Today we announce another great beer dinner at Trellis restuarant in Kirkland. On Friday, February 24th Trellis will once again welcome Hopworks Urban Brewery for a special evening of food and beer pairings. Information about reserving your spot is below. This year the Washington Beer Blog is honored to present the event. Kendall Jones will act as the emcee, introducing you to the amazing world of food and beer that Chef Brian and the brewers at Hopworks Urban Brewery have created. Hopworks’ brewers Christian Ettinger, Thomas Bleigh and Jaime Rodriguez will be there to talk about their beers and share the meal.

Last year during Seattle Beer Week we attended a very special beer and food pairing dinner at Trellis (read our story about it). For us, it was one of the highlights of Seattle Beer Week. Chef Brian Scheehser did a masterful job of pairing delicious dishes with the exceptional beers of Hopworks Urban Brewery. Not only did we find the dinner delicious, we found it inspirational. That night’s dinner helped convinced us to create Craft: Beer + Food, the wildly successful beer and food pairing event that took place last September.

We invite you to join us. You need to make reservations as soon as possible. The reservation information is below. The event is just a couple weeks away so do not delay.

Next week we will give away a pair of passes to the dinner, but don’t take any chances. Reserve your spot now.

Here are details about the event:

TRELLIS HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL BEER PAIRING DINNER WITH PORTLAND’S HOPWORKS URBAN BREWERY

Organic Brews Paired with Fresh Seasonal Fare on February 24

Trellis, a wine county-inspired restaurant that celebrates small scale, artisan products at the height of their seasonality, will host Portland, Ore., based organic brew masters Christian Ettinger, Thomas Bleigh and Jaime Rodriguez of Hopworks Urban Brewery for the second annual brew pairing dinner on Friday, Feb. 24.

Hopworks is Portland’s first Eco-Brewpub offering world-class organic beer. Hopworks incorporates a range of sustainable practices in their operation, and makes every effort to protect the future with a thoughtful alternative.

This will be Hopworks’ second visit to Kirkland. Chef Brian Scheehser has created a delectable five-course dinner featuring Wild Prawns and Bone Marrow Bruschetta, Grilled Quail, Boneless Short Rib and a Hazelnut Flourless Chocolate Cake. Each course will be paired with one of Hopworks’ organic brews, which will remain top secret until the night of the dinner. Some of the featured beers are also included in Chef Scheehser’s recipes.

WHO: All community members, family and friends over the age of 21.

WHAT: Hopworks Urban Brewery Second Annual Beer Pairing Dinner.

WHERE: Trellis Restaurant, 220 Kirkland Avenue, Kirkland, Wash.

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 24, 2012

5: 30 p.m. – Beer reception and passed hors d’oeuvres

6:30 p.m. – Beer pairing dinner

COST:
$75 for five-course meal and beer pairings. Tax and gratuity not included.

Seating is limited; please call (425) 284-5900 for reservations to the Hopworks Urban Brewery Second Annual Beer Pairing Dinner. Those who reserve seats at the dinner are eligible for a discounted stay ($119) at the Heathman Hotel on the night of the dinner.

About Trellis

Housed in the luxurious Heathman Hotel (www.heathmankirkland.com) on Seattle’s eastside in Kirkland, Wash., Trellis is a 90-seat restaurant and bar that features wine country-style cuisine under the direction of executive chef Brian Scheehser, who was featured at the famed James Beard House in New York City as part of its Best Hotel Chefs in America series in 2008.  Trellis features a richly appointed environment that is comfortable and warm with food and drink that celebrates small scale, artisan products at the height of their seasonal quality. Trellis’ rustic, farm-fresh, robust menu characterizes wine country restaurants and evolves with the seasons, always using the best of the current harvest as a foundation for its farm-to-table philosophy. Much of the produce on the menu is grown in Scheehser’s local five-acre garden at the South 47 farm in Woodinville, Wash.  A wine list with more than 200 selections features the best that California, Washington and Oregon vintners have to offer as well as an extensive international collection.  Heated outdoor seating is available. For additional information, visit www.trellisrestaurant.net.

About Hopworks Urban Brewery

Hopworks Urban Brewery and Hopworks BikeBar are Portland’s first Eco-Brewpubs offering handcrafted organic beers and fresh, local ingredients. The brewpubs are sustainably-built and operated buildings with a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Hopworks is 100 percent renewably powered, “cradle to gate” carbon neutral and features sustainable components including composting, rain barrels, a pervious paver parking lot and hand dryers. The company makes every effort to protect “our” future with a thoughtful alternative.

The 20-barrel brewery produces 8,500 barrels a year and provides its restaurants with ten different HUB organic beers on tap and two cask ales at all times. Hopworks beer is available on draught and in bottles in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. For more information, please visit HopworksBeer.com or follow on Twitter @HopworksBeer.

This Saturday, the Washington Beer Commission presents the 3rd Annual Belgianfest. See our previous posts about Belgianfest for more details. For now, what you really need to know is that tickets are almost gone. Although there may be some tickets at the door, it is not at all guaranteed.

Here is a message we received this morning from the Commission about tickets. “As of 10am this morning we have just 82 advance tickets remaining for the afternoon session and 144 for the evening session of Belgianfest. While we expect there will be some tickets available at the door advance tickets will guarantee admission.  Advance tickets can be purchased at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/216151“

They call it Foreplay Before the Big Day. ChocoFest takes place at Pike Pub and Brewery on Sunday, February 12th. This is a great event and you need to make your reservations soon. Kick-off your Valentine’s celebration a couple days early with some great food and drink.

ChocoFest is not merely about chocolate. The event involves chocolate, beer, wine, spirits, mead and food. And plenty of it. We’re talking about the good stuff, like chocolate from Theo Chocolate and cheese from Beecher’s Cheese. Beer will be provided by Pike Brewing as well as some other local favorites like Big Time Brewery, Lazy Boy Brewing, Diamond Knot Brewing, Fremont Brewing, and Epic Ales. (Complete list of participants.) For more info read the press release below.

For  $30 you are entitled to gorge yourself on delicious drinks and other treats. Proceeds benefit FareStart.
For reservations and information: Tara (206) 812-6604 | tshuttleworth@pikebrewing.com

Press Release:

FOREPLAY BEFORE THE BIG DAY: On February 12, 2012 Pike again gathers together top producers of beer, wine, spirits, and mead, along with select local restaurants and specialty food producers, to make ChocoFest 2012 the best ever. We will feature local producers, and for the sake of comparison, represent some of the best imported, too. This year we will open up the brewery, one floor below the Pike Pub, in order to accommodate greater numbers of enthusiasts.

BENEFIT FOR FARESTART: Proceeds from the event will benefit FareStart, a culinary job training and placement program for homeless and disadvantaged individuals. Over the past 19 years, FareStart has provided opportunities for nearly 5,000 people to transform their lives, while also serving over 4.5 million meals to disadvantaged men, women, and children.

CHOCOBREW FEST: We are inviting local breweries to brew and serve their own versions of beer made with chocolate. Pike will offer XXXX Cocoa Cherry Porter, specially brewed for the occasion in our new pilot brewery.

WINE, SPIRITS, MEAD, CIDER, RESTAURANTS, BAKERS, and CHEESE MAKERS: We have invited more wineries, distilleries, and cider makers, and even a meadery, along with restaurants, bakers and artisan cheese makers, in order to make 2012 Chocofest the best ever.

A SWEET HISTORY: Our goal from the beginning has been to expose food lovers to the natural harmony of chocolate and beer. Many people are unaware of this exquisite combination, and there’s no better time to expose them to it than around Valentine’s Day. Wine marketers first promoted chocolate and wine many years ago, so there is often more awareness of this pairing. Spirits, too, marry beautifully with chocolate, but until recently, we had but a few local spirit producers. With a substantial local chocolate culture and an abundance of great breweries, wineries, distilleries, and even a meadery, in 2008 we decided to have a festival. Pike ChocoFest was born and it was a hit from the very beginning.

Each year ChocoFest has had more participants, more guests, and has been more fun. The first year ChocoFest occupied only the two levels of our Museum Room, and in years two and three, in an effort to accommodate more guests and create better traffic flow, we added the Naughty Nellie Room, as well as our IPA level, to the event floor plan. This year
we are including the Pike Brewery.

