The 3rd Annual Real Ale Harvest Fest returns on September 9! 35 breweries, live music, and great food! Get your tickets today atnoahwebster.yapsody.com. A discounted advance ticket price is available for a limited time.

HOPS, plural noun. One of the crops Founding Father and lexicographer Noah Webster tended on his family's 200-acre farm in rural West Hartford. When Webster's childhood home was restored and opened as a museum in 1965, the historic garden was also recreated, hop plants and all. Brewers will take on the challenge of creating the best cask of "real ale" using an item from Webster's 18th century garden.

The specialty casks are made just for the occasion and good for one day only! A panel of judges determine the Cask Champion and attendees will vote for the Taster's Choice Winner. 

All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the museum's educational mission. Co-hosted by Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits, Harvest Wine & Spirits Elmwood, and Harvest Country Store. Special thanks to Lead SponsorESPN, and event sponsors Keating Agency Insurance and Telefunken Elektroakustik. 

28 breweries will compete in the cask competition this year, including: 

New Park Brewing, the 2016 Cask Champion & winner of the Taster's Choice Award.
Alvarium Beer Company
Aspetuck Brew Lab
Back East Brewing Company
Black Hog Brewing Co.
Cambridge Brewing Company
Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
City Steam Brewery
Counter Weight Brewing Company
Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island
Hanging Hills Brewing Company
Hog River Brewing Co.
Jack's Abby Craft Lagers
Brewery Legitimus
Mayflower Brewing Company
Mystic Brewery
New England Brewing Co.
Relic Brewing Co
Revival Brewing Company
Steady Habit Brewing Company
Stony Creek Beer
Thomas Hooker Brewery
Tröegs Independent Brewing
Two Roads Brewing Company
Victory Beer
Willimantic Brewing Company
Witchdoctor Brewing Company

Another 9 breweries will offer specialty tastings, including:
Allagash Brewing Company
Boulevard Brewing Company
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
Brasserie Dupont
Goose Island
Kent Falls Brewing
OEC Brewing
Sloop Brewing Co.
Spencer
Vanberg Dewulf

There are two sessions: 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.

Through August, tickets for each session are $40 in advance, $35 for members, and include unlimited tastings and souvenir tasting glass. Designated driver tickets are available for $20. From September 1-8, all tickets are $45. Day-of tickets are $50. Food will be available for purchase. This is an indoor / outdoor event with live music by James and the Untold Riches and Sparkplug. Tickets are limited, advanced purchase highly recommended.