Firkin Rendezvous Coming Up at Bristol

I just wanted to put out a quick post about the annual Firkin Rendezvous. I've heard that this is one of the best beer events of the year, and there are only 200 tickets available total, so if you want to go to this, you better pick up your tickets asap!

I borrowed firkin tapping photo from John Foyston's Beer Here Column

What's a Firkin? I'm glad you asked. A firkin is a 10 gallon (approximately) cask where beer is fermented and then served straight from that container through the use of either gravity or a hand-pump. The firkin needs to be tapped as in the picture above. This is very different than the kegged beer that you get normally. Kegged beer uses gas to carbonate, but in a cask or firkin, the carbonation occurs naturally. Aditionally a beer will enter it's secondary fermentation in a firkin as well, whereas sometimes beer in kegs has not been allowed to enter secondary fermentation. These beers will taste smoother and rounder (an effect that nitro taps try to mimic but fail) and many of the subtler flavors will be pronounced. Also, I enjoy cask because I can differentiate hops much better. This is how beer in many parts of the world has traditionally been made up until the last 70 or so years, it is still very popular in Britain, and it is a lovely way to drink.

From Bristol:
The Seventh Annual Firkin Rendezvous will feature one-of-a-kind cask ales from some of Colorado's best microbreweries. Attendees will receive a commemorative glass, all you can (should?) taste, a chance to talk to your favorite brewers about your favorite beers, and complimentary food. Tickets go on sale January 4th in the Bristol Tasting Room and are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Attendance is capped at 200 people, so don't miss out.

Info:
Feb. 19th, 1-5pm
At Bristol Brewing Co.
Tickets are available for $35 in advance at Bristol. I doubt there will be tickets available at the door.