Pike ChocoFest is a great way to enjoy a romantic, delicious, and sensuous evening at Pike, and feel good about it! Plus some participating vendors will have products available for sale if you’re looking for the perfect valentine gift.

Cost: $30, with proceeds benefiting FareStart
For reservations and information: Tara (206) 812-6604 | tshuttleworth@pikebrewing.com
Click here to see some of our confirmed vendors .

This Saturday, February 4th, the 3rd Annual Belgianfest takes place on Seattle’s waterfront. The event features 30+ breweries pouring 70-something different beers. All of them Belgian-style. Amazing. The choices are overwhelming, to be sure. You need help navigating your way through this one, we know. That’s why we provide you with this cheat sheet. This is our list of top picks. Something to get you started. It is only our opinion.

You should get your tickets now. Don’t wait until the last minute or you might miss out. There are two sessions. The first session starts at 12:00 p.m. and the second session starts at 5:30 p.m. Go to the official event website for ticket information. Also, think about transportation. This year’s new location offers a lot more transportation options. The Washington Beer Commission has even arranged a special deal for festivalgoers at the nearby Marriott, in case you want to spend the night. Details on the event website.Here is our cheat sheet. The complete list of breweries and beers follows.

Our Top Picks

Big Time Brewery

Trombipulator Belgian Tripel.  A nearly 1-year-old 1/4 bbl keg of our Trombipulator Belgian style Tripel features Fuggle hops, and Westmalle yeast. This was original brew #666 1st brewed in 1994 – named after the Parliament Album Trombipulation.

Black Raven Brewing

Bourbon Barrel Aged La Petite Mort. Belgian style strong abbey brown aged in bourbon barrels. 8.8% ABV.

Elliott Bay Brewing

Batch 1000 Sour Blend. Exclusively for Belgianfest: a one-off blend of our 1000th brew fermented and aged in four different red wine barrels.

Elysian Brewing

Backhanded Compliment Belgian IPA CASK. Backhanded Compliment Cask version dry-hopped with Citra. Brewed with organic pale, Munich, Cara-Hell and Cara-Vienne malts and bittered with Chinook and finished with Amarillo and Citra hops. Fermented with Westmalle yeast. 6.2% ABV

Engine House No 9 Brewery

Love child Kriek. 5.9% ABV Ruby in color with a pink head. Aromas of cherries and oak. With a cherry and slight sour flavor finishes bright and clean.

Bourbon Saison. 7.8% ABV Traditionally brewed saison, aged in bourbon barrel. With aromas of oak, bourbon, vanilla, clove and hints of sour. Giving way to flavors of banana, cloves bourbon and hints of sour finishing clean and dry.

Georgetown Brewing

Waldman. Modeled after an English Ordinary Bitter with a few decidedly Belgian stylings, Waldman is brewed with Northern Brewer hops and 36 lbs of Belgian Candi Sugar then fermented with a Belgian ale yeast. We finish with Brettanomyces “Wild” yeast strain and a heavy does of dry hops. The Brett is carried over to the bottles where Waldman continues to develop complex flavors throughout the bottle conditioning.  ABV 6.1%, IBUs 35

RAM Restaurant and Brewery

(You may not know it, but they kick ass at Belgian-style beers.)

1) Barrel #1. Light, tart and refreshing – a blonde ale fermented in a barrel by many a mysterious critter – 4.5% ABV

2) Barrel #2. An intensely flavored dark ale, fermented in an old wine barrel with a couple of Brett strains and hints of lactobacilius. 6.5% ABV

3) BBlage-a-trois. A blend of 3 wildly fermented bbls made exclusively for this year’s Belgian Fest.

Silver City Brewery

La Fat 2007. La Fat is Silver City Fat Scotch Ale fermented with a Belgian yeast noted for creating big, spicy phenol character. La Fat goes through a secondary fermentation on French Oak.  La Fat combines classic Belgian characteristics with Scotch like toffee and caramel notes with hints of oak and peat. ABV 9.2%

Sound Brewery

(Regular offerings from Sound, but if you haven’t had these yet…)

Dubbel Entendre. Comforting aromas of chocolate malt and dark toffee, with a hint of banana and stone fruits. A dark abbey style ale with a subtle rich maltiness and a dry, spicy finish. 8.0% ABV

Tripel Entendre. Complexity and balance from a simple recipe of the finest ingredients obtainable. Clear and light in color, this strong Belgian ale drinks smooth and easy but has the complexity to complement the finest meals or to savor alone at the end of the evening. 9.9% ABV

Koperen Ketel. Biscuity Belgian malt balanced with the finest Slovenian Styrian Goldings hops, Koperen Ketel has a delicate herbal, fruity aroma and a clean dry finish making for a refreshing, easy drinking copper color ale. 5.0% ABV

The Complete List of Breweries and Beers

7 Seas Brewing

1) Le Havre Belgian Winter Ale

This seasonal offering is fashioned with reverence towards the long-standing tradition of Trappist Abbey-style beers of Belgium. Brewed with Pale Ale malt, oats, and dark crystal malts, hopped with Fuggles, and fermented with authentic Belgian Abbey yeast, the ale reveals intricate layers of spice, fig, bitter chocolate.  ABV: 8.0%

American Brewing Company

1) Big Pucker

Wood Barrel aged Sour Beer. Double Flanders Sour Ale aged in a used, oak Cabernet Franc Barrel.

Anacortes Brewery

1) Peppercorn Saison

A lighter 4.5% ABV Belgian farmhouse style made with several varieties of fresh cracked peppercorn.

2) Dubbel

A strong dark ale made with demerara sugar, honey and chocolate wheat.

3) Trippel

A strong 8.5% ABV light colored ale hopped for balance with saaz and styrian golding varieties.

4) Sour Red

Red ale soured with lactobacillis and brettanomyces aged in a bourbon barrel passed between multiple breweries.

Big Time

1) Jack Candy Grand Cru

Jack Candy is a pale Belgian style strong ale fermented with both Westmalle and Achouffe yeast strains. Saaz hops lend bitterness and spiciness. The name was inspired by a Walkabouts Song. 9.3% ABV

2) Black Jack Candy

Black Jack Candy is our Belgian style Grand Cru with aseptic Blackberry puree added.

9.3% ABV

3) Trombipulator Belgian Tripel

A nearly 1-year-old 1/4 bbl keg of our Trombipulator Belgian style Tripel features Fuggle hops, and Westmalle yeast. This was original brew #666 1st brewed in 1994 – named after the Parliament Album Trombipulation.

9.0% ABV

Black Raven Brewing

1) Belgian Style IPA

Northwest IPA that has been through a secondary fermentation with brettanomyces. Dry hopped with calypso, nugget, citra and Chinook. 7.3% ABV

2) Bourbon Barrel Aged La Petite Mort

Belgian style strong abbey brown aged in bourbon barrels. 8.8% ABV

3) Cask Saison

Four grain saison with brettanomyces. 6.6% ABV

Boundary Bay Brewery

1) Belgian Style Tripel

Strong in alcohol, our Belgian Style Tripel is golden in color, medium bodied and moderately hopped. The flavor and aroma are both dominated by alcohol and Belgian yeast. It has a nice malt backbone, is spicy, slightly earthy and finishes dry. Hops: Tettnang, Saaz. Malts: Pilsner, Belgian Aromatic, Caravienne, Munich, Special B, Vienna Original Gravity: 1.082 ABV: 8.9%

Diamond Knot Brewing Co.

1) Strong Belgian IPA

Crisp golden in color with a complex yet delicate flavor with a big hop-forward aroma, that gives away to citrus and floral tones. This will leave you begging for another. IBU: 40 ABV: 7.3%

Elliott Bay Brewing Co.

1) Batch 1000 Sour Blend

Exclusively for Belgianfest: a one-off blend of our 1000th brew fermented and aged in four different red wine barrels.

2) Long Black Veil

Black Ale based on the Dry Stout style and fermented with our house Belgian yeast strain.

3) Nitwit Imperial Wheat (cask)

Cask-conditioned strong Wit-style ale = 8% ABV.

