My husband, Mike, and I attended Tampa's Bourbon and Brew Fest on Saturday, November 23 at The Heights Waterfront. My husband was excited for this event because he loves bourbon! This was the same venue we visited for the Rum Fest in August but with a much better setup and layout.
The Bourbon and Brew Fest setup the stage at one end of the field, allowing for a much more open concept. The mechanical bull and corn hole were also around the corner from the stage. I gave the bull a whorl. Since the was my first time riding a bull, I told the operator to take it slow. I didn't want to be thrown from the machine and break a wrist, ankle or need stitches to the head.
We arrived at the fest around 4:00pm. We watched a beautiful sunset over Tampa as we ate a delicious BBQ dinner.
I'm glad we got there early because once the sun set the crowd streamed in and the lines became long. There were only two BBQ stands and one brats food stand. Lines for food got very long, very quickly. They needed more food trucks like they had at the Rum Fest.
Our VIP tickets gave us entrance into the Armature Works building for unlimited bourbon tasting and cups of beer. Inside they featured Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Knob Creek and Laphroaig bars. In addition they had Sweetwater Brewing Company beer. Outside they offered Woodchuck Draft Cider (my favorite!), Sweetwater Brewing Company beer, and wine. Mike thoroughly enjoyed sipping the various types of bourbon while I enjoyed the crisp, Woodchuck Cider!
We had a great time! With all the bourbon tasting and free beer our VIP tickets gave us, we were ready to leave at 8:00pm so we missed the fireworks show. Oh well, still a fun night!
What is your favorite type of bourbon?
Disclaimer: I was given tickets to the event in exchange for promotion and review. All opinions are my own.
I am in awe that you rode the bull!!
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