magichatman

So, after this past weekend, I can now officially say that Magic Hat Mardi Gras quickly became Magic Hat Mardi Blah. After saying for years that I was gonna make the trip to Vermont to attend these chilly festivities, and not going, I got sick of it this year and decided this was it - I had to go. After talking with my buddy Beanie, we met up on Friday, I got directions off Google, and checked Magic Hat's website for any updates. Nothing changed, so we hit the road around 4:00 pm, and arrived in South Burlington around 10:00 p.m. In an effort to save some cash for the bars, I had gotten the number of a friend's friend who lives there, to see if we could hook up with them and crash there. After having a beer at Ri-Ra's Irish pub, I called the person. After explaining what was going on, she kindly informed me that due to the 'blizzard' we got last week, Magic Hat and the city had decided to postpone the parade and other events until NEXT WEEK, THE 24TH! I almost tripped over my jaw. She also mentioned she wasn't in town that night, so we couldn't stay there. So, Beanie and I went to Manhattan Pizza, got some grub and some good beer, and found a Holiday Inn to stay at up the road. Oh, and apparently, in Vermont's infinite wisdom, sells liquor until 2 at the bars, MIDNIGHT for stores. So, I couldn't even get hammered that night...The next day we went to the Magic Hat Brewery, took the tour (which was pretty lame if you didn't have a VIP pass); picked up some growlers (1/2 gallon glass jugs) of effin tasty beers; and I got my #9 tap handle signed by the founder of Magic Hat, Allen Newman. I was glad we at least got to do that. After that, I gassed up, and we bailed back to Maine. Interestingly enough, we left at 3 p.m., and got back at 7'ish. So, needless to say, I wasn't very impressed with the last minute, no advance warning decision made by both parties involved. I love Magic Hat too much to not forgive them, so we'll see what happens next year. And if any of you get the chance, check out South Burlington; it's a gorgeous city. I'm going back in summer when it's nice out, instead of 20 degrees I can deal with hanging out at the Ben & Jerry's factory in the dead heat of summer-it's right up the road from S.B! Peace folks!