FG: 1.034

Every summer for some 14 years, a semi-lunatic fringe of 400+ beer and mead-crazed fanatics gather on a hillside overlooking Boulder, CO to take part in the biggest weekend potluck/brewfest for miles around. The fare includes lots of mouth-watering items like (sorry vegans) an entire steer and a pig roast, with great side dishes. And let's not forget that pie!

Other attractions revolve around games of horseshoes and volleyball, hot-tubbing, and spontaneous dancing to the excellent selection of local bands, preferably bluegrass, rock and reggae. Those overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of the spectacle, the heat of the day, or one of several natural desire have been also known to do some accidental orienteering through the woods.

Dozens of kegs of homebrew are prepared months in advance to compliment the fine food and atmosphere, topping the whole thing off (pun intended) with an exciting and diverse selections of beer, homemade soft drinks, and, of course, mead.

Last year I made up a 10 gallon batch of Vanilla Bean Dream, a hydromel of 6.5% alcohol that included split vanilla beans in the recipe. The result was an exceptional blend which tasted like old fashioned ice cream soda with a kick.

This year, unfortunately, the festival is taking a temporary breather. So, this little recipe is dedicated to all the homebrewers and organizers who'll have to wait one more year for the next homebrew mania.