EAA Hops and Props

Where there’s beer and music, there’s bound to be fun. But, don’t be fooled, this isn’t just a party, EAA’s Hops & Props is truly an experience.

In its fourth year, Hops & Props will prove to be one of the greatest beer samplings in the area. With more than 100 microbrews from all over the country and over 50 imports from all over the world, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Not only will participants be able to sip from a variety of beers, there will be food and demonstrations by the pros. Come to learn about the brewing process, history, meet the brewmasters and understand the difference between all kinds of beers. One of the best reasons to attend is to get away from your boring old light beer and try a “real” beer for once. There are so many different kinds of beers out there, including ales, lagers, stouts, porters and so many more! Who knew beer had so much to offer?

Although this is the fourth year the experience has been a part of the Fox Valley, there are some new things on the table. “The Leinie Lodge experience is brand new,” said Matt Miller, EAA’s Development Program Manager. “Dick Leinenkugal will be featuring his premiere products, including the brand new Big Eddie Russian Imperial Stout, which is very limited and very hard to come by.”

Also in the Leinie Lodge, some very special items will be raffled off, including autographed items from the Leinenkugal brothers.

The complete raffle offers prizes including a brand new John Deere riding lawnmower, valued at over $10,000. Other prizes include $1500 in cash, a brand new tent and autographed Leinenkugals accessories. Participants do not have to be present to claim their prizes, though why wouldn’t you want to be there?

The event takes place Saturday, March 1 from 6:30-10pm at The EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh. Tickets start at $45 and are a very hot (but limited) commodity, so hurry and reserve your spot.

For an additional ten dollars, guests are invited to enjoy the Around the World Import Room. In this special room, guests are welcome to participate in informational seminars and sampling of international beers hosted by local beer experts. Guests can enjoy the main event, the import room, plus a special VIP beer school and dinner for $100 - making a night of entertainment beyond anything offered elsewhere. Hosted by Brewmaster Greg Hall of Goose Island and Chef Foster Deadman of Fratello’s Waterfront Restaurant, this event begins one hour before the rest of the event kicks off. The guests of the dinner will learn about the process of brewing quality beer, while dining on foods and sampling beers that compliment those flavors. This dinner is provided by Fratello’s Waterfront Restaurant & Brewery.

This event is wonderful for those who are really interested in educating themselves on beer. Hall is the natural heir of Goose Island Brewery, as his father is president of the brewery. After graduating from Seibel Institute in 1989, Hall began an extensive study of beer brewing. He has toured breweries through the United States and Europe. All of this experience and education has led Hall to be the Brewmaster of Goose Island Beer Company and a true beer aficionado.

Corporate Chef Foster Deadman is right along side Hall in his passion for good taste. He graduated in the top of his class at one of the best culinary schools in the world, Le Cordon Bleu in Minneapolis. Chef Foster is now the Corporate Chef of Fratellos Waterfront Restaurant & Brewery.

So, this experience isn’t just about all you can drink for 45 bucks, it’s more of a learning experience. “We have actual brewers coming from as far as Colorado and Montana,” says Miller. “We encourage the brewers to be there because the guests really want to learn about beer.”

All proceeds of the event will go toward community programming at the museum, including free events such as Christmas in the Air and Wings on Strings. There are different events that the museum opens to the community and it’s events like this that make it possible for EAA to put them on each year.

In addition to the sampling of beer, there will be live music from some pretty sweet bands, including Leahy’s Luck, Pandora’s Groove, Tin Sandwich, Smooth Operators and the Tom Theabo Trio. There will be two separate performance areas at opposite ends of the museum, at which two bands will be playing at the same time. There will also be a cameo appearance from retired Green Bay Packer Leroy Butler. Complete sell-out of the event is 1,500 guests and - as it has in the past - this year’s tasting is expected to be at capacity before the event even starts.

It certainly is time to get your drinkin’ shoes on, because the list of vendors features some of the area’s most distinguished. Guests will sample beer from breweries including Bell’s, Lagunitas, New Glarus, Sprecher, Rogue, Goose Island, Capital, Redhook, Sand Creek, Water Street...and the list goes on. Wine will also be served by the White Winter Winery. Need a cup of coffee to settle your belly after dinner? Stop by the Fine Country Gourmet Coffee table. O’Marro’s Public House and the Milwaukee Ale House will also be pouring some brews for guests.

Not only will guests be able to enjoy the wonderful brews of the world, but they will be surrounded by some of the most amazing achievements of mankind. For those who have never seen the inside of the EAA AirVenture Museum, which is an experience in itself, the combination is unbeatable.

“This is so much more than a beer fest, it’s really a learning experience,” Miller proudly stated. “The ambiance of the museum is incredible, being among some of the finest aircrafts in the world. It’s really a special treat.”

For more information and tickets, log on to www.eaa.org/hops&props