Beer festivals are an ever-increasing presence on the to-do lists of locals seeking something exciting on the weekends, and this past Saturday was no different, thanks to the PGA National Resort & Spa's Craft Beer Bash.

Held inside ballrooms at the resort, which features the internationally famous PGA National Golf Club, the Craft Beer Bash drew hundreds and hundreds of people into an atmosphere that was geared up for an afternoon party.

The space was divided into a few different rooms, with two major ballrooms hosting the beer-pouring spaces. Inside were set up local favorites like Due South Brewing Co., Saltwater Brewery, Copperpoint Brewing Co., newly minted Accomplice Brewery and Ciderworks, Barrel of Monks Brewing, and the Goliath team of Twisted Trunk Brewing Co. and Tequesta Brewing Co. All of these titans of industry were joined by a collection of the state's and nation's biggest and brightest (that distribute down here, naturally) including samples of Founders Brewing, Florida Beer Co., Cigar City Brewing, Boulevard Brewing, Ballast Point Brewing, and so many more.

There was no way anyone could have left without having tasted something from just about every beer style in general commercial distribution. 


On the beer front, that's good. However, there were some complaints by attendees and brewers alike who were seeking to engage with their consumers and discuss the beers being sampled, a fact that the loud, albeit quite talented, music being performed by Franscene and Morning Fatty made rather difficult during their sets. Being indoors didn't help the sound dissipation. 
Speaking of parties, Boynton Beach's Copperpoint Brewing made the strong move of bringing the ability to share its B Rabbit Espresso Stout on nitro, which is an uncommon thing to see at an off-premise event. It was a welcomed sight in the hubbub of a festival.

Through all of this partying, however, space became a key issue, relegating lines to unwieldy snake-like patterns and confusingly cramped crawl spaces that required expert maneuvering to move from station to station. 

As event organizers increasingly seek to hold their festivals indoors during the heat- and humidity-laden summer months, this feels like a problem that needs to be addressed.


As is par for the course, the event generally went down without incident, and attendees questioned were in high spirits. The added bonus of being able to stay overnight at the attached hotel was a welcome relief for some, who were overheard in the ticket line feeling excited to be able not to have to arrange for a third party to transport them home. Heck, let's just have beer festivals with accompanying hotels every time! Sound good? 

Doug Fairall is a craft beer blogger who focuses on Florida beers, and has been a homebrewer since 2010. For beer things in your Twitter feed, follow him @DougFairall and find the latest beer pics on Clean Plate's Instagram.