Get Enlightened at Beervana

Ah, Beervana. That blissful state one reaches when sampling the delectable glory of the Founders KBS, or cherishing the wonder of the ever-elusive Holy Grail from Vermont known as the Heady Topper.

Oh, yes — also, it’s a massive craft beer festival on October 17 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston.

Beervana is the Craft Beer Woodstock for little Rhody, a lineup of only the best and brightest breweries we can get our hands on in the Ocean State. It represents just how large and distinctive the scene is here in Rhode Island. It’s strange to think that a mere 12 years ago, almost none of these breweries would even venture near our border. Now, though, we are treated to a cornucopia of some truly amazing brews from near and far.

While some beer festivals are all about quantity, this is a festival about quality, a theme that comes through in just about every aspect. Not only is the lineup a who’s-who of the best of the brewing world, but there are educational seminars as well, usually hosted by the talented and driven leaders in the field. In this case, we can look forward to hearing the wit and wisdom of Ron Lindenbusch of Lagunitas Brewing as well as Dave Engbers, one of the founders of Founders brewing. Both men are seasoned veterans, and both breweries currently hold claim to fame from their innovative and well-loved brews. Lagunitas Sucks is one of the top IPAs in the country, and currently rates a 97 on BeerAdvocate.com. The Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout is as famous, but harder to find, and currently ranks an impossible 100 on BA. These men know what they’re doing, and might be willing to impart some of their knowledge and experience.

Not only are the breweries top notch, but this is one of those rare festivals where the artists can bring their greatest works to bear. Special cask-aged wonders, private reserves, insane experiments from mad beer scientists — this is the one place you’ll be able to find some of these delectable special treats, and the breweries will run out quickly. Some of them will wait until later in the evening to show their hands, so keep your eyes peeled and your ear to the ground. Not literally, of course. That would be awkward.

Just a few of the breweries on the floor: Allagash, Brooklyn, Dogfish Head, Firestone Walker, Smuttynose, Victory, and our own local artisans at Foolproof, Grey Sail, Newport Storm, Revival, and Proclamation, not to mention our friends from Connecticut, Two Roads.

You can get your tickets online at http://www.beervanafest.com, which I suggest you do soon, since this event is limited and will sell out.

Of course, while Beervana is the crowning event, it’s part of a larger celebration of craft beer known as Providence Craft Beer Week. All week long, select suds-slingers will be hosting tap takeovers, beer dinners, and more, all in celebration of our favorite fermented fluid. Here are a few events off the calendar, with more to come. Check out your favorite watering hole to see what they’re doing for Providence Craft Beer Week, and if they’re not doing anything, then suggest they jump on the bandwagon. 

Sunday, October 12: Julians in Providence – Founders Beer Dinner at 7pm.

Monday, October 13: Brown Grad Center Bar – Revival Meet the Brewer Night with Sean Larkin 7 – 9pm.

Wednesday, October 15: E&O Tap – Heavy Seas Tap Invasion 7 – 9pm.

Wednesday, October 15: Wild Colonial – East Coast (Revival) vs. West Coast (Stone) 7 – 9pm.

Wednesday, October 15: What Cheer Tavern – Wachusett Tap Takeover 6 – 8pm.

Thursday, October 16: Doherty’s Ale House – Founders Meet the Founder Night with Dave Engbers 8 – 10pm.

Thursday, October 16: What Cheer Tavern – Heavy Seas Tap Invasion 6 – 8pm.