroma. Regional characteristics are also a major feature, and beer is brewed that takes advantage of each region's culture, history, and specialty products, and has a depth that connects to the uniqueness of that region. These are the charms of craft beer, and the wide variety of types is one of the fun things to try at festivals.

3. How to enjoy craft beer festivals

To enjoy the craft beer festival to the fullest, be sure to keep the following three points in mind.

1. At festivals where you can try out various types of craft beer, brewers from not only local areas but also from all over the world gather, and you can enjoy various types of beer that take advantage of the characteristics of each. Beers may look similar at first glance, but when you take a sip, their flavor, aroma, and aftertaste are vastly different. When you find a beer you like, why not ask the brewer about its production method and characteristics?

2. Interact with brewers At craft beer festivals, the brewers who produce the beer often have stalls. You can deepen your understanding of beer by hearing directly about beer manufacturing methods and ingredients, and by sharing your own impressions.

3. Enjoy things other than beer, such as food and music.There is also plenty of entertainment other than beer, such as food and music stalls and live music. Grab your favorite beer, enjoy delicious food, listen to live music, and soak up the extraordinary atmosphere.

(1)Try various types of craft beer

Craft beer festivals are a great opportunity to try many craft beers from all over the world at once. There are a variety of beers available, including IPA, stout, and lager. There are also limited and seasonal beers that each brewery is proud of.

For example, at the ``Keyaki Hiroma Beer Festival,'' breweries from all over Japan and around the world gather to offer beer that they have painstakingly brewed. To fully enjoy the festival, it's a good idea to make a list of breweries and beer types you're interested in in advance.

In addition to purchasing one beer at a time, you can also enjoy a wide range of beers in small portions by using tasting sets. You may even find a new favorite.

(2) Interact with brewers

At craft beer festivals, one of the big attractions is not just enjoying the beer, but also getting to interact directly with the brewers who create that beer. At each booth, you can hear about the beer manufacturing process and unique manufacturing methods from the perspective of a brewer.

In addition, social events are held at some beer festivals. This is a direct discussion between brewers and beer fans. While drinking beer, you can experience the creator's thoughts and passion for beer making. Through this kind of interaction, you will be able to further understand the depth of craft beer.

(3) How to enjoy things other than beer, such as food and music

Craft beer festivals aren't just about enjoying delicious beer, they're also full of entertainment such as music and food. For example, "CRAFTROCK FESTIVAL '23" will be a unique festival that combines craft beer and music. Attendees can sample a variety of beers while enjoying live performances.

Food is also a big event at the festival. Food menus that go well with beer and gourmet dishes made with local ingredients will also be provided. Interacting with new brewers, delicious food, and great music are all ways to enjoy craft beer festivals.

Click here for detailed information on "CRAFTROCK FESTIVAL '23". https://spice.eplus.jp/articles/318145

4.Basic knowledge that beginners should know before participating

In order to enjoy your first time attending a craft beer festival, you need basic knowledge of craft beer. Let's start by understanding how craft beer tastes. It's important to not only take a sip of high-quality craft beer, but also feel the aroma and enjoy the aftertaste.

It is also important to know the types of beer and their characteristics. For example, lagers have a refreshing and crisp taste, while ales have fruity flavors and complex flavors. Furthermore, IPA (India Pale Ale) has a strong hop bitterness, and stout has a coffee or chocolate-like taste.

Additionally, there are some points to keep in mind when comparing multiple beers. In general, it's a good idea to start with lighter-tasting beers and gradually move up to richer-tasting beers.

Armed with the above knowledge, try enjoying a variety of beers at craft beer festivals.

(1) Basic way to taste craft beer

Craft beer is appealing for its unique flavor, and there are many ways to enjoy it. Let's look at the colors first. The color of beer changes depending on how well the malt is roasted. You can see completely different shades depending on the beer, from light to dark. It can be divided into broad colors such as straw, gold, and black, but a unit called EBC (SRM) is also used to express it in more detail. This is a numerical value of the color of beer; the higher the value, the darker the beer.

