Cushwa Brewfest - The Beer Thrillers

Two Years Later – Brewfests with Anxiety

AmyMWolfe — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 17:44:43 +0000

A selfie at the Cushwa Brewfest (Amy and Ben)

Two Years Later – Same Brewfest – Same Anxiety

I went to another Brewfest and didn’t have a panic attack. Two years later and it’s still a major win. A crowded event is always a stressor, even just a crowded restaurant can send me into a tailspin. Coming back to the Cushwa Brewing Co for the 7^th Anny Brewfest celebration I was reminded of the 5^th anniversary two years ago. (Brewfests with Anxiety)

Cushwa Brewfest Glassware

The 7^th Anny was held at the Cushwa Brewing Co. tasting room shared with Rad pies. It was a congested area and bumping into other Brewfest goers was inevitable. I think by the end we all were done apologizing to each other for it.

It was a decent weather day for a Saturday in January. I was so glad we could take advantage of the picnic benches outside of the tasting room. For some reason I had an idea in my head that I needed to feel as carefree as I did two years ago; that I had to absolutely not feel any anxiety about entering a crowded event space. I am not sure why we build these unfair expectations in our minds sometimes but it’s a silly waste of energy.

Also it’s been a crazy two years since the last Cushwa Brewfest: I got a new job, I moved in with my boyfriend and we had a baby together. I’ve had a rough time adjusting to motherhood in my forties and I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have him.

The beers at the brewfest were absolutely wonderful. We loved the RAR offerings, the Crooked Crab barrel aged beers were fantastic, Fidens was a good TIPA, and there were so many different options and different styles. It was nice to see that it wasn’t just “here’s an IPA” “here’s another IPA” “and oh look, another IPA”, there were lots of varieties and different styles, and from breweries from all over which was a nice change of pace too.

Ben Taking Over

Amy has been working on this column piece since… pretty much since we got back from Cushwa and Williamsport, MD. After the brewfest we did a small share with friends at the hotel, just like we had two years ago, and the day after we hit a few breweries on the way back home (we hit Interchange Brewing, Amani Brewing, Thick n Thin Brewing, Upper Stem Brewing, and Fourscore Beer). She asked me to help finish our the column for her since she’s been struggling with it a bit. Its certainly not easy doing weekly columns, and especially about one with such a serious and delicate issue – and even moreso because of how close it hits to the bone on this one.

This is a serious matter, and one that is definitely not to be taken lightly or a joke. Anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, etc are all big deep issues, and something many, many, many, many, many people face. Most without having someone to talk to about it. Most without having a chance to discuss their very serious issues and thoughts with someone.

Thank you to Amy for talking about her issues, and her fight against anxiety. Its great to see her being able to step out of that, to overcome it, and get to go have fun at events like this. Her Brewfests with Anxiety post is perfectly worded and she does an absolutely amazing job of discussing it.

The Overnight Walk

Dealing with mental illness is NOT easy either by living with it yourself or supporting a loved one living with mental illness. This summer I will be walking 16 miles overnight in Boston in the out of the darkness walk. This walk is very important and supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevent in Funding Research for Suicide Prevention, Create and Distribute Education Programs, Advocate for Public Policy and Support Those Affected by Suicide. Please consider donating here: https://www.theovernight.org/participant/45186

Amy’s Column Series

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Brewfests with Anxiety

AmyMWolfe — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 15:45:32 +0000

At the beginning of the Cushwa 5th Anniversary Celebration (brewfest)

Panic Attacks

I went to a crowded Brewfest and I didn’t have a panic attack. This is huge. No, this is a massive victory for me, my anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy in social settings.

As an avid beer lover being able to attend a Brewfest and sample many brews is a mecca of the craft beer drinking lover. Let’s be honest, when you are in a large crowd and can barely move even the social butterfly will feel some twinges of nervousness.

What often leads to a bad situation is I know I will feel less anxious if I drink more, thus often leading to a less than enjoyable evening. Not to mention the “clean up” of an evening that I drank too much to mask my panic attacks.

I still remember one of my first panic attacks as a young 20 something. I walked into my small, hometown bar. All those parked in their regular spots at the bar and those enjoying an evening out in groups at tables all turned to look who just walked in the door. I felt a tightening around my neck and I was able to inhale very little oxygen.

