West Hartford's Webster House 'Real Ale' Celebration: What You Need To Know

WEST HARTFORD, CT — When the founder of the modern dictionary, Noah Webster, wanted a refreshing brew to relax, he didn't just go to the fridge and pop open a Bud Light.

Chances are, he indulged in something more common during his 18th and 19th century life — real ale.

The local historical museum that bears his name on Saturday is hosting a unique competition that pays tribute to the beverage of choice in Webster's day.

It's called the Noah Webster Real Ale Harvest Fest and it returns on Saturday, Sept. 9.

The event serves as a fundraiser for the Noah Webster House museum and is co-hosted by the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society and Harvest Wine & Spirits.

It will feature more than 20 brewers who will create unique, one-off casks of real ale available for this day only.

Each brew must include an ingredient from Noah Webster's 18th-century homestead in West Hartford, event organizers said.

"With over 100 items to choose from such as currants, honey, hyssop and nutmeg, creativity shines in this friendly competition between your favorite craft breweries," wrote the museum in an event announcement

According to event organizers, "real ale" is a traditional cask-conditioned ale popular in the time of Webster.

“We look forward to the Real Ale Fest every year,” said Peter Cowles, co-owner of Aspetuck Brew Lab. “The format allows us to be really creative and have some fun with the beers that we are serving. Guests are treated to amazing, unique beers that are not available anywhere else.”

A panel of judges will determine which brewery will be named Cask Champion and attendees will vote for the Taster’s Choice Winner.

In addition to ale, the event will also feature some music, in the form of Connecticut's legendary Savage Brothers. They will perform during the afternoon session (2 to 5 p.m.)

The evening session (6 to 9 p.m.) will featurethe Blaney Brothers’ modern take on traditional acoustic music with pub songs, ballads and jigs with an Irish flair.

Food is available for purchase from Salt & Pepper Catering and Hot Taco Street Kitchen.

Visit the ticketing site www.noahwebster.yapsody.com for the most up-to-date information on participating breweries, music and food.

The event is on the grounds of the historic Noah Webster House, 227 S. Main St., West Hartford, CT. There will be two sessions, from 2-5 p.m. and from 6-9 p.m. Each session includes unlimited samples served in a souvenir tasting glass. Advance tickets are available for $60 at www.noahwebster.yapsody.com. Designated drivers are welcome at $20 per person. Guests must be 21 with proper ID and no pets are allowed. All proceeds will benefit the not-for-profit museum.

For more information on the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, click on this link.

For more information on the Noah Webster Real Ale Harvest Fest or to get tickets, click on this link.