4) Brandy-barrel-aged Fuerte Strong Ale

Rich 9% ABV amber ale aged for three months in Kentucky brandy barrels.

5) Saison de la Chance Redux

Our 13th Anniversary Saison re-created for the patrons of Belgianfest. 8.5% ABV

Elysian Brewing Co.

1) Yuzu’s Belgian-style Golden Ale

Yuzu’s is made with 100% pale malt, Turbinado sugar and Belgian Golden ale yeast. Bittered with Magnum and finished with Styrian Goldings hops. Organic dried lemon peel is added at the end of the boil, and yuzu juice is added both pre- and post-fermentation. 4.5% ABV

2) Bete Noel Belgian-style Ale

Brewed with Pale, Munich, Castle Aromatic and roasted barley and black malts, with amber Turbinado sugar added to the kettle. Bittered with German Northern Brewer, finished with Hallertauer hops and fermented with Belgian Golden Ale yeast. 8.5% ABV

3) Krokus Saffron Sour Wheat Ale

Brewed with pale, malted wheat, flaked wheat and wheat flour and hopped with Hallertauer and U.K. Fuggles. Infused with American saffron and fermented with the 4th generation sour tank collection of yeasts and bacteria. 6% ABV

4) Ferme noire Cascadian Dark Sasion

Our dark and hoppy ale fermented with a Saison yeast. The resulting beer adds a bone-dry, barnyard twang to an already slightly roasty and moderately hoppy beverage. Malts: pale, dark Munich, aromatic, and Carafa III Sugar: 50 lbs of Demerara Hops: Chinook, Amarillo, Cascade 8.2% ABV

5) Backhanded Compliment Belgian IPA CASK

Backhanded Compliment Cask version dry-hopped with Citra. Brewed with organic pale, Munich, Cara-Hell and Cara-Vienne malts and bittered with Chinook and finished with Amarillo and Citra hops. Fermented with Westmalle yeast. 6.2% ABV

6) Bete Blanche Belgian-style Tripel

A twist on the French expression “Bête Noire.” Brewed entirely from Pale malt and augmented in the boil with clear Belgian candy sugar. Bittered with German Northern Brewer and finished with Styrian Goldings hops. Fermented with Belgian ale yeast. 41 IBU. 6.9% ABV

7) Nibiru Belgian-style Tripel

Infused with Yerba Mate. Combining the tasty esters of Belgian yeast and the compelling tea-like flavors of the South American herb mixture. A mixture of German Northern Brewer, Czech Saaz and American Amarillo hops round out the uniqueness of this first beer of the Apocalypse. 7.65% ABV

8 ) The Prefessor

With plums and brettanomyces, Marris-Otter pale, Munich and wheat, and East Kent Goldings to bitter and finish, at the Tangletown brewery.  4.65% ABV

Engine House No 9 Brewery

1) Love child Kriek

5.9% ABV Ruby in color with a pink head. Aromas of cherries and oak. With a cherry and slight sour flavor finishes bright and clean.

2) Bourbon Saison

7.8% ABV Traditionally brewed saison, aged in bourbon barrel. With aromas of oak, bourbon, vanilla, clove and hints of sour. Giving way to flavors of banana, cloves bourbon and hints of sour finishing clean and dry.

3) Belgian White

5.0% ABV Grainy spicy wheat aromatics with hints of coriander and orange. Pleasant malt sweetness with zesty citrus, coriander and subtle spicy hop flavors. Finishes with a slight wheat tartness

Fish Brewing Company

1) Monkfish Belgian Style Tripel Ale

A cracking fine example of the classic style, Monkfish Belgian Style Tripel Ale is the color of nectar, with a sweet malty flavor and subtle hop aroma. Mingling in its character, fruity and spicy esters impart a heavenly complexity to this medium-bodied delight. Brewed using Pale malt, Honey malt, aromatic malt, Belgian candy sugar, Styrian Golding hops and, of course, Belgian Abbey yeast, Monkfish stands firmly in the Belgian triple tradition. 32 IBUs 9.0% ABV

Fremont Brewing Co.

1) The Lamb

Saison aged in French Oak wine barrels with brettanomyces lambicus.

2) Return of Blood Funnel

Gallaghers Where U Brew

1) The Monk

A delicious Belgium Triple with a smooth 8.5% fruity bite. Coriander and orange peel add to the decadence of this ale. The use of Orange peel during the dry hop adds to the amazing aromatics of this popular brew.

2) Black Imperial Belgium

The use of our Belgium yeast allows the fruity character of this beer to stand out. Its dark color compliments the full body mouth feel and is enjoyed by all.

Georgetown Brewing Co.

1) Frosty “The Waldman”

In the Winter Warmer tradition, this dark ale is brewed strong with Pale, Pilsner, Special B, Crystal, and Chocolate malts, and 10 lbs/bbl of rich molasses boost the holiday cheer. Northern Brewer hops contribute the bulk of the bitterness, while Sterling hops, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg add a spicy nose. Fermented with a Belgian ale yeast strain to lend a smooth and complex character. ABV 7.6%, IBUs 40

2) Waldman

Modeled after an English Ordinary Bitter with a few decidedly Belgian stylings, Waldman is brewed with Northern Brewer hops and 36 lbs of Belgian Candi Sugar then fermented with a Belgian ale yeast. We finish with Brettanomyces “Wild” yeast strain and a heavy does of dry hops. The Brett is carried over to the bottles where Waldman continues to develop complex flavors throughout the bottle conditioning.  ABV 6.1%, IBUs 35

Hale’s Ales

1) Hale’s “25″ Belgian Dubbel

The first edition of this beer was brewed to celebrate Hale’s Ales 25th anniversary in 2008. True to style, Hale’s “25″ Belgin Dubbel is moderately strong, very malty and possesses the unique flavor characteristics imparted by Belgian yeast.  7.3% ABV, 20 IBU’s

2) Hale’s Bourbon Barrel Aged Belgian Gold

Hale’s Belgian Gold is made with Pilsner, C-40 and Carapils Malts with a blend of various sugars. The beer is hopped with Goldings. This delicious beer has been aged in bourbon oak barrels for most of 2011. The combination of the wood and whiskey overtones combined with the belgian beer flavors makes this beer a true delight.  9% ABV, 15 IBU’s

3) Hale’s Belgian Wit

A classic, unadulterated Belgian Wit brewed with no spices. Crisp, refreshing and slightly tart.  4.8% ABV, 5 IBU’s

Hilliard’s Beer

1) Hilliard’s Saison

Simple beer, complex taste and aroma.  A special yeast and unique fermentation profile give this beer hints of coriander, orange peel, and maybe a bit of pepper. Castle Malting Pilsner Malt and Golding Hops, no spices added.  7.4% AVB

Issaquah Brewery

1) White Frog Ale

Belgian Style Ale: Summer Wit Beer. Aromas of coriander and orange spice dominate the nose. A very light mouthfeel is countered with sweet orange peel, coriander and subtle notes of chamomile. It finishes with delicate banana and clove spices. Surprisingly light and immediately quaffable. ABV: 5.2%

2) Menage A Frog Belgian Trippel

Menage A Frog has a brilliant golden amber color. Inviting aromas of toasty baguette, orange blossom honey, and delicate bubblegum spice follow through on a round entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body with caramel pear and peach custard tart notes. Finishes in a bold peppery spice, delicate grassy herbal and citrusy hops, and toffee fade with lingering warming alcohol.

ABV: 9%

Lazy Boy Brewing Co.

1)Belgian Golden Ale

2)Belgian Dubbel

McMenamins Pubs & Breweries

1) Reinhold’s Flying Armadillo Dark Belgian Strong

A nice, full bodied Dark Belgian with a mild hop presence and a flavorful malty character.  Made with Wyeast Belgian Abbey II yeast. 7.75% ABV

2) Girl Next Door Belgian Blonde

This is a light bodied, smooth tasting and highly carbonated Belgian Blonde Ale. It is made with Pilsner, Wheat and Aromatic malts and hopped with US Golding hops. Brewed using Wyeast Belgian Abbey II yeast. 6.0% ABV.

