I received correspondence yesterday from a local corresponent who comments here about frequently, Paul of Kingston, reporting on the fifth Empire State Brewing and Music Festival Held last Friday in Syracuse, NY. He reported on the fourth here. You know, I had thought that last year he had described in that report the apex of western engineering technology (illustrated below) but I guess he just told me about it over a beer. Anyway, here is his report.

Another fine and festive event was orchestrated by the smart folk of Northern NY state. In only its fifth year, the Empire State Brewing and Music Festival is proving to be a "must go-to" date for those in search of a summertime craft brew taste-apalooza beneath the stars. The event is crammed into the 5-10pm slot on a Friday night which creates the ad-hoc event theme "so many beers – so little time." The reality of the thing is that you had better not dilly-dally because most of the brewery tables get poured out by 9:20pm. That's my one big complaint here: you don’t have much hope of finding a decent brew to taste by 9:45. Folks - bring an extra keg or two next year please! Other than that it's a first rate destination. Plenty of good IPA, wheat beer and stouts to be had. Some first rate music on the two stages rounded out the experience for us shuffling and slurping ponches, like Alexis P. Suter shown above.

Based solely on the number of folk lining up at the kick-off, the most popular destinations were Dogfish Head and the Belgian tent. Not sure why the Belgians opened late and closed early and got their very own tent...but what the hell - the stuff is worth lining up for. The local talent from Middle Ages Brewery also did a steady trade with fine offerings of Wailing Wench, Impaled Ale and Raspberry Ale.

If you missed something at the festival it was a short walk down to the Blue Tusk where a multitude of fine taps awaited all those who could wind their way through the throng of patrons. Congratulations to the Empire State Brewing and Music Festival on another fine time!