SARATOGA SPRINGS – Tuesday’s kickoff to Saratoga Beer Week gave life to the expression “The more things, change…”
For while the setting(s) changed on 2018’s kickoff night, Tuesday, February 20, all the other elements that make this event special: festive vibes, renewing acquaintances, remembering past good times – all of them, were in full flower, fueled and certainly lubricated by sudsy beverages.
Overall, it is this Craft of Camaraderie, celebrating each others’ products, efforts and uniqueness – which strikes me as the key element that Beer Week hangs its hat on. Which is splendid to see…
It must be said that the ultimate compliment to the spirit of Saratoga Brewing could not be stifled by its physical plant closure. Those that participated in previous opening evenings rallied, put out the welcome mat and opened their doors to four venues (Harvey’s, Bailey’s, IceHouse and Saratoga City Tavern), others moved their kegs and bottles, and away they go! Mobile party time!
I personally enjoyed 2 new finds of the evening: Spike Devil Porter from Chatham hits the bulls-eye for me on those cool evenings; and for the warm days to come you can’t go wrong with the latest iteration of Adirondack’s Lake George’s IPA.
The evening’s festivities were tempered with remembrance – good will, and donations extended to the family of the Late James Brown – a gregarious, enthusiastic fixture for Saratoga Brewery at previous events.
If you would like to contribute to The James Brown Memorial Fund, donations can be made online:
HERE
And this, of course – is just day one of events spread out through the week. Read all about the big events to come HERE Welcome aboard and stay tuned…
Arthur Gonick
February 21, 2018
