Brews & Blues Charity Microbrew and Music Festival

What: Brews & Blues Charity Microbrew and Music Festival

Where: Leach Amphitheater
303 Ceape Ave.
Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901

When: Saturday, July 12 1-6 p.m.

Cost: $40 at the door, $10 for a designated driver ticket

Details: Proceeds support the Christine Ann Center and other charities supported by the Oshkosh Jaycees.

With more than 100 different choices of beer, there is something for everyone at Brews & Blues. Brian Allen, brew master at Fox River Brewing Company, said the best way to tackle a beer festival event is with a strategy.

“You can get overwhelmed by the hundreds of beers that will be at these things,” said Allen of Brews & Blues, which will feature beers from at least 30 different breweries this year. “Pick a style or a couple of styles and go from there.”

Allen also recommends taking it slow, since the weather in July is usually hot, and drinking only a few ounces of each beer.

“Drink plenty of water and keep your samples small,” he said.

Fox River Brewery will have a selection of beers for festival participants to choose from, but he recommends trying a seasonal like the blueberry beer or the summer gold, which Allen describes as “light and crisp.”

Allen said he generally recommends fruit flavored beer to people who say they don’t like beer.

“That’s the beauty of a beer festival…it’s the ideal place to find a beer you like because there is such a huge selection and a wide array to choose from,” he said.

Asking a lot of questions is also key to enjoying and event like Brews & Blues.

“Go with people who are good talkers. There is no such thing as a bad beer question,” Allen said.

Heather Bartel, co-chairperson for Brews & Blues and Oshkosh Jaycees member, said breweries from all over the state and country will participate in this year’s event. This is the 13th year Brews & Blues is being held in Oshkosh, she said.

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