Organizers of the 2013 Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza say this year will surprise attendees with the variety and uniqueness of the craft brews available. In it’s second year, the beer lover’s event will offer more than 120 rare beers to attendees from breweries around the region.
Breweries coming to this year’s event include amazing breweries rarely seen in east Tennessee, including Highland Brewing, Moccasin Bend Brewing, Oscar Blues Brewery, Sweetwater Brewing Company, Calf Killer Brewing Company, Green Man Brewery, Studio Brew, Wolf Hills Brewing Company, Saw Works Brewing Company and Smokey Mountain Brewery.
“This year’s list of breweries is like a meeting of the “who’s who” in brewing in this region. The brewers at our event are leading the way in southern brew styles and quality,” said Stephanie Carson, event organizer.
This year’s guest brewery is the new Wicked Weed Brewery out of Asheville. The brewery opened in December and has already generated buzz around the region for their Belgian brews and sour beers. They’ll also be bringing their signature “Freak Double IPA” that’s quickly becoming one of the most sought after beer for “hop heads.”
In addition to Wicked Weed, this will mark the first time Oscar Blues, Calfkiller Brewery and Greenman Brewery will be in east Tennessee.
The Thirsty Orange will also offer live music from local bands Wise Old River, Demon Waffle and Last In Line. Carson says they do their best to support local musicians and showcase the talent the region offers.
“Northeast Tennessee has a rich history of music styles from country to bluegrass. We’re thrilled that our attendees will enjoy great brew and listen the awesome music at the same time,” said Carson.
New this year, the “People’s Pint Glass Swap, a glass roots movement.” People are invited to bring their unwanted pint glasses to the event and trade them with other beer lovers. Organizers say it’s a great way to swap stories, exchange pint glasses and meet new friends.
“Most beer lovers have a cabinet of pint glasses from their beer adventures. This is a chance to get rid of what you don’t want, and collect a few unique pieces you’d like to have in your kitchen,” said Carson.
Returning from last year, the free Beer Booth, where folks are invited to get their picture made with their friends using funny props. Also returning, the Iron Brewer Challenge, where brewers from Louisville to Atlanta will be competing for the title of Tennessee Iron Brewer. Fun for brewers, but also fun for attendees, who will be invited to taste their creations. Hula hoopers from around the region are invited to attend as well.
Tickets go on sale February 15th. You can purchase them at www.thirstyorange.com or at the Johnson City Mellow Mushroom locations. Proceeds from the Thirsty Orange benefit the non-profit, Girls on the Run in northeast Tennessee.
There are three types of tickets for sale. General admission tickets are $32.50. VIP tickets are $52.50 and will allow entrants to gain access to the festival and hour and a half early to sample special cask tappings and enjoy great food provided by Mellow Mushroom. Some of the special beers for the VIP ticket holders include Apple Pie Ale and Peanut Butter and Jelly Brew. Designated driver tickets are available for $12.50. Rootbeer will be provided to them.
| Citizen Kane at Scully's | |
| Citizen Kane rocks the crowd at Scully's in Johnson City on Friday, November 26th with new lead singer Rusty Honeycutt. |