Next, let's feel the scent. Craft beer is made with particular attention to aroma, and you can enjoy the aromas of hops and malt. You can enjoy completely different aromas depending on the beer, such as citrus aromas like grapefruit, lush aromas like grass, and gorgeous aromas like flowers.

(2) Types of beer and their characteristics

There are many different types of craft beer, each with their own distinctive flavor and color. Here, we will briefly introduce the main types of craft beer and their characteristics.

1. Pale Ale: You can enjoy the flavor that takes advantage of the characteristics of the raw material wheat. The color is golden to copper. This is a beer where you can enjoy the bitterness and aroma of hops.

2. Stout: A beer made using black malt , it is characterized by its deep black color. It has a flavor similar to coffee or chocolate.

3. IPA (India Pale Ale): Strong hop flavor and bitterness. It tends to have a high alcohol content.

4. Weizen: A wheat-based beer with a fruity flavor and refreshing acidity.

Even if you are attending a craft beer festival for the first time, knowing these basic types will make it easier to find the beer that suits your tastes. Every beer is a cup where you can feel the brewer's commitment. Please enjoy each type of beer.

(3) Points for comparing drinks

At craft beer festivals, there are many brands available, but you can enjoy it even more by knowing which ones to choose from among them, the order in which you should drink them, and the key points when comparing drinks.

First, it's a good idea to try different beers in order of flavor, from light to strong. By starting with lighter beers and gradually progressing to beers with stronger aromas and flavors, you can fully enjoy the individuality of each beer.

Next, when drinking, you can enjoy the overall taste with the first sip, and enjoy the detailed flavors with the second and subsequent sips. It is also recommended to compare several beers of the same style side by side, and by enjoying the subtle differences between them, you can gain a deeper understanding.

These are the points to consider when comparing drinks at craft beer festivals. By keeping these things in mind when enjoying beer, your craft beer experience will be even richer.

5.Specific preparation methods and things to bring

We will explain how to prepare and what you need to bring when participating in a craft beer festival.

[How to reserve tickets and things to note] Check the event's official website and SNS and consider purchasing tickets in advance. There may also be special benefits such as early bird discounts and group discounts.

[What you need to bring on the day] Wear light, easy-to-move clothes, and it is recommended to bring a backpack or eco-bag. Also, if the sun is strong, don't forget to wear a hat and sunscreen.

[How to choose clothing and shoes] Since there are many outdoor events, we recommend clothing that is easy to move in and that you don't mind getting dirty. Also, as you will be standing and walking a lot, choose comfortable shoes that you are used to wearing.

These are the specific preparation methods and things to bring when participating in a craft beer festival. By preparing well in advance, you can enjoy the day even more.

(1) Ticket reservation method and precautions

Tickets for craft beer festivals are usually pre-purchased online. Early reservations are recommended, especially for popular festivals.

As a specific example, ``Keyaki Hiroba Beer Festival Saitama Shintoshin'' sells tickets using Yahoo! JAPAN's digital ticket PassMarket. Changes or cancellations cannot be made after purchase, so please check the date and time carefully before purchasing.

Additionally, the festival may be crowded near the reservation time, so it is recommended that you register early. Registration is possible from the start time of the event on the day of the event, and you will receive wristbands and table numbers for the number of participants.

It is important to note that you cannot cancel, change the date, or change the ticket type after purchasing, so be sure to select the date and time that you can participate in and the appropriate ticket type before purchasing.

(2) What to bring on the day

First-timers may not know what to bring when attending a craft beer festival. Here we will introduce some of the points.

1. ID: Please bring your driver's license or other ID to confirm your age.

2. Cash: Some stores do not accept credit cards, so we recommend bringing enough cash.

3. Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is essential to enjoying beer. Bring your own water to drink, especially on hot days.

4. Sunscreen/hat: If you are going to an outdoor festival, don't forget to protect yourself from UV rays.

5. Snacks: It's nice to have some small snacks to snack on with your beer.

In addition, at "CRAFTROCK FESTIVAL '23", you can bring in a carbonated bottle with a lid (growler) and enjoy beer inside the hall. Prepare these items and have fun!

