Things to know during the stretch run to Tailspin Ale Fest 2020

It’s almost Tailspin time. Start your livers. (Photo by Tony Bennett)

We’re in the stretch run leading up to Tailspin Ale Fest 2020, so we wanted to offer up a few notes you might want to keep in mind.

The No. 10 University of Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team takes on the 22nd-ranked Virginia Cavaliers Saturday at 4 p.m., right smack dab in the middle of the beer fest. But don’t worry, Tailspin has it all under control. Just stop by the brand new ESPN Lager Lounge, a sort of mini-sports bar concept which will have three big screen TVs and two projectors showing the game live. It’s sponsored by Four Pegs Beer Lounge, which will have wings available.

Oh, and there will be beer, including a new one from 3 Floyds Brewing, called Region X Dortmunder Export. Also pouring will be Rhinegeist Cheetah, Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold, Rhinegeist Black Lager and Pure Saki Rice Gold Lager.

“These aren’t your typical lager beers,” Tisha Gainey, the festival’s co-founder, tells Hello Louisville. In other words, if Coors Light is your thing, this may not be your cup of beer.

Also, don’t forget that there are no sales at the gate. If you want to get into the festival, be sure and buy your tickets online before you go. General admission tickets, shuttle tickets, etc., are still available, but VIP tickets are sold out.

For you bourbon lovers, don’t forget to set aside plenty of time for the Bourbon Barrel Beer Bar, where you’ll be able to find anything and everything that has been finished off in bourbon barrels. You’ll have a chance to taste tempting beers like Country Boy Brewing’s Bourbon Barrel Aged Nate’s Coffee Stout Anniversary Ale, Founders French Toast Bastard, a cinnamon vanilla bourbon barrel aged Scotch ale, and Monnik’s New Year Old Ale, a bourbon barrel aged English old ale. There also will be a TV showing the Louisville game in this area.

Oh, and if you’re not so much into the barrel-aged beers, remember there’s also the option to hang out at the Cider and Sour Bar.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, because not only will you be doing a lot of walking, you’ll also want to shake your thing at Drake’s Silent Disco.

And be sure to try the Official PROAM Tailspin Ale, brewed by Apocalypse Brew Works. The beer is a Mint Condition” Milk Chocolate Stout with Mint. Think Thin Mints Girl Scout Cookies, and you’re in the ballpark.

VIP entrance begins at 2 p.m., and GA ticketholders will be admitted at 3. The festival ends at 7 p.m. There’s usually a line at opening time, so be prepared (but don’t worry, the line moves quickly).

That’s it, kids. Hydrate and start counting down the days til Saturday.