SAVOR Beer Week Event Preview: The Lupulin Reunulin

June in DC. What a great time of year. Well, assuming you love hot humid days and enjoy sweating instantly upon walking outside. Weather aside, it really is a good time to be in DC.

SAVOR is coming up soon and the event gets bigger and bigger each year. Heck, it’s 2 nights this year instead of 1. And with this expansion comes the growth of a week-long pre-party that’s been dubbed SAVOR Week.

Being a new father, my ability to attend every nightly event of SAVOR Week is impossible. Besides, having a buzz and trying to change diapers can be detrimental to everyone’s health. With that in mind, I’ve decided to save my time for one event this week: The Lupulin Reunulin.

Each year some of the biggest names in the craft beer industry gather at The Brickskeller (R.I.P.) or RFD and bring out some of their special libations for an event of tasting and enjoyable conversation. This year’s panel:

Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada
Kim Jordan of New Belgium
Tomme Arthur of Port Brewing/LostAbbey
Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head
Rob Tod of Allagash
Bill Madden of MadFox
Nick Funnel of Sweetwater

In years past, this event has been phenomenal. It always starts out very calm and collected.

Samples are passed out to all of the attendees.
The brewer explains what everyone is about to taste.
The panel discusses the beer.
Rinse and repeat for the first few samples.

Once everyone starts to get a little liquored up (which usually doesn’t take long since these are usually very big beers), the conversation slides into something reminiscent of a camping trip with old friends.

Jokes are made.
beers are swigged.
Sam gets loud.
Everyone laughs.

It becomes a frat party with fantastic beer.

If you were lucky enough to get tickets (I’m pretty sure it’s sold out by now), prepare for an evening you won’t soon forget!

-Tonzi

P.S. – If you’re wondering what Lupulin is… it’s the yellow stuff in hop cones that provide the hops with the resins and oils to provide those “hoppy” flavors and aromas.