On Saturday afternoon, craft beer geeks once again gathered in Tampa for Cigar City Brewing’s 10th (10th!) installment of Hunahpu’s Day. The crowd sprinted through the gates of the Raymond James Stadium parking lot as soon as they opened to start snagging the first two-ounce pours of rare, sought-after suds from breweries around the globe.

Hunahpu’s Day is a beloved beer festival that coincides with the release of Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout. This was the second year the premier Tampa Bay Beer Week event was held at football arena Raymond James, as Cigar City has consistently outgrown its previous venues. The move to the enormous field — nestled between Dale Mabry Highway and Himes Avenue — really spreads out the action, leaving plenty of space for a steady (and much-needed) breeze to roll in.

In addition to access to the unlimited tasting, attendees were supplied with four grub tickets, which they used toward small plates by some of the who’s-who of Bay area food trucks. The Bacon Boss, Dochos Latin Bistro, Smokin Bowls and Ramen & Waffles were among the options.

Hunahpu’s Day isn’t just about the beer, though. The festival also honored a few featured breweries with its annual awards for Best Beer and Best Brewery.

Who took home what? Check ‘em out below.

Best Brewery:

Ology Brewing Co. (Tallahassee)
Proof Brewing Co. (Tallahassee)

Arkane Aleworks (Largo)

Best Beer:

Key Lime Pie Evil Kiss, Proof Brewing Co.

Passionfruit, Blood Orange, Raspberry, Ology Brewing Co.

Barrel Aged Adjunct Trail (collaboration beer with Prairie Artisan Ales), Angry Chair Brewing

If a category for longest line consistency existed, the win probably would’ve went to Arkane. The Largo brewery seemed to remain 100 people deep throughout the day. Sweden’s Omnipollo also boasted an impressive line, which formed a giant horseshoe that might’ve been visible from space.

This drinker’s personal favorite came from Tampa Heights-based Hidden Springs Ale Works. Verbally advocating for the local brew while waiting in other lines, I went back for the PB&J Berliner, Man Child, over and over.

Overall, I don’t think there was an attendee who wouldn’t consider the event a success. Hunahpu’s Day has had its issues in the past, but, at least on the surface, the 2019 festivities went off without a hitch. The festival delivered exactly what you’d expect: beer lovers celebrating really good beer.

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This article appears in Mar 7-14, 2019.