United Nations of Beer

Waterloo Village Beer Festival

by Andrew Schanel
(Beer Delegate, NJ, USA)

Waterloo Village Beer Festival 2006
NJ, USA

Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not smile on Sussex County this day. The rain seemed to fall in one gigantic sheet of water. But as we tromped through the mud and goose poo, merrily tasting one tiny glass of beer after another, we soon forgot about the weather.

The highlights of the show was the presence of two great NJ breweries, Krogh's and High Point Brewery.

High Point served up their Ramstein beers, which are really traditional German styles such as a nice wheat beer, Ramstein Classic and a Pils, Ramstein Golden Lager.

The Pils had a good flowery aroma true to syle and a light, "grassy" taste that really quenches the thirst.

Krogh's brewpub showed up with their excellent Oatmeal Stout, Golden Wheat and Nut Brown Ale. Even though I'm a frequent visitor to this fine brewpub, I found myself standing in the tasting line a few times here.

The disappointing thing about the Waterloo Beer Festival was the utter lack of participation from the state's other fine breweries. The other tents were filled with outsiders such as Magic Hat and Rogue. There was also a large tent reserved by Anheuser Busch.

But no real complaints from me here: any day walking around drinking beer is a good day!