Cask Ale Festival

cask ale festival

If you missed out on Oktoberfest, not to worry–Chelsea Brewing company is currently holding their biannual cask ale festival, featuring nearly 40 beers. For more on the joys of sipping warm, flat-ish, flavorful ale made the way they used to do it in the old days read my post from last year’s festival.

cask ale festival

The scene last night was pretty mellow, with most patrons tuned into the Yankees game and a few die-hard beer fans clustered on the outdoor patio overlooking the dock. A sheet of tokens ($20) buys a few 8oz sample-sized beers ($6-$8 apiece). Standouts included Chelsea 1000 Gyle Imperial Mild, a powerful orange-amber barleywine clocking in at 11.5% ABV; Corner Jackhammer Old Ale, a dark, malty brew; and Saint Somewhere Saison Du Chene, a rich, fruity-peppery Belgian-style. The festival runs through Sunday, so there’s still time to drink up–otherwise the next festival will be in March.

chelsea piers
(the scene from the patio at Chelsea Brewery)

A tip–if you’re sitting outdoors, make sure your paper sheet of tokens is secured at all times. An errant wind gust can easily whisk it into the river and drown your $20 investment.

Chelsea Brewing Company
Chelsea Piers 18th St. and West Side Highway