The Great Taste of the Midwest in Madison, Wisconsin has been an indulgence of mine for the past 13 years, to attend this fest is truly Beer Heaven, so if the opportunity ever arises, leap at the chance. The Great Taste has ranks with the Oregon Brewers Festival as one of the best and second longest-running craft beer festival in the United States, although at a mere five hours in length, it is far too short. Attendees are so enthusiastic about the fest that they line-up hours before opening time, stretched for many hundreds if not thousands of people. If you're planning on ever attending this event, I suggest you start organizing for the Great Taste a year in advance. (or just show up and buy tickets from scalpers). It is always held on the second Saturday in August and always sells out well in advance. there are 100-plus breweries from all over the Midwest serving more than 400 different beers. As usual, there will be 3000 tickets earmarked for in-person sales, and 2000 tickets for mail order sales. The gates open at 1:00 pm and the gates close at 6:00 pm. and it always feels too short (except when your being dragged back to the bus by your feet) but the Beer is endless. This is not just a beer festival, It's a religious experience, a trek, a pilgrimage to Beer Mecca,
and one must reach up for fulfilment.