The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society will host the 10th annual Real Ale Harvest Fest on Sept. 6, 2025.

Courtesy image

By Ronni Newton

Brewers from throughout the region will have a chance to get creative in a unique competition – the Noah Webster Real Ale Harvest Fest – that returns to West Hartford on Sept. 76, 2025.

Those who attend will have a chance to drink beer – including beers that you won’t find anywhere else – while supporting history. The event will be held at the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society and also serves as a fundraiser for the museum. The event is co-hosted by Harvest Wine & Spirits.

This is the 10th year for the event, which requires participating brewers to create a single, one-of-a-kind cask of ale – with the most unique part of the challenge being that it must include an ingredient that would have been found in Noah Webster’s 18th century garden.

Hops growing on the Noah Webster House fence. Courtesy photo (we-ha.com file photo)

More than 20 brewers are planning to compete this year, including Alvarium Beer Company, Brewery Legitimus, Counter Weight Brewing Co., Dead Language Beer Project, East Rock Brewing, New England Brewing Co., New Park Brewing, Nod Hill Brewery, O.E.C. Brewing, Thomas Hooker Brewing, Twelve Percent Beer Project, Vue Brewing, WeHa Brewing & Roasting Co., Willimantic Brewing Co., Yankee Cider Co., and more.

In addition to the Cask Champion which is chosen by a panel of judges, the public has the opportunity to vote and select the Taster’s Choice Winner.

“Real ale” is created using a traditional technique that was commonly employed during the time Noah Webster lived on South Main Street. The beer is top-fermented and matured by secondary fermentation in the container from which it is served, creating a unique, complex, and (hopefully) satisfying and delicious brew. Real ale is served at cellar temperatures – warmer than most are accustomed to drinking their draft beers these days – and are distinguished by their flavors and texture.

For those whose taste buds are not quite so adventurous, most of the brewers also serve a selection of their traditional beers at the event. Historical tavern games will also be set up for guests to play while they sip their brews.

The Noah Webster Real Ale Fest will take place in two separate sessions on Sept. 6: from 2-5 p.m. and from 6-9 p.m. Unique cuisine will be available for purchase at both sessions from the Salt & Pepper Catering food truck.

Live music at the first session will be provided by Acoustic Madness featuring Martin Piggot, Joe Santucci & Gray Fowler, and the second session will feature Soul Tsunami.

Guests at the 2024 Real Ale Fest. Courtesy of Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

Due to the available space on the property, a limited number of tickets are available, and can be purchased online in advance at www.noahwebster.yapsody.com, where up-to-date information about the event can also be found. Tickets – which include unlimited samples in a souvenir tasting glass – are $40 each for Noah Webster House members and $50 for general admission. Designated drivers are welcome for $10 per person. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit museum. Guests must be 21 with and show proper ID, and no pets are allowed.

Attendees are urged to drink responsibly. “There will be a drop off spot designated right in front of the museum for Uber, Lyft, and designated drivers sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance,” the news release states.

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