(3) How to choose clothes and shoes

Choosing the right clothes and shoes is important to have a comfortable day at the festival venue.

First of all, when it comes to clothing, the key is to make sure it's easy to move around in. You might spend the whole day walking around and even dancing in some places. Therefore, it is recommended that you wear casual clothes that will take the pressure off your shoulders. It's also a good idea to have something you can put on depending on the weather.

Next, regarding shoes, we recommend choosing shoes that you are used to wearing. New shoes can cause your feet to hurt and you won't be able to enjoy the festival to the fullest. Also, consider rainy weather and choose shoes that won't cause any problems even if they get wet.

Please keep these points in mind and enjoy fashion that suits your tastes and style.

6. Craft beer festival information to watch in 2023

Here are some notable craft beer festivals to be held in 2023.

First of all, "Keikyu Craft Beer Festival 2023" will be held along the Keikyu Main Line, and there are many participating breweries and beer types, so everyone from beginners to beer lovers can enjoy it. Details are being updated regularly on the official website.

Craft beer festivals are also planned in major cities across the country. Among them, "JAPAN BREWERS CUP 2024" is particularly noteworthy. This festival, held in Yokohama, is known as a spectacular event that brings together 300 types of beer from all over the world.

Lastly, let's talk about the ``Craft Beer Seminar to learn from female brewers.'' This is a craft beer seminar for beginners, where you can enjoy comparing drinks and pairing with food. This is a valuable opportunity to learn directly from female brewers.

Information on these events will be updated from time to time, so please check each official website.

(1) Keyaki Square Beer Festival

Held from Thursday, September 14th to Monday, September 18th, 2023

The ``Keyaki Hiroba Beer Festival'' is one of Japan's largest craft beer events, held at Keyaki Hiroba in Saitama-Shintoshin, where breweries from all over the country, including Saitama prefecture, set up stalls.

The period was 5 days, and in 2023 it was held from September 14th (Thursday) to September 18th (Monday).

Shimanami Brewery also opened its first store in 2023, the year it started brewing.

The free area has a standing table area, picnic area (leisure seats and sitting OK), and advance reservation tickets are also available for the paid area. In the paid area, there is also a Yokubari Keyaki table where beer seminars and special guests are held.

There is a wide range of food options, and you can enjoy local gourmet food from all over the country.

(2) High Cybeer Festival

Spring: 2023 May 3rd (Wednesday, holiday) - 4th (Thursday, holiday) Autumn: November 3rd (Friday, holiday) - November 4th (Saturday), 2023

Hai Sai Beer Festival is a craft beer event held twice a year in spring and fall in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. The event was held on Friday, November 3rd and Saturday, November 4th, 2023, and 16 breweries from inside and outside the prefecture participated. It was an event where you could enjoy over 50 types of craft beer.

At the event, food that goes perfectly with beer will be available, making it an event where you can enjoy craft beer in conjunction with Okinawa's climate.

(3) Hamamatsu Craft Beer Festival

Held on Sunday, September 10, 2023

As the name suggests, it is a craft beer festival held in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. In 2023, 19 breweries opened, the largest ever.

In addition to beer, there is also a wide selection of food, and 12 stores will open in 2023. It enlivened the venue. A collaboration music event between the popular "Hamamatsu Jazz Week" and "HCBF" is also held every year, and you are sure to get drunk on beer and good music.

7.Summary

Craft beer festivals require advance preparation and basic knowledge to enjoy them. Therefore, in this article, we have explained in detail the general definition and characteristics of a festival, the basic ways to taste and types of beer that you should know before participating, and how to prepare. We also introduced information on notable festivals to be held in 2023. In particular, be sure to check out the Keikyu Craft Beer Festival 2023, which is recommended for beginners, and the craft beer seminar where you can learn from female brewers. Use this information to take the first step toward enjoying craft beer festivals that even beginners will feel comfortable with.