Naked City Brewery

1) La Touche De Mal

Belgian Strong Golden Ale

New Belgium

1) Belgo

Belgian style IPA made with an authentic Trappist yeast strain and 4 varieties of hops.  7.0% ABV and 60 IBU’s

2) Trip 11 Farmhouse Ale

Farmhouse ale brewed with Rosemary and Sage.  8.5% ABV

Odin Brewing Co.

1) Thor’s Equinox

this Belgian Dark Strong Ale is a brew that is big in flavor without the chewy body holding you back from finishing the whole glass. We have showcased malt and a unique woody note from Angelica spice, creating a beer that is still Belgian, yet can satisfy stout and strong porter lovers as well. Aroma– dark fruits and portlike notes, Top note– strong maltiness, some molasses, Middle note- malt sweetness,  banana, End note– light tartness, woody, Color– dark nut brown. 9% ABV, 20 IBUs

Paradise Creek Brewery

1) Paradise Hoe

A refreshing and traditional Belgian Wit with a nose that offers you wonderful orange, subtle banana, clove and other sweet fruit. One taste of this cloudy straw colored ale confirms what you smell and opens up notes of coriander and just a dash of pepper. The white wheat and a little oats give this beer a nice medium bodied mouth feel. ABV 5.8%

Pike Brewing Company

1) Saison

2) Pike Monk’s Uncle

Big, full-bodied and complex with a yeasty nose, fruity esters and malty dryness. Hints of honey, spice and exotic fruit play with the senses. Powerful, yet gentle. ABV 9%

Ram Restaurant & Brewery

1) Barrel #1

Light, tart and refreshing – a blonde ale fermented in a barrel by many a mysterious critter – 4.5% ABV

2) Barrel #2

An intensely flavored dark ale, fermented in an old wine barrel with a couple of Brett strains and hints of lactobacilius. 6.5% ABV

3) BBlage-a-trois

A blend of 3 wildly fermented bbls made exclusively for this year’s Belgian Fest.

Redhook Brewery

1) Allocation

Allocation is a super drinkable Belgian Session Ale. Medium in body and amber hued with ample handfuls of wheat malt to keep the beer’s finish light and dry. Mild phenolic notes from the Trappist yeast offer up mild hints of spiciness and banana. It is tradition for the Monastic brewers in Belgium to get a daily allocation of the lightest (session) beer they produce after their work is done.

Schooner EXACT Brewing Co.

1) Schoon White

Belgian-style wheat ale brewed with Pilsner malt, wheat malt, unmalted wheat and oats. Fermented with a traditional Belgian Wit beer strain. Hallertauer hops and a subtle addition of spices including citrus zest and hibiscus make this a thirst quenching and refreshing beverage. 5.2 % ABV

22 IBU’s

2) Biere de SODO

A hoppy Belgian-style pale ale brewed with Pilsner malt, sugar and a generous helping of Styrian Golding hops. Fermented with a blend of a unique Belgian yeast and a special strain of brettanomyces, this beer is easy drinking with an ever so slight funkiness.

6.4% ABV, 38 IBU’s

3) Abbaye de Schooner Dubbel

A Belgian-style ale brewed with a complex and distinctive blend of German and Belgian malts. Hallertauer hops, Belgian candi sugar and organic flame raisins complement the rich, toasted, caramel malt and yeast finish.

6.9% ABV, 20 IBU’s

4) Saison Goélette

A traditional Belgian farmhouse ale brewed with Pilsner malt, rye malt, turbinado sugar and Hallertauer hops.

5.8% ABV, 24 IBU’s

Silver City Brewery

1) The Giant Made Of Shadows

This Dark Strong Ale is rich in big malt character, candy like sweetness, and warming alcohol.  Suggestions of chocolate and dried fruits pair well with oak and vinous notes from extended aging in Tempranillo wine barrels. 9.5% ABV

2) Nutcracker 2005 Special Brown Ale

A festive beer (8.6 % ABV), Nutcracker rings in the Holiday Season with a medley of dark roasted malt, fruit and spice. Some hints of fruit (plum, cherry, peach) come from a wonderful and distinctive Belgian yeast strain. Additionally, ginger, orange and tangerine peel was added to spice things up.

3) La Fat 2007

La Fat is Silver City Fat Scotch Ale fermented with a Belgian yeast noted for creating big, spicy phenol character. La Fat goes through a secondary fermentation on French Oak.  La Fat combines classic Belgian characteristics with Scotch like toffee and caramel notes with hints of oak and peat. ABV 9.2%

4) Whitecap Wit

A Belgian witbeir (white beer) brewed by award winning Seattle homebrewer Nick Ladd in collaboration with Silver City Brewmaster Don Spencer for entry in the 2011 Great American Beer Festival Pro-Am competition. Wheat and oats are mixed with malted barley to make a light and hazy (white) beer. Coriander, Fresh Tangelo and Valencia orange peel are added for a vibrant citrusy appeal. 5.5% ABV

Snipes Mountain Brewing

1) Golden Ale

Belgian-style Golden Strong made with Belgian pilsner malt, clear candi syrup and NW beet sugar. Fermented with an authentic Belgian golden strain. 9.5% ABV, 27 IBU’s

2) Darkstrong

Belgian-style Dark Strong made with three types of rye malt, dark candi syrup and aged for a year with Lactobacillus. 8.5% ABV, 28 IBU’s

Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company

1) Triskaidekaphobia

Reminiscent of the Millennial Madness we created 12 years ago, Triskaidekaphobia is a great balance of crisp clean malt, lemony hops and spice. Unfiltered but clear to the eye, Trisky is made from 100% German pilsner malt, Belgian candi sugar, 100% Czech Saaz hops and Belgian ale yeast.8.6% ABV

2) Spring Fever

Orange hues, rich malt flavors, spicy coriander overtones and fruity, tropical aromas make this one beautiful beer for fans of Belgian styles. Spring Fever is crafted from the finest Two-Row, Munich, Carastan and Belgian Aromatic malts, Columbus and Czech. Saaz hops, spiced with coriander and fermented with Belgian ale yeast. 7.0% ABV

Sound Brewery

1) Dubbel Entendre

Comforting aromas of chocolate malt and dark toffee, with a hint of banana and stone fruits. A dark abbey style ale with a subtle rich maltiness and a dry, spicy finish. 8.0% ABV

2) Tripel Entendre

Complexity and balance from a simple recipe of the finest ingredients obtainable. Clear and light in color, this strong Belgian ale drinks smooth and easy but has the complexity to complement the finest meals or to savor alone at the end of the evening. 9.9% ABV

3) Koperen Ketel

Biscuity Belgian malt balanced with the finest Slovenian Styrian Goldings hops, Koperen Ketel has a delicate herbal, fruity aroma and a clean dry finish making for a refreshing, easy drinking copper color ale. 5.0% ABV

Wingman Brewers

1) Black Widow

A dark Belgian strong ale aged in a Pont21 Cabernet Sauvignon barrel from 21 Cellars. A Cab Sav nose is followed by the familiar Belgian flavors of ripe fruit and figs. 11.4% ABV

2) Cerise Noire

A light lambic influenced sour ale.  Featuring pediococcus, lactobasillus, brettanomyces, and black cherry tea. 6% ABV

1) Le Havre Belgian Winter Ale

This seasonal offering is fashioned with reverence towards the long-standing tradition of Trappist Abbey-style beers of Belgium. Brewed with Pale Ale malt, oats, and dark crystal malts, hopped with Fuggles, and fermented with authentic Belgian Abbey yeast, the ale reveals intricate layers of spice, fig, bitter chocolate.  ABV: 8.0%

The second annual Washington Beer Open House takes place at breweries across the state on Saturday, February 25, 2012. Start making your plans now. This is an early warning. More breweries will sign up and details will come together in the week’s ahead.

What exactly is Washington Beer Open House? All across the state breweries will open their doors and welcome the public. What happens at each brewery is up to the brewery itself. Barrel tasting, food-beer pairings, seasonal releases, and whatever else. Who knows. By all accounts, last year’s inaugural event was a huge success. Read more about last year’s Washington Beer Open House.

