Beertopia

Another Amazing year! A great showing by local breweries and national alike. Some crazy white whales (CBS) and one off Casks (Noda). Cannot wait to go back next year.

Another year. another great event. Even more beer, a little more space, and a better vibe overall for 2013. Oh, this year the sample glasses were glass instead of plastic which was an improvement.

The 4^th annual Beertopia festival was held this past weekend at the parking lot behind The Grapevine in Baxter Village. The festival was a benefit for Pints for Prostates and the York County Cancer Association.
Getting here was easy from Charlotte… straight shot down I-​77 and down 3 exits into SC. Parking was surprisingly easy as we found a lot to the left (either a school or YMCA) and walked two blocks. Then you waited to get processed. The line was outside the building down the street and then to the left, down the hill another block but it moved quickly.
Once in you had a parking lot with about 50 brewers allowing you to sample about 150 beers. I spent a lot of my time in the Ass Clown line enjoying most of their beers. I also enjoyed beers from Rogue, Thomas Creek, Dogfish head, Sam Adams, and more. My favorite beer still goes to NoDa brewery’s Noda’ryzed.
The Homebrews were really good. I had trouble deciding which one would get my vote but it was a tossup behind the Priveleged Porter, the Professor’s Black IPA and Wicked Rye.
There are a few food options including the Wingzza food truck (Yum!), Fishmarket, a BBQ place and a soft pretzel vendor. There was also entertainment from the band, U-​phonik. They were pretty good playing covers of songs throughout the last 4 decades.
The only flaw is that it was a bit crowded and I think it might be time to expand the festival space.
Very well run event and I didn’t see any problems.