The Fonthill Castle Beer Festival took place on a sunny Saturday, August 26, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the charming town of Doylestown. The castle’s spacious outdoor grounds provided the perfect setting for beer enthusiasts, all over the age of 21, to come together and enjoy a wide variety of regional craft brews. This annual fundraising event serves a noble cause, supporting year-round education, community programs, and conservation efforts at the National Historic Landmark.
The event featured an impressive lineup of breweries, including Aristaeus Craft Brewing, Artifact Brewing, Bitchin’ Kitten Brewery, Boston Beer Company, Free Will Brewing, Great Barn Brewery, Mad Princes Brewing, Manic Minds Brewing Co., McAllister Brewing Company, Round Guys Brewing Company, Triumph Brewing Co., Twelve78 Brewing Company, Understable Brewing, Warwick Farm Brewing, and Well Crafted Beer Company. And for those looking for non-alcoholic options, Athletic Brewing Co. and Free Spirit were on hand to cater to all tastes.
To complement the beer offerings, there were delicious light bites provided by THE Catering Company, and the musical talents of Billy & Miles from Where’s Pete Band added an extra layer of enjoyment. VIP and general admission ticket holders were gifted commemorative beer-tasting glasses as keepsakes of their support for Fonthill Castle’s preservation and educational initiatives.
VIP guests were treated to exclusive access to Fonthill Castle’s historic Terrace Pavilion, a VIP Tasting Tent and the modern, air-conditioned Fonthill Castle Welcome Center. Each VIP guest received a curated selection of specialty and hard-to-find beers to sample and delightful sweet treats from Pierre’s Chocolates infused with local craft beer.
For the convenience of attendees, Bucks County Transport provided free DART Bus services to all Beer Fest-goers who showed their event wristband. This allowed attendees to not only enjoy the festival but also explore all the shopping and dining options that Doylestown had to offer.
The Fonthill Castle Beer Festival was a delightful celebration of craft beer, community, and culture set against the backdrop of a historic castle. Everyone looked like they had an absolutely incredible time. I can’t express enough gratitude to the organizers, volunteers, brewers, vendors, and sponsors who made this event possible.
Cheers to another successful year!
The 2023 Fonthill Castle Beer Fest was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Aqua, Quire, Lavazza, Dontech, Eiseman Exterior Experts, ESCA Blast, Happ Contractors, J.R. Maxwell Builders, Thompson Networks, and B&B Beverages. Additional support came from Bucks Country Gardens, Bucks Mont Party Rental, Pierre’s Chocolates, Port A Bowl Restroom Company, Proline Screen Printing, and Simply Fresh by McCaffrey’s, all of whom contributed to making this event truly special.
The Beer
Garcia’s Forest
Free Will Brewing Company
“Garcia’s Forest” by Free Will Brewing Company is a hazy, pale yellow delight that marries old and new school hop flavors. It pours with a white head, offering a tantalizing mix of citrus and dank hops in its aroma. The taste echoes this sentiment, with a satisfying blend of grapefruit, peach, and a hint of pine resin. Its mouthfeel strikes a perfect balance between NEIPA and West Coast styles. The finish is crisp, dank, and pleasantly bitter. It’s like the best of both worlds in one can – a harmonious journey through the forest of hops.
Snörkel
Jester King
Snörkel by Jester King Brewery is a unique Saison with a pale jade-yellow hue and captivating label art. Its aroma hints at seaside earth and a touch of smokiness. The taste is a complex blend of phenolic notes, melon, grapefruit, and earthy fungus, with a touch of salinity. The mouthfeel surprises with nectar-like viscosity and a smoky finish. Snörkel offers a distinct journey through funky and earthy flavors, making it a must-try for adventurous beer enthusiasts.
Hey Yo!
Broad Street Brewing
“Hey Yo!” by Broad Street Brewing is a refreshing delight, pouring a hazy, straw-like hue. At 4.5% ABV, it’s a smooth and slightly hoppy journey. The flavor profile features citrusy notes, sweet fruitiness, and a hint of floral essence. This Northeast Hazy IPA is not just excellent; it’s the perfect flagship brew for any brewery, striking a harmonious balance of flavor and refreshment.
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