Until last Friday, I was saddened every time someone asked me if I was going to the Winter Michigan Festival. Why? Because my answer was no…but like I said, that was until last Friday. Thanks to the generosity of a friend, I have a ticket.

Now the Winter Beer Festival is no small animal to tame. It is a beast of fermented burden. And by burden, I mean a challenge to the indecisive: ME! Knowing this about myself, I took the time to make a spreadsheet (nerdy…so what!) with every brewery and the beer they’ll have available. After that, I printed it out to go over with a fine tooth comb, just like the one used in Spaceballs. Upon the first of many drafts, I have narrowed down the 452 beers to around 60 that I would love to try. My work is not over yet, but I’m getting there.

Why am I doing this (aside from being beer crazy)? Because the selection isn’t about quantity. It’s about quality. Some unbelievable beers will be on tap, some that I have had before and some that I have been longing to taste…and I want to make the best use of my time and strategy to be able to try the ones I want to taste the most.

If you’re heading to the Winter Beer Festival as well, I recommend coming up with a game plan. That doesn’t mean you have to do a spreadsheet beer nerd-out (If you’d like, you’re more than welcome to use mine: pdf link below), but a little agenda might add to a great festibeer experience. Have fun!

Cheers!

Michigan Beer Festival 2012 Tap List