There is an interactive map available for your mobile device. The map will be updated continually as more breweries sign up. On Twitter, use the #WaBeerOH hashtag. When we start to learn more about what particular breweries have planned for Open House, we will share that information with you. Also, keep an eye on the official Washington Beer Open House website.

Below we have the list of beers that will be poured at Belgianfest this year. Scroll down if that’s all you want. We have a couple of other things to say about Belgianfest as well. The event takes place one week from Saturday on Seattle’s waterfront – Saturday, February 4th at the Bell Harbor Conference Center.

Tomorrow on Facebook and Twitter we will announce a contest. We will give away two pairs of tickets to Belgianfest: each of the two winners gets a pair of tickets. You’ll need to be following us on Facebook and Twitter to know about the contest.

The Washington Beer Commission describes ticket sales as “brisk.” You can buy tickets online and also offline at select locations. Find out about tickets at the official event website. Expect the early session (12:00 – 4:00) to sell out first and the second session (4:30 – 8:30) to sell out shortly thereafter. Get your tickets now.

Other Belgianfest Notes

Okay Elysian, we get it. You kick ass. But really? Eight Belgian-style beers? Showoffs. (Of course you know I’m kidding. You guys are amazing. We’re just in awe.)

Last weekend we visited the Engine House No. 9 in Tacoma. The E9 might have the distinction of being the oldest brewpub you’ve never heard of.  Rarely does the E9 attend festivals or distribute beer outside the pub’s walls. For years, many beer geeks did not lament this fact because they found the beers to be quite unremarkable. Not bad by any stretch, but not terribly exciting either. That’s changed.

Nothing surprising about seeing barrels in a brewery, right? These are just some of the barrels in the E9 brewery. That's exciting!

Without going into details, there have been some big changes at the Engine House No. 9. It is all good news. Right now, there are two things you need to know about those changes. First, know that Engine House No. 9 will be pouring at Belgianfest this year. Second, go drink the beer. I mean, make the E9 one of your first stops at Belgianfest. You will not be disappointed and the beer will likely go fast once people realize how amazing it is.

The Beers of Belgianfest

7 Seas Brewing

1) Le Havre Belgian Winter Ale

This seasonal offering is fashioned with reverence towards the long-standing tradition of Trappist Abbey-style beers of Belgium. Brewed with Pale Ale malt, oats, and dark crystal malts, hopped with Fuggles, and fermented with authentic Belgian Abbey yeast, the ale reveals intricate layers of spice, fig, bitter chocolate.  ABV: 8.0%

American Brewing Company

1) Big Pucker

Wood Barrel aged Sour Beer. Double Flanders Sour Ale aged in a used, oak Cabernet Franc Barrel.

Anacortes Brewery

1) Peppercorn Saison

A lighter 4.5% ABV Belgian farmhouse style made with several varieties of fresh cracked peppercorn.

2) Dubbel

A strong dark ale made with demerara sugar, honey and chocolate wheat.

3) Trippel

A strong 8.5% ABV light colored ale hopped for balance with saaz and styrian golding varieties.

4) Sour Red

Red ale soured with lactobacillis and brettanomyces aged in a bourbon barrel passed between multiple breweries.

Big Time

1) Jack Candy Grand Cru

Jack Candy is a pale Belgian style strong ale fermented with both Westmalle and Achouffe yeast strains. Saaz hops lend bitterness and spiciness. The name was inspired by a Walkabouts Song. 9.3% ABV

2) Black Jack Candy

Black Jack Candy is our Belgian style Grand Cru with aseptic Blackberry puree added.

9.3% ABV

3) Trombipulator Belgian Tripel

A nearly 1-year-old 1/4 bbl keg of our Trombipulator Belgian style Tripel features Fuggle hops, and Westmalle yeast. This was original brew #666 1st brewed in 1994 – named after the Parliament Album Trombipulation.

9.0% ABV

Black Raven Brewing

1) Belgian Style IPA

Northwest IPA that has been through a secondary fermentation with brettanomyces. Dry hopped with calypso, nugget, citra and Chinook. 7.3% ABV

2) Bourbon Barrel Aged La Petite Mort

Belgian style strong abbey brown aged in bourbon barrels. 8.8% ABV

3) Cask Saison

Four grain saison with brettanomyces. 6.6% ABV

Boundary Bay Brewery

1) Belgian Style Tripel

Strong in alcohol, our Belgian Style Tripel is golden in color, medium bodied and moderately hopped. The flavor and aroma are both dominated by alcohol and Belgian yeast. It has a nice malt backbone, is spicy, slightly earthy and finishes dry. Hops: Tettnang, Saaz. Malts: Pilsner, Belgian Aromatic, Caravienne, Munich, Special B, Vienna Original Gravity: 1.082 ABV: 8.9%

Diamond Knot Brewing Co.

1) Strong Belgian IPA

Crisp golden in color with a complex yet delicate flavor with a big hop-forward aroma, that gives away to citrus and floral tones. This will leave you begging for another. IBU: 40 ABV: 7.3%

Elliott Bay Brewing Co.

1) Batch 1000 Sour Blend

Exclusively for Belgianfest: a one-off blend of our 1000th brew fermented and aged in four different red wine barrels.

2) Long Black Veil

Black Ale based on the Dry Stout style and fermented with our house Belgian yeast strain.

3) Nitwit Imperial Wheat (cask)

Cask-conditioned strong Wit-style ale = 8% ABV.

4) Brandy-barrel-aged Fuerte Strong Ale

Rich 9% ABV amber ale aged for three months in Kentucky brandy barrels.

5) Saison de la Chance Redux

Our 13th Anniversary Saison re-created for the patrons of Belgianfest. 8.5% ABV

Elysian Brewing Co.

1) Yuzu’s Belgian-style Golden Ale

Yuzu’s is made with 100% pale malt, Turbinado sugar and Belgian Golden ale yeast. Bittered with Magnum and finished with Styrian Goldings hops. Organic dried lemon peel is added at the end of the boil, and yuzu juice is added both pre- and post-fermentation. 4.5% ABV

2) Bete Noel Belgian-style Ale

Brewed with Pale, Munich, Castle Aromatic and roasted barley and black malts, with amber Turbinado sugar added to the kettle. Bittered with German Northern Brewer, finished with Hallertauer hops and fermented with Belgian Golden Ale yeast. 8.5% ABV

3) Krokus Saffron Sour Wheat Ale

Brewed with pale, malted wheat, flaked wheat and wheat flour and hopped with Hallertauer and U.K. Fuggles. Infused with American saffron and fermented with the 4th generation sour tank collection of yeasts and bacteria. 6% ABV

4) Ferme noire Cascadian Dark Sasion

Our dark and hoppy ale fermented with a Saison yeast. The resulting beer adds a bone-dry, barnyard twang to an already slightly roasty and moderately hoppy beverage. Malts: pale, dark Munich, aromatic, and Carafa III Sugar: 50 lbs of Demerara Hops: Chinook, Amarillo, Cascade 8.2% ABV

5) Backhanded Compliment Belgian IPA CASK

Backhanded Compliment Cask version dry-hopped with Citra. Brewed with organic pale, Munich, Cara-Hell and Cara-Vienne malts and bittered with Chinook and finished with Amarillo and Citra hops. Fermented with Westmalle yeast. 6.2% ABV

6) Bete Blanche Belgian-style Tripel

A twist on the French expression “Bête Noire.” Brewed entirely from Pale malt and augmented in the boil with clear Belgian candy sugar. Bittered with German Northern Brewer and finished with Styrian Goldings hops. Fermented with Belgian ale yeast. 41 IBU. 6.9% ABV

7) Nibiru Belgian-style Tripel

Infused with Yerba Mate. Combining the tasty esters of Belgian yeast and the compelling tea-like flavors of the South American herb mixture. A mixture of German Northern Brewer, Czech Saaz and American Amarillo hops round out the uniqueness of this first beer of the Apocalypse. 7.65% ABV

8 ) The Prefessor

With plums and brettanomyces, Marris-Otter pale, Munich and wheat, and East Kent Goldings to bitter and finish, at the Tangletown brewery.  4.65% ABV

Engine House No 9 Brewery

1) Love child Kriek

5.9% ABV Ruby in color with a pink head. Aromas of cherries and oak. With a cherry and slight sour flavor finishes bright and clean.

