— Thousands sipped, slurped and supped Saturday during the Big Brew Beer Fest at the National Guard Armory amid local cuisine, New Jersey-based spirits and more than 220 varieties of craft beer.

The event, which was sponsored by Morris Tap and Grill and J&R Cigar, attracted diehard craft brew enthusiasts as well as novices.

Joseph Wesley of Waldwick said he usually only has a beer with pizza, but he decided to step outside of the box and learn something new.

"It's a totally new experience for me," Wesley said. "I'm learning about hops and barley, and the difference between ales and lagers."

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It was also the first visit for Markus Siebler, of High Bridge, who purchased a VIP tasting session. Siebler said he particularly enjoyed the Wolfgang Dopplebock and Lakefront Brewery's 25th anniversary Brandy Barrel Imperial Pumpkin.

Mike Lorenzo of South Plainfield said the organization had improved greatly from the February festival, which was plagued by

.

JMK Events, the festival organizer, brought in a new ticketing vendor for the September event, and made "extensive" changes throughout the festival including more bathroom and smoking facilities, and more ticketing stations, company president Allison Kohler said.

Kohler said the fall festival was "phenomenal" during the first session, and like "night and day" with the one in February.

Kirk Mattessich of Rockaway, though, wished there was more outside seating "especially for how nice it is today."

Mattessich, however, said he enjoyed the samplings by Stone, Troeg's and Flying Fish breweries.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Morris Rugby, which raises funds and awareness for youth rugby throughout the region.