Seattle International Beerfest 2009

July 2, 9:09 AMSeattle Craft Beer ExaminerHelen Pitlick

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Seattle Craft Beer Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Image from Salmon Creek Brewery and Pub

Americans consume more beer on the 4th of July than any other day of the year, according to a recent article in a popular magazine. Ok, that magazine was Woman's Day, and it was the only thing available to read at the gym at the time. Now, you could spend the day drinking cheap adjunct lagers like most of the country, or you could declare independence from bad beer by attending the Seattle International Beerfest at the Mural Amphitheater in Seattle Center.

It's a little ironic that the International Beer festival is happening on our nation's most patriotic day, but what is America if not a melting pot for all cultures (and their beers)? With over 150 beers from 15 countries, it's the New York City School District of beer festivals: all your favorite American standbys (Dogfish Head, Stone, Sierra Nevada, Rogue) plus breweries from Germany, Belgium, Japan, England, Scotland, Canada, Norway, Austria, Croatia, Poland, Holland, France, Sweden, Italy, Czech Republic, Kenya and even Ethiopia serving all sorts of brews, from light lagers to Trappist ales to barley wines to meads. While you can pick up some of the offerings at Bottleworks or even QFC, many of these beers are truly special. For instance, a single 4-oz pour of Dogfish Head World Wide Stout (at 22% ABV) packs more punch than an entire can of PBR. In addition to the beer, there will be live music, pub games (darts, checkers, chess and backgammon), and a beer garden for those who want to drink an entire pint instead of just sipping from a little cup.

The beerfest runs Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 PM and Sunday from noon to 7 PM. Entry is $20 ($5 for DD's, and cash only) and includes a glass and 10 beer tickets, with more tickets available for $1 each. Plus, if you get there in the first hour of opening (noon to 1 PM), you'll receive an extra 5 tickets with admission. All beers are poured in 4-oz tastings, and each tasting is 1 to 4 tickets, depending on the beer; more than half are usually just one ticket. Unlike the WABF, you can't bring your kids, but you are encouraged to bring your dog: all proceeds benefit Pet Cross, a local non-profit dedicated to helping animals in need.

  Want more Seattle craft beer information? Follow me on Twitter at Mmm_beer.