The 8th Annual AleFest Columbus will take over the Aladdin Shrine Center on Saturday, February 2nd from 2 to 6 p.m. More than 100 breweries will be in attendance, giving Columbus craft beer fanatics samples of more than 250 microbrewed beer from around the world.
Tickets are available in advance for $35 ($40 at the door), buying you 20 samples of craft beer in a commemorative AleFest sampling glass. Attendees will also enjoy live entertainment from Nick Mitchell, a Dayton-area musician specializing in rock/progressive/pop rock music. Promised as a special treat will be an expanded offering of draught ales and lagers and cask ales.
Joe Waizmann, founder, manager and AleFest Columbus chairman, says this celebration of craft beer is for everyone – microbrew buffs and neophytes alike.
“Since [AleFest’s] inception, my goal is to provide an educational, enjoyable and sharing environment for craft beer lovers of all types,” he said. “I believe the depth and quality of the beers is memorable. In order to assist with recall, each attendee receives an event guide with all beers listed for future reference.”
This year’s list of breweries is certainly impressive. Columbus favorites Columbus Brewing Company, Weasel Boy and Buckeye Lake will represent the local front. Other attendees include, New Holland, Brooklyn Brewing, Bell’s, Jolly Pumpkin, Southern Tier, Uinta, Left Hand, Dogfish Head, Yuengling, 21st Amendment and many, many more.
Waizmann suggests creating a plan of attack once inside the event using the event guide.
“Be sure to try breweries and beer styles you may not be familiar with,” he suggests. “It’s what makes the discovering and sharing of new beers so fun and exciting. With over 300 world-class craft beers to choose from, even the most dedicated craft beer enthusiast will find numerous new beers to sample. Be sure to talk to the pourers who will provide knowledgeable and helpful suggestions.”
Waizmann said one of the reasons AleFest Columbus continues to be successful year after year is because of the growth of the Columbus craft beer community.
“Greater Columbus continues to attract more breweries, retailers, restaurants and taverns who receive enthusiastic support from area beer consumers,” he said. “No doubt Columbus is already well on its way to being a significant craft beer city regionally and nationally.”
In addition to supporting the microbrew industry on a local and national level, part of the proceeds from Saturday’s event will benefit the Scioto Olentangy Darby Zymurgists (SODZ) Columbus Area Homebrew Club.
Tickets are still available, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy the crème de la crème of the craft beer world! See you there!
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