2) Bourbon Saison

7.8% ABV Traditionally brewed saison, aged in bourbon barrel. With aromas of oak, bourbon, vanilla, clove and hints of sour. Giving way to flavors of banana, cloves bourbon and hints of sour finishing clean and dry.

3) Belgian White

5.0% ABV Grainy spicy wheat aromatics with hints of coriander and orange. Pleasant malt sweetness with zesty citrus, coriander and subtle spicy hop flavors. Finishes with a slight wheat tartness

Fish Brewing Company

1) Monkfish Belgian Style Tripel Ale

A cracking fine example of the classic style, Monkfish Belgian Style Tripel Ale is the color of nectar, with a sweet malty flavor and subtle hop aroma. Mingling in its character, fruity and spicy esters impart a heavenly complexity to this medium-bodied delight. Brewed using Pale malt, Honey malt, aromatic malt, Belgian candy sugar, Styrian Golding hops and, of course, Belgian Abbey yeast, Monkfish stands firmly in the Belgian triple tradition. 32 IBUs 9.0% ABV

Fremont Brewing Co.

1) The Lamb

Saison aged in French Oak wine barrels with brettanomyces lambicus.

2) Return of Blood Funnel

Gallaghers Where U Brew

1) The Monk

A delicious Belgium Triple with a smooth 8.5% fruity bite. Coriander and orange peel add to the decadence of this ale. The use of Orange peel during the dry hop adds to the amazing aromatics of this popular brew.

2) Black Imperial Belgium

The use of our Belgium yeast allows the fruity character of this beer to stand out. Its dark color compliments the full body mouth feel and is enjoyed by all.

Georgetown Brewing Co.

1) Frosty “The Waldman”

In the Winter Warmer tradition, this dark ale is brewed strong with Pale, Pilsner, Special B, Crystal, and Chocolate malts, and 10 lbs/bbl of rich molasses boost the holiday cheer. Northern Brewer hops contribute the bulk of the bitterness, while Sterling hops, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg add a spicy nose. Fermented with a Belgian ale yeast strain to lend a smooth and complex character. ABV 7.6%, IBUs 40

2) Waldman

Modeled after an English Ordinary Bitter with a few decidedly Belgian stylings, Waldman is brewed with Northern Brewer hops and 36 lbs of Belgian Candi Sugar then fermented with a Belgian ale yeast. We finish with Brettanomyces “Wild” yeast strain and a heavy does of dry hops. The Brett is carried over to the bottles where Waldman continues to develop complex flavors throughout the bottle conditioning.  ABV 6.1%, IBUs 35

Hale’s Ales

1) Hale’s “25″ Belgian Dubbel

The first edition of this beer was brewed to celebrate Hale’s Ales 25th anniversary in 2008. True to style, Hale’s “25″ Belgin Dubbel is moderately strong, very malty and possesses the unique flavor characteristics imparted by Belgian yeast.  7.3% ABV, 20 IBU’s

2) Hale’s Bourbon Barrel Aged Belgian Gold

Hale’s Belgian Gold is made with Pilsner, C-40 and Carapils Malts with a blend of various sugars. The beer is hopped with Goldings. This delicious beer has been aged in bourbon oak barrels for most of 2011. The combination of the wood and whiskey overtones combined with the belgian beer flavors makes this beer a true delight.  9% ABV, 15 IBU’s

3) Hale’s Belgian Wit

A classic, unadulterated Belgian Wit brewed with no spices. Crisp, refreshing and slightly tart.  4.8% ABV, 5 IBU’s

Hilliard’s Beer

1) Hilliard’s Saison

Simple beer, complex taste and aroma.  A special yeast and unique fermentation profile give this beer hints of coriander, orange peel, and maybe a bit of pepper. Castle Malting Pilsner Malt and Golding Hops, no spices added.  7.4% AVB

Issaquah Brewery

1) White Frog Ale

Belgian Style Ale: Summer Wit Beer. Aromas of coriander and orange spice dominate the nose. A very light mouthfeel is countered with sweet orange peel, coriander and subtle notes of chamomile. It finishes with delicate banana and clove spices. Surprisingly light and immediately quaffable. ABV: 5.2%

2) Menage A Frog Belgian Trippel

Menage A Frog has a brilliant golden amber color. Inviting aromas of toasty baguette, orange blossom honey, and delicate bubblegum spice follow through on a round entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body with caramel pear and peach custard tart notes. Finishes in a bold peppery spice, delicate grassy herbal and citrusy hops, and toffee fade with lingering warming alcohol.

ABV: 9%

Lazy Boy Brewing Co.

1)Belgian Golden Ale

2)Belgian Dubbel

McMenamins Pubs & Breweries

1) Reinhold’s Flying Armadillo Dark Belgian Strong

A nice, full bodied Dark Belgian with a mild hop presence and a flavorful malty character.  Made with Wyeast Belgian Abbey II yeast. 7.75% ABV

2) Girl Next Door Belgian Blonde

This is a light bodied, smooth tasting and highly carbonated Belgian Blonde Ale. It is made with Pilsner, Wheat and Aromatic malts and hopped with US Golding hops. Brewed using Wyeast Belgian Abbey II yeast. 6.0% ABV.

Naked City Brewery

1) La Touche De Mal

Belgian Strong Golden Ale

New Belgium

1) Belgo

Belgian style IPA made with an authentic Trappist yeast strain and 4 varieties of hops.  7.0% ABV and 60 IBU’s

2) Trip 11 Farmhouse Ale

Farmhouse ale brewed with Rosemary and Sage.  8.5% ABV

Odin Brewing Co.

1) Thor’s Equinox

this Belgian Dark Strong Ale is a brew that is big in flavor without the chewy body holding you back from finishing the whole glass. We have showcased malt and a unique woody note from Angelica spice, creating a beer that is still Belgian, yet can satisfy stout and strong porter lovers as well. Aroma– dark fruits and portlike notes, Top note– strong maltiness, some molasses, Middle note- malt sweetness,  banana, End note– light tartness, woody, Color– dark nut brown. 9% ABV, 20 IBUs

Paradise Creek Brewery

1) Paradise Hoe

A refreshing and traditional Belgian Wit with a nose that offers you wonderful orange, subtle banana, clove and other sweet fruit. One taste of this cloudy straw colored ale confirms what you smell and opens up notes of coriander and just a dash of pepper. The white wheat and a little oats give this beer a nice medium bodied mouth feel. ABV 5.8%

Pike Brewing Company

1) Saison

2) Pike Monk’s Uncle

Big, full-bodied and complex with a yeasty nose, fruity esters and malty dryness. Hints of honey, spice and exotic fruit play with the senses. Powerful, yet gentle. ABV 9%

Ram Restaurant & Brewery

1) Barrel #1

Light, tart and refreshing – a blonde ale fermented in a barrel by many a mysterious critter – 4.5% ABV

2) Barrel #2

An intensely flavored dark ale, fermented in an old wine barrel with a couple of Brett strains and hints of lactobacilius. 6.5% ABV

3) BBlage-a-trois

A blend of 3 wildly fermented bbls made exclusively for this year’s Belgian Fest.

Redhook Brewery

1) Allocation

Allocation is a super drinkable Belgian Session Ale. Medium in body and amber hued with ample handfuls of wheat malt to keep the beer’s finish light and dry. Mild phenolic notes from the Trappist yeast offer up mild hints of spiciness and banana. It is tradition for the Monastic brewers in Belgium to get a daily allocation of the lightest (session) beer they produce after their work is done.

Schooner EXACT Brewing Co.

1) Schoon White

Belgian-style wheat ale brewed with Pilsner malt, wheat malt, unmalted wheat and oats. Fermented with a traditional Belgian Wit beer strain. Hallertauer hops and a subtle addition of spices including citrus zest and hibiscus make this a thirst quenching and refreshing beverage. 5.2 % ABV

22 IBU’s

2) Biere de SODO

A hoppy Belgian-style pale ale brewed with Pilsner malt, sugar and a generous helping of Styrian Golding hops. Fermented with a blend of a unique Belgian yeast and a special strain of brettanomyces, this beer is easy drinking with an ever so slight funkiness.

