The Noah Webster Real Ale Harvest Fest returns on Saturday, November 6, 2021 with two sessions: 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Join us for the 6th (semi) annual event to sample beer you can’t find anywhere else. Breweries create a unique cask of real ale good for this one day only with one stipulation: their brew must include an ingredient from Noah Webster's 18th century garden or pantry. With over 100 items to choose from such as quince, cinnamon, rhubarb, and nutmeg, the casked creations are both unique and tasty.
The Noah Webster Real Ale Harvest Fest was conceptualized and developed through the partnership, dedication, and leadership of Ian Halpern, Director of Operations at the Harvest family of stores (Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits and Harvest Elmwood) in 2015. It was Ian's idea to center the fest on the use of real ale, a beer that is top-fermented and matured by secondary fermentation in the container from which it is served, a traditional technique that Webster’s contemporaries might have employed. Today six years later, the fest is made unique by the use of this technique: real ale, known for its flavor and texture, naturally carbonated and served at cellar temperatures - and made special for this fest.
Up to twenty breweries and – new this year, a cider works – will compete in the 2021 Real Ale Fest. Certified beer judges and special guests will sample the entries to choose the Cask Champion and you will choose the Tasters’ Choice Award Winner. Your votes will be counted by the official accounting team from Clark Hirth CPAs using their weighting system designed just for the event.
Entering casks in this year's competition are:
Aspetuck Brew Lab, Alvarium Beer Co., Back East Brewing Company, Brewery Legitimus, City Steam Brewery, Color Blind Artisanal Ales, Counter Weight Brewing Co., Firefly Hollow Brewing, Hog River Brewing Company, Luppoleto Brewing Co., New England Brewing Co., Relic Brewing Co., Spoke & Spy Ciderworks, Still Hill Brewery, WeHa Brewing & Roasting Co., and Willimantic Brewing Co. Thank you to all of the breweries for participating in and supporting this event!
This event is made possible with the financial support of sponsors Bay Equity Home Loans, Clark Hirth CPAs, Keating Agency Insurance, Eric Bergenn, Financial Planner – New England Financial Group, and Shipman & Goodwin LLP.
Each session will feature live music with Tim Palmieri in the day session, whose solo acoustic shows are peppered with a mix of thoughtful originals, classic covers, and unexpected rarities, made unique through Palmieri’s distinctive style of rhythmic looping, and Benny, Bloomer & The Boom playing the night session, featuring vocals and acoustic guitar along with intricate fiddle and percussion while performing some of the best covers from multiple genres. Food will be available for purchase by Scatz Holysmokez BBQ and Hot Taco Street Kitchen. Check the ticketing site www.noahwebster.yapsody.com for the most up to date information on participating breweries, music, and food.
This unique and exclusive event takes place on the grounds of the Noah Webster House, 227 S. Main St., West Hartford, CT and space is extremely limited. Each session includes unlimited samples served in a souvenir tasting glass. Advance tickets are available for $50 at www.noahwebster.yapsody.com. After November 3 and at the door tickets are $60. Designated drivers are welcome at $20 per person. Guests must be 21 with proper ID. All proceeds to benefit the not-for-profit museum.
Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, the event will take place primarily out of doors. Please dress for the weather. The museum is monitoring COVID guidelines from the State of Connecticut and the CDC and will follow best practices at the event. COVID policies will be updated on the event ticketing site should changes occur.
The Noah Webster Real Ale Harvest Fest would not exist without the generosity and support of the Harvest family of stores (Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits and Harvest Elmwood). Thank you to Harvest for their support!