Big Brew Beer Festival returns to Morristown
Beer aficionados can escape the cold this weekend at the Morristown Armory when The Big Brew Beer Festival returns on Saturday, Feb. 21.
The festival’s first general admission session runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m., and the second session will run from 7 to 10:30 p.m.
Both sessions feature an assortment of local craft brews and varieties from around the world.
“This event is the perfect opportunity for beer aficionados to meet and hang out, and with more than 200 unique tastings, it's a great opportunity to discover new beers and speak to brewery representatives,” said Allison Kohler, president of JMK Events, the event organizer. “It’s all about exposing people to craft beer, and keeping the focus on our state.”
General admission is $60. A VIP ticket is available for $90 that will provide visitors with one-hour early entry to their session and access to exclusive beer tastings and food in a special VIP lounge. A designated driver ticket is available for $15.
Participating VIP restaurants include Morris Tap & Grill, Nicole’s Ten, End of Elm, and Handsome Devil BBQ.
Food also will be available for purchase during the general admission sessions from food trucks.
“We feel we’ve done even better in terms of our food options; we’re thrilled to host a beer festival that also offers delicious food for our guests to enjoy,” she said.
Presented by Morris Tap and Grill, this year’s VIP session features more than 20 rare and special beers and 10 casks.
“Craft beer lovers won’t want to miss a rare opportunity to sample so many beers poured from casks,” Kohler said.
All tickets include unlimited tastings and a souvenir glass for visitors to sample more than 200 craft beers.
Big Brew has also teamed up with My Limo to expand its free shuttle service, which runs between the Morristown Courthouse and the Armory every 15 minutes during the event. The service is provided courtesy of the Big Brew Beer Fest. Event attendees also have access to discounted sedan rates.
“Safety is a top priority, and when alcoholic beverages are involved along with inclement winter weather, it’s our pleasure to help ensure that everyone enjoys our festival safely and responsibly,” Kohler said.
JMK Events has also partnered with New Jersey Craft Beer, which will be exhibiting at the festival on Saturday.
Local breweries in attendance include Flounder Brewing Company in Hillsborough, Bolero Snort Brewery in Ridgefield Park, Tuckahoe Brewing in Ocean View, and Flying Fish Brewing Company in Somerdale.
“We’ll have the largest selection of New Jersey beer we’ve ever had, and we’ve also expanded all of our offerings,’ Kohler said. “We have brand new breweries coming in so attendees will always have the opportunity to try something new.”
The Big Brew Beer Festival has been running since 2012, and JMK Events hosts the event twice each year.
“We think it just keeps getting better and better,” she said.
Music will be provided by Morris County's own Mr. LoveJoy.
Attendees also can vote on the People’s Choice Award for best beer at the festival. A brewery from New Jersey typically wins, Kohler said.
“It’s really all about celebrating our state,” she said. “People appreciate knowing what they’re drinking and where it came from.”
A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to Morris Rugby, which raises funds and awareness for youth rugby throughout the region.
“People seem to love having the opportunity to talk to brewery representatives who can tell them all about how their beer is made,” Kohler said. “All of the festival’s attendees walk away with a better understanding of what local breweries right here in New Jersey are doing, and a deeper better appreciation of craft beer.”
BIG BREW BEER FESTIVAL
WHEN: 1 to 4:30 p.m. and 7 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21
WHERE: Morristown Armory, 430 Western Ave., Morristown
COST: $60 or $90 (VIP), $15 for designated drivers
INFO: Jmkevents@aol.com or 973-927-2794