Justin Paprocki is a features writer for the Island Packet. | 
Only two more days until Firkinstock. The inaugural craft beer festival runs from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Buckwalter Place in Bluffton (near the new Publix and bowling alley). Tickets are $40 each.
I met with organizers James Brown and Mike Tripka a few weeks ago when I was writing a story about the multitude of craft beer festivals that have cropped up around here lately. James and Mike know their beer; they're experienced homebrewers, instrumental in starting the Lowcountry MALTS group.
They're also part of the Bluffton Rotary and decided to organize Firkinstock to benefit the Waddell Mariculture Center. Firkinstock has a similar set up to other tasting festivals locally - pay a flat rate, get as many samples as you like. But what sets it apart is the beer itself. About 20 craft brewers will be on hand (Bell's, Stone Brewing, Allagash, Thomas Creek, etc.), and about half of those will be offering cask-style beers brewed specifically for this festival. As James and Mike told me, it's a chance to try some pretty unique beers that can't be found elsewhere.
Read more about Firkinstock here. Attendance is capped at 1,000, so it might be a good idea to buy tickets online beforehand.