Beginning last year and continuing this year, I was saddened that the Madison Craft Beer schedule seemed to be comprised of filler events. In other words, quantity over quality was the theme.
For example, tastings at grocery stores or featuring 1-2 craft beers on a restaurant/bar’s tap list shouldn’t count as events. Instead, Craft Beer Week should push 1-2 major events every day, such as the Homebrew Challenge and the Lederhosen/Dirndl costume contest. Those events should be supplemented by events such as release parties and tap takeovers.
In addition, I was disappointed how many restaurants/bars I went to where the staff didn’t even know the Craft Beer Week special they were serving. Better training, and more signage at each venue, would have helped.
