Rising Pint Brewfest Returns for 14th Year

The 14th annual Rising Pint Brewfest took place at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford on May 10. Brands from more than 60 craft breweries were on tap for guests, along with eats from popular food truck vendors, including Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, Hop Häus, Randy’s Wooster St. Pizza, Big Bad Wolf, House of BBQ & Bacon and Scatz Holy Smokez BBQ. Bands BooYah and 7 Below played live music during the afternoon. The sold-out event was created by longtime friends Brett Hollander, Hartford Distributors, Inc., and Heather Schold, Greystone Event Management, out of a mutual love of craft beer, music and giving back. Proceeds benefited the Reach Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Mark and Wendy Wilson in 2000 that helps children in need through programs, advocacy and more, including its annual “Shop With a Cop” holiday toy efforts.

: The 14th annual Rising Pint Brewfest took place at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford on May 10.

: Jesse Springer, New England Brewing Co. highlighting Sea Hag IPA and Wee Hag Little IPA.

: Jacklyn Gunn and Mike Esposito, Counter Weight Brewing Co.

: Lawson’s Finest Liquids: Bob Alvarado showcasing Lawson’s Double Sunshine Double IPA, Marissa Bentivoglia highlighting Lawson’s Scrag Mountain Pils and Margot Littlefield.

: Ben Rabon highlighting Thomas Hooker Time Out Pilsner and Ashley Kerrigan, Thomas Hooker Brewery showcasing Thomas Hooker Watermelon Ale.

: Lisa Cole, Owner, City Steam Brewery.

: Tyler Mills highlighting Black Hog Riding Mower IPA and Tom Babcock, Black Hog Brewing Co.

: Dick Daley, Yuengling & Son, Inc., showcasing Yuengling Lager and Mike Hollis, Hartford Distributors, Inc., highlighting Yuengling FLIGHT Light Beer.

: All of Founders Brewing Co.: Sean Juliano, Alina Juliano and John Abercrombie.

: Dylan Galvis, Heineken highlighting Newcastle Brown Ale and Tecate Original Cerveza.

: Litchfield Distillery Brand Ambassadors Jeff Tredennick highlighting Litchfield Vanilla Bourbon and Tia Hrusa showcasing Litchfield Blueberry Vodka.