Strong Beer Fest 2017

This past Saturday I met up with my husbands family to go to the 2017 Arizona Strong Beer Festival. Last year I was unable to go because it was the day before my marathon so Justin went alone. He didn't really want to shell out the money for a ticket this year so I went alone and he stayed home with the girls. I was lucky enough to buy my ticket from a friend at a discounted price which worked out really well. If you ever go to this festival, you need to go VIP. Here is my post from going in 2015 and in 2012. The first year we went we had no idea what we were getting into but it was so much fun and have been coming back ever since! We got so lucky this year and the weather was great! Totally overcast almost the whole day. I feel like the beers this year were stronger than ever before. There were several 14%+ ABV beers. Luckily, I have learned, and I know that it is a long day and you don't have to drink every sip of every beer. I dump things out if I don't like them. I also drink lots of water throughout the day and I make sure to eat as well. After the beer fest we had green chili stew at The Main Ingredient Ale House in downtown Phoenix and that was a delicious end to a super fun day. See you again next year beer fest!

Get in early before the lines!

 

 

VIP got free totes and food

 

Hard to see but those are the general admission lines. Soo long!

 

Really cool brewery from VA honoring veterans.

They had to get a picture with the 12 News weather guy.

A new version of Nut Brown from Oak Creek in Sedona.

Post-drinks dinner. That stew was bomb.

AZ Strong Beer Festival 2015

Last Saturday, we went to one of our favorite annual local events, the Strong Beer Festival, which is a part of Arizona Beer Week. This was my 3rd year going because I missed last year due to being pregnant and all. You can read about our first year going, here. I was a little nervous/anxious about being away from Aspen and pumping and dumping but it all went really well. Thankfully it was not terribly hot, either. I did great hydrating and did not feel hung over at all the next day. We had a lot of fun and I am super thankful that I received this as a Christmas gift from my sister/brother-in-law. I am also thankful to my mom/sister for helping watch my kids and drop Justin and I off and for Kirin for giving us a ride home! We had a great group this year which included Justin's aunt who recently moved back to AZ. It is always fun seeing family. My friend even got her dad to go this year and I think he is hooked now, as we all are. If you have never been, I highly recommend it! Can't wait until next year!

So many beers, so many people!

Gotta get that cold brew!

Justin hit it, Ashely and I didn't but she almost did!

 

 

Had to try the Crazy Bitch IPA and the Ponderosa IPA from Prescott is always a favorite!

 

Gotta cool off!

Somehow, I always end up with a picture of Ashley eating a sandwich and I had to get one of her with her Daaaaaaaaaad! Also, it was her birthday so extra special!

 

Droppin Beetz!

It wouldn't be a beer fest without an inappropriate Carly pic!

Justin after getting bummed because he thought he lost the bandana that was on his head!

such a fun day!

me and the husband on Valentine's Day at a beer festival. Wouldn't have it any other way!