Beer Dabbler Tool Kit

On January 25th, over 150 micro breweries will gather at the state fair grounds and invite us hearty Minnesotans to sample their beer.  All of it.  Outside in the cold.  This is known as the Beer Dabbler.  In addition to the insane variety of craft beer to try, gourmet food trucks and live bands will also be featured.  My family and I intend to be there.  And I intend to survive the Beer Dabbler.  If you are planning to go, consider the Beer Dabbler toolkit:

Snack Necklace
          
           
 
In case you get overly excited about the hundreds of beers to try and you forget to visit the food trucks, it is pretty clutch to have some carbs and protein hanging around your neck to snack on as you drink. Call it "beer tasting chic". Every serious dabbler has one.  These pictures are my inspiration this year.  Last year we just did regular pretzel necklaces.  I think we can step it up a notch this year.  You'll have to check back on January 26 to see what we came up with.

Fake mustache - added warmth.   

Water bottle - obviously.

Thermos - It's cold outside.  Bring some coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to help stay warm.

Full snow gear - Toe warmers, hand warmers, hats, gloves, snow pants, boots.  Just make sure you can figure out all the layers while in the port-a-johns.

Pouch for tasting cup - It's really hard to hold onto a small tasting glass with ginormous padded gloves... Extra glasses cost $5. 

Smart phone with voice command - You'll need to dictate which are your favorite beers so you can find them again.

Tasting strategy - You just can't try every single one of the beers.  I don't even think the 4 hours allotted is enough time anyway.  Maybe target certain breweries or styles of beer so you don't go rogue and have too much.  I'm going to only hit the porters and maybe some stouts.

Book a cab in advance or arrange for a ride home.  Unfortunately since it's at the fair grounds, there isn't a convenient restaurant or place to walk to to sober up.