They are your go-to resource when it comes to packaging together the things that you love and presenting them at outstanding prices. The folks at LivingSocial.com know a thing or two about delivering value for their customers. On Saturday afternoon, we trekked out to Fort Greene Brooklyn’s Skylight One Hanson building for an afternoon of deliciously distinctive imbibing. Brew lovers from every borough gathered at the historic venue for the 2013 “LivingSocial Beer Fest.” For an extremely affordable price, fans of cold ales would be able to sample a seemingly endless amount during one of the three weekend sessions. And with the weather on the inclement side, there was no danger of this indoor Brooklyn affair being cancelled under any circumstance.

At 1pm the we made our way inside the beautiful space an hour early to get a feel for what was available and to avoid the crowds who would make their way inside shortly thereafter. Upon entering, each ticketholder was handed a glass, beer tickets, and a bracelet with tear away tickets that gave each attendee a freshly shucked east coast oyster and a hearty warm pretzel, courtesy of Sigmund’s. With the smooth oyster fully slurped down, it was time to get started parading around the space. It was only fitting that we kicked the drinking off with a pour of Ithaca’s “Apricot Wheat.” Other beers claim to have a true fruit flavor, but nothing beats the apricot fueled gulp of this ale. In keeping with brews to savor in the heat, we made our way over to Peak Organic’s table to sip some of their “Summer Ale,” which has a bold citrus body. It was somewhat intense but still quite drinkable.

The sprawling space made tasting a pleasure-filled liquid adventure. We caught up with the team from Schmaltz who attracted somewhat of a line for their highly coveted “Coney Island Pilsner” and “He’Brew” brews. No matter how many times we try these beers we always notice something different and exciting with each sip. The same could be said for Shipyard’s “Lobster Ale.” And no, there’s no actual lobster in it- trust me, I asked. Instead you are presented with a light brew to kick back on the beach with. With a nice cache of “Beer Fest” greatest hits in our livers it was time to grab a few bites to eat. Luckily for us some of the city’s greatest food trucks were parked directly outside ready to serve up the mobile goodies. From Kimchi Grill serving up killer Korean BBQ to Phil’s Steaks bringing the city of brotherly love to Brooklyn, you really had your pick of the litter. After happily feeding our faces it was time to go back inside and keep the party going.

Speaking of a party, the event DJ blasted tunes to make everyone bob their head or even dance one’s booty off. The LivingSocial crew members started an all out dance party when Bon Jovi’s “Livin On A Prayer” blared from the speakers. After grabbing a nice tart glass of Angry Orchard cider and Asia’s own Tiger Beer we headed down to the basement level bank vault which was filled with table top games from ping pong presented by Spin NY as well as skeeball. Everyone with a buzz had something to be the champion of. After breaking a beer sweat we returned upstairs to the side room which had less of a crowd but still served up a ton of killer brews. Our friends at Kelso poured their classic “Pilsner” and “Nut Brown Ale” which kept us hanging close by for several refills and some good beer chat.

The confines of this blog and pictures can really only explain half of the fun that we had at LivingSocial’s 2013 “Beer Fest.” The deal making website has truly gone above and beyond making for one of the greatest Saturdays of the year. Be sure to act fast next year, because trust us- tickets will not last long.

- Jay Rubin