The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society will host the annual Real Ale Harvest Fest on Sept. 7, 2024.

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. 7, 2024.

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.

Brewers must create just a single cask of ale for the competition, but the unique challenge is that it must include an ingredient from Noah Webster’s 18th century garden or something that would have been in the famed West Hartford resident’s pantry. There are more than 100 items to choose from, with popular choices in past years including quince, cinnamon, rhubarb, currants, honey, hyssop, and nutmeg.

More than 20 brewers are planning to compete this year, including last year’s Cask Champion – Brewery Legitimus – which was crowned Cask Champion with their cask, “Saison Éloise” which features Saison with some fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage and thyme

In addition to the Cask Champion which is chosen by a panel of judges, the public has the opportunity to vote. Last year’s Tasters’ Choice was given to Alvarium Beer Company for their cask, “Combo #5,” an Italian Combo Pilsner with hot and sweet peppers, pepperoncini, parmesan, oregano, parsley, and Italian hot sauce.

“Votes will be counted by the official accounting team from Clark Hirth CPAs using their weighting system designed just for the event,” organizers said in a news release.

“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.

In addition to Brewery Legitmus and Alvarium, other breweries participating from throughout the region include Aspetuck Brew Lab, Back East Brewing Company, Counter Weight Brewing Co., Dead Language Beer Project, East Rock Brewing, Hanging Hills Brewing, Kent Falls Brewing Co., The New Cambridge Project, New England Brewing Co., New Park Brewing, Nod Hill Brewery, O.E.C. Brewing, Other Half Brewing, Oxbow Brewing Co., Thomas Hooker Brewing, Twelve Percent Beer Project, WeHa Brewing & Roasting Co., and Willimantic Brewing Co.

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. 7: 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.

Each session will also feature live music by Soul Tsunami.

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 $55 each until Sept. 2, and $60 after that date. Designated drivers are welcome for $20 per person. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit museum. Guests must be 21 with and show proper ID, and no pets are allowed.

“Please drink responsibly. There will be a drop off spot immediately in front of the museum for Uber, Lyft, and designated drivers to use.” the news release states.

Sponsors include ClarkHirth, Keating Agency Insurance, Teplitzky & Company, P.C., American Eagle Financial Credit Union, and West Hartford Podiatry Associates. The logo and banner were designed by Gariphic Design.

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 for Noah Webster House members and $50 for general admission. Designated drivers are welcome for $15 per person. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit museum. Guests must be 21 with and show proper ID, and no pets are allowed.

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