Over The Rhine
January 21, 2011

Micah Paldino and Greg Hardman (CEO of Christian Moerlein Brewery)

On Friday night Venue 222 hosted the official kickoff to Bockfest with a pretzel filled fundraiser. For $35 an attendee earned the right to taste a number of delectable pretzels, drink at least two Christian Moerlein produced beers (more were encouraged), and enjoy a succulent bratwurst.

And for those that felt the price was a little steep, they reassured themselves with this notion “it is all in the name of Bockfest.“ Don’t know about Bockfest? Knowledge bomb… Bockfest is one of Cincinnati’s crown jewels. This year it will be held March 4-6. The purpose of the festival is to celebrate Over the Rhine’s great brewing history along with the coming of spring. There are several Bockfests around the world, but the Nati’s is the largest one of all.

The Cincinnati Dancing Pigs

So on this magical night of bitter cold, we tapped the keg of the Emancipator Doppelbock in heightened anticipation of Bockfest. Let the countdown begin…

Yes, those are pretzel rods                                        Adam Kleshiniski and Chris Seelbach

The event coordinators only planned for 100 guests, and in turn, they were happily surprised to double that amount with a hearty 200. After shutting down the place, those still wanting to prep themselves for the coming of Bockfest headed to the Drinkery for the after party. Safe to say, Cincinnati’s brewing history is alive and well.

Sara Celi and Sara Passero

March 4th can’t come soon enough. We are ready for warmth, the goat led parade and the triumphant return of the Sausage Queen.

For more information on Bockfest one can visit the official website: http://www.bockfest.otrbrewerydistrict.org/.

*Imaginary thought bubble: I am so proud of my jengaful beer bottle masterpiece. Cool.

| | |