6.4% ABV, 38 IBU’s

3) Abbaye de Schooner Dubbel

A Belgian-style ale brewed with a complex and distinctive blend of German and Belgian malts. Hallertauer hops, Belgian candi sugar and organic flame raisins complement the rich, toasted, caramel malt and yeast finish.

6.9% ABV, 20 IBU’s

4) Saison Goélette

A traditional Belgian farmhouse ale brewed with Pilsner malt, rye malt, turbinado sugar and Hallertauer hops.

5.8% ABV, 24 IBU’s

Silver City Brewery

1) The Giant Made Of Shadows

This Dark Strong Ale is rich in big malt character, candy like sweetness, and warming alcohol.  Suggestions of chocolate and dried fruits pair well with oak and vinous notes from extended aging in Tempranillo wine barrels. 9.5% ABV

2) Nutcracker 2005 Special Brown Ale

A festive beer (8.6 % ABV), Nutcracker rings in the Holiday Season with a medley of dark roasted malt, fruit and spice. Some hints of fruit (plum, cherry, peach) come from a wonderful and distinctive Belgian yeast strain. Additionally, ginger, orange and tangerine peel was added to spice things up.

3) La Fat 2007

La Fat is Silver City Fat Scotch Ale fermented with a Belgian yeast noted for creating big, spicy phenol character. La Fat goes through a secondary fermentation on French Oak.  La Fat combines classic Belgian characteristics with Scotch like toffee and caramel notes with hints of oak and peat. ABV 9.2%

4) Whitecap Wit

A Belgian witbeir (white beer) brewed by award winning Seattle homebrewer Nick Ladd in collaboration with Silver City Brewmaster Don Spencer for entry in the 2011 Great American Beer Festival Pro-Am competition. Wheat and oats are mixed with malted barley to make a light and hazy (white) beer. Coriander, Fresh Tangelo and Valencia orange peel are added for a vibrant citrusy appeal. 5.5% ABV

Snipes Mountain Brewing

1) Golden Ale

Belgian-style Golden Strong made with Belgian pilsner malt, clear candi syrup and NW beet sugar. Fermented with an authentic Belgian golden strain. 9.5% ABV, 27 IBU’s

2) Darkstrong

Belgian-style Dark Strong made with three types of rye malt, dark candi syrup and aged for a year with Lactobacillus. 8.5% ABV, 28 IBU’s

Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company

1) Triskaidekaphobia

Reminiscent of the Millennial Madness we created 12 years ago, Triskaidekaphobia is a great balance of crisp clean malt, lemony hops and spice. Unfiltered but clear to the eye, Trisky is made from 100% German pilsner malt, Belgian candi sugar, 100% Czech Saaz hops and Belgian ale yeast.8.6% ABV

2) Spring Fever

Orange hues, rich malt flavors, spicy coriander overtones and fruity, tropical aromas make this one beautiful beer for fans of Belgian styles. Spring Fever is crafted from the finest Two-Row, Munich, Carastan and Belgian Aromatic malts, Columbus and Czech. Saaz hops, spiced with coriander and fermented with Belgian ale yeast. 7.0% ABV

Sound Brewery

1) Dubbel Entendre

Comforting aromas of chocolate malt and dark toffee, with a hint of banana and stone fruits. A dark abbey style ale with a subtle rich maltiness and a dry, spicy finish. 8.0% ABV

2) Tripel Entendre

Complexity and balance from a simple recipe of the finest ingredients obtainable. Clear and light in color, this strong Belgian ale drinks smooth and easy but has the complexity to complement the finest meals or to savor alone at the end of the evening. 9.9% ABV

3) Koperen Ketel

Biscuity Belgian malt balanced with the finest Slovenian Styrian Goldings hops, Koperen Ketel has a delicate herbal, fruity aroma and a clean dry finish making for a refreshing, easy drinking copper color ale. 5.0% ABV

Wingman Brewers

1) Black Widow

A dark Belgian strong ale aged in a Pont21 Cabernet Sauvignon barrel from 21 Cellars. A Cab Sav nose is followed by the familiar Belgian flavors of ripe fruit and figs. 11.4% ABV

2) Cerise Noire

A light lambic influenced sour ale.  Featuring pediococcus, lactobasillus, brettanomyces, and black cherry tea. 6% ABV

1) Le Havre Belgian Winter Ale

This seasonal offering is fashioned with reverence towards the long-standing tradition of Trappist Abbey-style beers of Belgium. Brewed with Pale Ale malt, oats, and dark crystal malts, hopped with Fuggles, and fermented with authentic Belgian Abbey yeast, the ale reveals intricate layers of spice, fig, bitter chocolate.  ABV: 8.0%

The Washington Beer Blog would like to extend our congratulations to Schooner EXACT Brewing. The once-diminutive brewery is about to celebrate its 5th anniversary. A party to mark the occasion takes place tomorrow night (Friday, January 20, 7:00 p.m.) at the Beveridge Place Pub (blog sponsor). The official gift for any 5th anniversary is wood. For a brewery, the “wood anniversary” is appropriately marked with barrel-aged beers. And that is exactly what Schooner EXACT has in store for you. We provide details below.

From Humble Beginnings

More than five years ago my friend Erin told me that she knew someone opening a brewery in West Seattle. I quizzed her further and eventually discovered that the brewery would be located in an ActiveSpace studio on Harbor Avenue, near Alki Beach. Back then, it was hard to imagine such a thing.

Schooner EXACT started out brewing one keg at a time in a brewery the size of a very small garage. More like a large closet, actually. In January of 2007 the Beveridge Place Pub hosted the Schooner EXACT debut party. That was the first night that I, or pretty much anyone else, ever tasted Schooner EXACT beer. The place was packed beyond belief, the beer went quickly and the atmosphere was electric. It was an auspicious occasion.

Not long after that, West 5 Lounge in West Seattle dubbed Schooner Exact 3 Grid IPA it’s house IPA. West 5 was the first regular account for Schooner Exact. In those days it was all brewer Matt McClung could do to maintain that one account and occasionally get a keg out to someone else. By the way, 3 Grid IPA is still the house IPA at West 5.

The term had yet to be invented, but Schooner EXACT was a nano-brewery. Owners Matt and Heather McClung maintained their day jobs and operated the brewery part-time along with their friend Marcus Connery. They delivered beer out of the back of a Subaru.

Last spring we brewed Beer Church Pale Ale v2.0 at Schooner Exact. That is not a nano mash tun.

Today Schooner EXACT is one of Seattle’s rising stars. The SODO brewery is now anything but nano, having undergone several rounds of expansion. There is no longer anything small or part-time about Schooner EXACT.

Here is more information about the anniversary party, from Schooner Exact:

Schooner EXACT is celebrating its 5th anniversary this Friday January, 20th. We held our inauguration at the Beveridge Place Pub, so what better location to commemorate 5 crazy years; going from a little nanobrewery in West Seattle into a full-fledged microbrewery in SODO (with a short layover in South Park along the way). The gift for a 5th Anniversary is wood, so the brewers have come up with 6 wood-inspired beers and we’ll bring along some good ole’ favorites as well.

To warm everyone up, there will be a firkin of 3-Grid IPA, dry hopped with Cascades being tapped on Thursday the 19th.

Come brave the snow and celebrate with us. Thanks for supporting Washington beer and small business.

Heather McClung

Schooner EXACT Brewing Company

Next Wednesday the Elliott Bay Brewery and Pub in West Seattle hosts a delicious tasting event featuring a vertical selection of big beers: three vintages of Imperial Stout.

The West Seattle brewpub is a bit off the beaten path for most Washington beer enthusiasts. For the Washington Beer Blog, Elliott Bay is our local pub. You can usually find us there about once a week. Because it is often thought of as a dinner destination more than a beer destination, “The Pub” (as everyone in West Seattle calls it) is underrated. That’s my opinion. Admittedly, I am biased.

When I say “underrated” I’m talking about the beer. Many people don’t know that Elliott Bay’s West Seattle brewer, Dan Ashley, consistently knocks out some great beers, most of which you have never enjoyed unless you frequent the pub.

