Seattle Beer Examiner

This weekend's Seattle International Beerfest presents the best and worst of all possible worlds for the beer enthusiast. On the plus side, there are a lot of great beers to try in one place. We're talking over a hundred and forty selections from around the world, half of which are on draft. Some of these beers are ones you might not get another shot at unless you're a world traveler. That's all you really need to know if you're into beer.

On the negative side, the event attracts both the pretentious beer geek crowd and the drunken idiot crowd. I'm not sure which is worse. The snobs are easy to avoid, but you need a strategy to avoid the mid-afternoon drunkenness and long lines.

My plan is to arrive before the doors open at noon. One of the best things about SIB is that you can get in and out quickly and still get your money's worth. Make sure you bring your ID and twenty dollars, which will get you a glass, wristband and ten tickets. If you show up during the first hour they're open (12-1 pm Friday-Sunday), you get five extra tickets. Hold on to that glass and wristband because there's free re-entry the next day.

There are a few other things to know. You get four ounces of beer per pour and each beer will cost you from 1-6 tickets depending on how "rare" or "prestigious" the beer is. There will be food available, bands will play and pets are welcome while minors are not (21 and over only). The event takes place at the Mural Ampitheater at Seattle Center.