The Anacortes Bier on the Pier festival is a much-anticipated event that brings together beer enthusiasts from far and wide for a weekend of sipping, savoring, and celebrating the finest craft brews. In 2023, this remarkable event once again lived up to its reputation, with 1532 guests descending upon the picturesque town of Anacortes. Here’s a recap of the Bier on the Pier 2023, complete with fascinating statistics and notable awards.
Brewery Extravaganza: 27 Breweries Unite
This year’s Bier on the Pier featured an impressive lineup of 27 breweries. Among them, eight hailed from the local Skagit County, while 19 others journeyed from surrounding areas, including two guest breweries from the beer-loving city of Portland, Oregon. The event’s diverse selection of craft breweries ensured that there was something to tickle every palate, from hoppy IPAs to smooth lagers and creative barrel-aged concoctions.
Award-Winning Brews
As the sun set over the Anacortes waterfront, the Bier on the Pier organizers presented awards for the most outstanding brews of the festival. These awards celebrated excellence on each of the three days of the event:
Best Beer – Night 1: Kulshan Brewing Company claimed the honor for their 2022 Barrel Aged Kitten Mittens. This rich and flavorful barrel-aged creation impressed the judges and delighted festivalgoers.
Best Beer – Day 2, Session 1: Beach Cat Brewing stole the show with their Tortoiseshell Hazy IPA. The tropical and citrusy notes of this brew made it an irresistible choice.
Best Beer – Day 2, Session 2: Beach Cat Brewing continued to dominate, this time with their Bagheera Black Lager. This dark, velvety beer impressed with its depth of flavor and smooth finish.
Overall Awards
In addition to these daily distinctions, two overall awards showcased the best of the best at Bier on the Pier 2023:
Best Brewery: Beach Cat Brewing was crowned the Best Brewery of the festival. Their consistent excellence throughout the event and the sheer variety of brews they offered left a lasting impression on festival attendees.
Best Cider: Locust Cider stole the spotlight with their award-winning Chai flavor, securing all the awards for the best cider at the festival. The unique combination of crisp apple cider and warm chai spices delighted cider lovers and stood out in a sea of beverages.
Delectable Food Truck Fare
No beer festival is complete without a selection of mouthwatering food options, and Bier on the Pier 2023 did not disappoint. A variety of food trucks kept festivalgoers fueled and satisfied throughout the event. Some of the featured food trucks included:
- Back East BBA
Ma & Pa KettleChef in the Black BandanaWinz n Thingz
These culinary delights paired perfectly with the diverse array of craft brews, providing a well-rounded festival experience for all attendees.
A First-Ever Commemorative Sticker
A unique and collectible festival sticker made its debut this year. The custom stickers were made in collaboration with Sticker Mule, this limited edition sticker allowed festivalgoers to take home a piece of the event, making it a memorable keepsake for years to come. Each year, a new design will be featured, based on the feedback of attendees!
Thank You !
Our presenting sponsors, Peoples Bank and Guardian Northwest Title & Escrow made this year’s event possible. The Port of Anacortes was the venue host and we appreciate their support for these past 12 years. And, thank you to everyone who made this event possible!
Bier on the Pier 2023 was a triumphant celebration of craft beer, cider, and community. With the stunning backdrop of Anacortes’ coastal beauty, a remarkable selection of brews, and a fantastic culinary scene, this event continues to be a highlight on the calendar for beer enthusiasts near and far. We eagerly await Bier on the Pier 2024, where we can once again raise a glass to the vibrant world of craft beverages and the communities that support them. Cheers!