Prepping for Dark Lord Day

Tomorrows the big day.  I figured that rather than frantically running around on Saturday morning.  I would do a little research on what to expect at Dark Lord Day 2010.  This is by no means a guide (it’s our first time!) rather more of a checklist.  Maybe we can do a guide next year.

The folks at Hoosier Beer Geek posted a good primer.  Here are the notable items:

CASH

This is a cash only event.  I plan on bringing $80 – $100 and trying not to spend it all.  According to the Post-Tribune A bottle of Dark Lord will set you back $15 IF you have a golden ticket.  Still no word on the bottle limit.  If you don’t have a ticket, open sales start at 5:00 p.m.  Good luck!  Also, there will be guest taps with crazy and/or rare beers from around the country at $5 per pour.

COOLER

Keeping a large cooler with ice in the truck.  For the beers I bring and take home, also water.  You got to have priorities.

SEATING

Bringing a standard camp chair in it’s carrying case (if I can find it).  Another good idea is to rock a cooler with wheels.  Fill it up with some cold microbrews to share.  Using this to sit on will allow you to combine the COOLER and SEATING item.

CAMERA ETC.

Of course this is optional, but if you’re a blogger looking for content, this event could be good for at least 2-3 posts maybe more depending on how many reviews I can get.  I’m bringing my iPhone, digital point and shoot camera, and my Flip cam.  Also, batteries.

FOOD

Three Floyds Brew Pub menu looks fantastic.  But there will certainly be a long waiting line to eat there.  That is an option.  Supposedly there will be random food vendors floating around.  I’ll already be waiting in line for my Dark Lord.  Waiting in another long line for food seems like a waste.  Bring snacks.

WATER

Fortunately there’s rain in the forecast.  But I don’t plan to pass out from dehydration.  And I don’t drink water via skin absorption.  I’m bringing 3 gallon jugs and maybe a refillable bottle,  I’ll keep these in my truck along with the beers I may purchase/trade along the way.

BEER

There a great post on BA about Beer Table Etiquette which, along with the comments, turns into a pretty good primer.  I’m bringing a mixed sixer of semi-local beer and a shot glass with the ounce markers.  Small plastic cups will work also.  I anticipate opening my beer, placing it on a “Beer Table” and proceed to pour myself a few samples of another beer that someone has placed out.  Review, rinse, repeat.  Again, this is my first DLD things could be totally different.  All I know is if you bring a Bud Light prepare to get the business end of an Ommegang bomber to the skull.

Bonus:  Here is a parking map with our driving directions planned out.  This parking spot should be optimal.