(Heads up – this is a loud alarm)

I didn’t step into a small bar for many years after that. 20 years later that exact moment of walking into that bar still give me anxiety inducing flashbacks. I can now power through them but it’s a struggle. I’ll often seem distracted, unhappy or unengaging with my drinking/dining companions and then the depression will hit.

I made sure before the outing to the Cushwa 5 year anniversary bash I had plenty of time to find time to breathe, find calmness and rest. If there is anything to say about covid/quarantine concerns it has forced events to be outside more and sometimes with tents and much more spacing. As an anxiety riddled 40 something woman this extra space helps make me relaxed.

Me (Amy) at the Cushwa brewfest

Anxiety

I also treat my anxiety with medical marijuana. I had a small tincture spray to help alleviate any situations that felt like “too much”. It immensely helps keep panic attacks at bay. But also, I can treat my anxiety/panic attacks and still be a functional human being for the rest of the day.

I made sure my fellow event attendee knew my anxiety inducing situations. I got out of close spaces, and walked outside by myself when I needed a “breath”. Many props to Cushwa Brewing Company for the excellent layout of the event booths/tables and the entire event was organized. Those volunteering and working the event were all friendly and helpful.

I love social situations and meeting people, especially over some good brews. Being able to attend a Brewfest, NOT have a panic attack and socialize while enjoying myself made this a wonderful weekend getaway.

Cheers everyone!

Drink more beer,

-Amy

Thanks For Reading

Want to talk about your panic attacks or anxiety? You can leave a comment here, or on our social media pages, or even leave me a message through our ‘Contact Us’ feedback form. I’d love to hear from you about it!

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Big 3 Day Weekend: Friday Recap

BKline — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 17:00:36 +0000

Flights at Dogfish Head Brewery

Where we started….

If you read the previous article – Big 3 Day Weekend – this is the first recap article in the series.

So Friday certainly was a day! We got to Dogfish Head at about 11:15AM. (Having left right after I finished and posted yesterday’s article.) And we hit it hard. First beer on the taster was the ‘Rip Van Wrinkle World Wide Stout’ which was a 18.4%. Then proceeded to follow that up with Orloso 120 Minute (a 15.4%) and 120 Minute regular. We did three flights at Dogfish Head Brewery before leaving for Burley Oak.

Well… we had to make an impromptu stop at Dewey Beer Co in Harbeson… then went to Burley Oak. At Dewey Beer we got several 6oz pours.

At Burley Oak we did a flight, and picked up our JREAMS Hydra and JREAMS Swerve that we ordered online. The flight was absolutely tasty.

We then traveled Tall Tales Brewery in Maryland on our way to Loakal Branch in Delaware to dip back into Maryland before hitting RAR Brewing.

RAR Brewing ended up being the last brewery stop of the day – as we got there only around 7PM. Its amazing how fast time travels at breweries. So, needless to say we did not hit the full list of breweries I planned.

Where We Ended Up

Yea… we never quite get to all of the breweries on my itineraries. Just how it is (I often get ‘scolded’ or over-planning or being too ambitious with my plans.

But, after RAR Brewing, we traveled all the way to Hagerstown from basically 9PM to 12-midnight to check in at our hotel in Hagerstown to spend the night and be prepared for the Cushwa Brewfest today. (Which, I am wrapping this article up, with the Uber on its way.)

Friday was still a very good day. We still got to six breweries – Dogfish Head, Dewey Beer Co, Burley Oak, Tall Tales, Loakal Branch, and RAR Brewing. Thats still a lot and we did plenty of traveling! (I got to have 36 beers in total at the various breweries, and quite a bit of food as well too.)

So now, I am wrapping this up, the Uber is nearly here, and we will be on our way to the Historic Springfield Barn for the Cushwa 5th Anniversary Celebration Brewfest. Maybe I’ll see you there! I know I can’t wait for it!

Thanks for Reading

This is definitely a brewfest that looks absolutely banging. You can get the details here: Cushwa 5th Celebration. I hope to be able to see some of you there, and I can’t wait for all the delicious brews!

Cheers!

-B. Kline