BrewChief co-founder Zack will be attending the annual High Country Beer Fest in Boone, NC on Saturday, September 1st, 2012. He will have plenty of free swag for attending members, so get your tickets and come join him in sampling some tasty brews!

The High Country Beer Fest is a celebration of craft beer from around the region and the world. Come sample outstanding beers and delicious food in the beautiful high country of North Carolina. Educational seminars will cover aspects of beer tasting, brewing, and food pairing. For 2012, all proceeds are donated to the Appalachian State University Fermentation Sciences Program, the Hunger and Health Coalition and the North Carolina Brewers' Guild.

A picturesque late summer day in the Appalachian mountains provided the backdrop for the 2012 High Country Beer Fest in Boone, NC. Hundreds of thirsty craft beer fans descended on the Broyhill Events Center. And as an Appalachian State University alumni, it felt very much like a homecoming of sorts. The event ran very smoothly and I was greatly impressed by the staff's efficiency and professionalism. The HCBF was definitely one of the more unique and hospitable beer festivals I have ever attended. It was large enough to have a delightful variety of local and national breweries, yet small enough to feel intimate and easily accessible.

Some of the highlights of the day included a variety of beer pairing seminars (cheese, chocolates, etc.) as well as an array of unexpected specialty taps. By far the most rewarding was a fresh batch of Foothills Brewery's Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout, a winter specialty brew that is one of the most coveted seasonal beers in the Southern states. What a treat!

Overall, I greatly enjoyed the experience and look forward to next year's event. I extend special thanks to the HCBF staff, who were more than generous and accommodating. Job well done everyone, cheers!

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