Roanoke, VA

Greetings, friends. Due to some slack editing (we won't name any names) this post was drafted 8/19/11 and is surfacing now. We're back on track, promise!


So in August 2011 we visited my hometown - Roanoke, VA - and while there, we attended the 14th annual Microfestivus with my parents and uncle.  My dad and I actually went to one of the early Microfestivuses (Microfestivi?) before I met Katie.  I didn't know much about craft beer back then, but it was my first exposure to breweries such as Troegs and St. George.


Microfestivus took place in the heart of downtown in Elmwood Park where I have many fond memories, especially of the annual Festival In The Park - jumping across boulders and even watching one of my best friends play on stage with his ska band.


For a Southwest Virginia city where craft beer hasn't really taken off, we were pretty impressed with the selection.  The line-up featured over 30 different breweries ranging from local Virginia ones like Legend, Starr Hill, Bull & Bones, and Roanoke's very own Roanoke Railhouse, to the more well-known breweries such as Stone, Allagash, Left Hand, and Ommegang.


In general, most breweries brought their recognizable big-sellers, but that's not to say there weren't a few gems here and there.  Some standouts for me were the Legend Quad, Devil's Backbone Turbo Cougar, and Dogfish Head Chicory Stout.  It was also a good opportunity to sample some beers that we've been meaning to try, such as the Boulder Mojo IPA, Ommegang Belgian Pale Ale, and Roanoke Railhouse's new IPA.


Unfortunately, regardless of their structure, beer festivals tend to attract (and breed) zealous samplers who want to “get their money’s worth”.  Our major criticism of this event was that tickets were sold in 2 tiers with a wristband allowing either 10 or 21 notches.  We felt this increased the potential for overconsumption as attendees drank to achieve the max.  We wondered if a safer approach would have been charging 1 general admission fee for unlimited tastings, or providing paper tickets that could be shared among groups.


All in all though, Microfestivus was a fun experience (which also showcased some local talent like the cover band Polychrome) and it's encouraging to see a city like Roanoke celebrate the craft beer movement.  Cheers!

Microfestivus - Roanoke, VA - Summer 2011