Ode to Darkness is a tasting event featuring three vintages of Elliott Bay Brewing’s Imperial Stout. The event takes place next Wednesday, January 25th. The beer starts pouring at 4:00 p.m., with a “meet the brewers” session starting at 5:00 p.m.

Below, details about the event and the beers:

The days may finally be getting longer, but it is still that time of year where darkness rules Seattle. So in honor of that, Elliott Bay Brewery and Pub presents an Ode to Darkness. We have broken into our deep, dark cellar and pulled out a couple kegs from years past of our Imperial Stout. We will be serving a sample tray of three versions of our Imperial Stout: ’11, ’10, and ’10 aged in a bourbon barrel.  These samples will be complemented by candied walnuts and chocolate covered cherries, all for $8.00. The event starts at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan 25th, with a meet the brewers session starting at 5:00 p.m.

A little about the beers:
2011 Elliott Bay Imperial Stout: Imperial Stouts were originally brewed for exportation from England to the Imperial Court of Russia. To survive the long transportation in the days before refrigeration the beer was strong. Elliott Bay’s Imperial Stout was brewed to a high alcohol content (9+%) but kept a drier finish, yielding strong coffee and chocolate flavors and aromas, a silky texture from the use of oats, and a dry, coffee-like bitter finish. Significant amounts of hops were used to balance out the sweetness.

2010 Elliott Bay Imperial Stout: So what does age do to a beer? Hop oils breakdown, leaving a less bitter finish; Yeast continues to do its work, fermenting sugar into a little more alcohol; Probably most importantly, oxidation occurs and time mellows the edges from all that alcohol and hops, so the beer is smooth and well-rounded, showing more of the chocolate and coffee and less alcohol and bitterness.

2010 Elliott Bay Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout: Put an aged beer in a used bourbon barrel from the Heaven Hill Distillery and you get all the benefits of aging beer, plus the flavors and aromas developed during the whiskey’s time in the barrel. Vanilla, chocolate truffle, and oak flavors emerge, creating a wholly different experience: the smoothness and rich flavors of a well aged whiskey, without the alcohol bite…the best of the beer and whiskey worlds.

We are now just one month away from the 3rd Annual Belgianfest. The event organizer, the Washington Beer Commission, has now released a list of participating breweries (below). Belgianfest is an increasingly popular celebration of Washington-brewed, Belgian-style beers.

To accommodate the need for a bigger venue, this year Belgianfest moves to the Bell Harbor International Conference Center on Seattle’s waterfront (Map, directions and transit information). The event takes place on Saturday, February 4th. Advance tickets (recommended) are now on sale.

Belgianfest continues to grow in popularity in conjunction with the public’s appetite for Belgian-style beers. Since its inception in 2010, Belgianfest has landed at the top of the “must do” list for many local beer lovers.

In its first year Belgianfest was a comparatively petite event that took place in a crowded event space in the historic Seattle Brewing and Malting Company building in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood. The event quickly sold out and the need for a larger venue was recognized immediately. Last year, the event moved to a larger event space at Seattle’s Magnuson Park. Again, the building was bursting at the seams. The event space at Bell Harbor offers more room for this year’s event and extra space for future growth if needed.  Hopefully Belgianfest has found a home for years to come.

Year one of Belgianfest.

Belgianfest takes place on Saturday, February 4th. There are two sessions: 12:00 – 400 and 5:30 – 9:30.

Tickets are available online via Brown Paper Tickets.

Belgianfest is organized and operated by the Washington Beer Commission–the first commodity commission of its kind in the United States. The Washington Beer Commission was formed in 2006 when the Washington State Legislature authorized the creation of a Beer Commission to promote the state’s microbreweries.

The event is expected to feature more than 50 beers from no less than 24 breweries (listed below).

ADMISSION AND ADVANCE TICKETS

• $30 advance tickets or $35 at the door.
• Admission includes a commemorative tasting glass & ten 4 oz. tastes.
• Designated driver admission is $5 and available at the door only (includes free water/soda).
• Must be 21 years old or older and have a valid ID.
• Bell Harbor International Conference Center (Map, directions and transit information)

BREWERIES EXPECTED TO ATTEND (as of 1/4/12):

American Brewing Company
Big Time Brewery
Black Raven Brewing
Boundary Bay Brewery
Diamond Knot Brewing Co.
Elliott Bay Brewing Co.
Elysian Brewing Company
Fish Brewing Company
Fremont Brewing Co.
Gallaghers Where U Brew
Georgtown Brewing
Hale’s Ales
Hilliard’s Beer
Issaquah Brewery
Lazy Boy Brewing Co.
McMenamins Pubs
Naked City Brewery
New Belgium
Odin Brewing Co.
Paradise Creek Brewery
Pike Brewing Co.
Ram Restaurant & Brewery
Redhook Brewery
Silver City Brewery
Snipes Mountain Brewing
Snoqualmie Falls Brewing
Sound Brewery
Valholl Brewing Company
Wingman Brewers
7 Seas Brewing

Tickets are now available online for the 8th Annual Strange Brewfest in Port Townsend. The event takes place on January 27 – 29 and promises to feature some uncommon beers from more than 30 breweries. Most of the approximately 60 beers available at Strange Brewfest are exclusive to the event. Do not expect to find them anywhere else.

Your $25 entry fee gets you in to all three sessions, or whichever session(s) you choose to attend. You’ll get some tokens to get you started but you can (and probably will) purchase more once you’re in the festival. This is a 21+ event. This is no place for children. It’s Strange Brewfest. Friday 7:00 – 11:00, Saturday 1:00 – 11:00, and Sundays 1:00 – 6:00. If you plan to spend the night, as you should, you need to hustle and secure some lodging.

For the uninitiated, Strange Brewfest is an event rewarding creativity. Nothing is out of bounds with regards to the brews. The Reinheitsgebot –the German beer purity law dictating that beer be made using only the three most primary ingredients– is frowned upon at Strange Brewfest. Last year 7 Seas Brewing brought a tomato-infused “7 Bloody Seas” to emulate a Bloody Mary. Anacortes brought a “Grand Salami” beer as a tribute to the late Dave Niehaus. Yes, it did taste like salami. Those are just a couple examples of why this is not an event for the timid, unadventurous beer drinker.

Last year's Nut Warmer - a Peanut Butter Winter Warmer from Big Al Brewing.

Once again the musical lineup for Strange Brewfest is impressive. Visit the website for details. In addition to the music, expect to see belly dancers, stilt walkers, jugglers, fire dancers and even hula hoops. Saturday night features an “anything goes” costume contest. After all, creativity is the driving theme behind this festival.

Packed house at Strange Brewfest 2011.

Free Advice

Read our previous posts about Strange Brewfest. You just might learn something valuable.

Port Townsend Brewing – Visit the Port Townsend Brewing Company while you are in town. Why not? It’s a great place with great beer. Friday open from Noon – 9:00. Saturday and Sunday open from Noon – 7:00.

The Early Bird - Last year the first session (Friday night) was quite mellow and enjoyable, however a few of breweries were not there. Most of you are likely planning to attend the Saturday session. You are not alone. Be there at 1:00 when the doors open. Chase down the beers that pique you interest early. Enjoy the festival all afternoon and then go enjoy dinner at one of Port Townsend’s fine restaurants. The event will get packed beyond belief as the day moves on. Do not be disappointed or upset because of the crowd. You have been warned.

Stay the Night – Strange Brewfest is one part beer festival, one part carnival, and two parts elegant debauchery. Do not plan to keep a lid on it. That would be silly and naive. Instead, plan to spend the night and fully enjoy Strange Brewfest like a pro. Get on it now. NOW! The entire town will sell out. Below we list some of our favorite Port Townsend lodging options. The Strange Brewfest website lists many more.

The Bishop Hotel. Just a couple blocks from the event.

The Swan Hotel. Right across the street from the event.

The Aladdin Motor Inn. About a mile away, but cheap and clean. By foot, it’s about a 20 minute walk from the festival. My experience is that getting a cab in PT requires a lot of patience.

Go to the official Strange Brewfest website for more event information and to purchase tickets.