The Seattle International Beerfest Preview

It is finally here!

What is it?
The Seattle International Beerfest (SIB). There will be over 100 different beers from breweries all over the world, and some great beers from our own backyard. You will have the opportunity to try samples of beer that is normally not even available in Seattle.

Where and when is it?
It is held at the Mural Amphitheater at Seattle Center
Friday 4pm to 10pm
Saturday Noon to 10pm
Sunday Noon to 7pm

How much does it cost?
The $20 entry includes a tasting glass and 10 beer tickets. More beer tickets are available for $1/each. All beers are 4oz. servings and cost 1, 2, 3 or 4 tickets depending on how rare/expensive the beer is.

When should you go?
The earlier in the weekend you can go, the better off you will be. Some of these beers are extremely rare, and we would not be surprised if they start running out of some on Saturday.

How should you get there?
Walk, bus or cab. If you drive to this, you are dumb. It is at Seattle Center and you will be drinking high alcohol content beer.

Why do we love this festival?
It gives you the chance to try rare and expensive beer without paying $25 for a bottle of it. The organizers are wonderful and put this festival on because they love beer; any money they make is well earned.

Here is a complete list of beers that will be at the festival. We previewed the lineup for you back in May, but below are a few more suggestions.

Seattlest will be pouring beer during the 1st half of the sessions each day of the festival. Feel free to say hello to the guy with a beard and wearing a Cubs hat.

Enjoy!

"Ivan the Terrible" Bourbon-Barrel Imperial Stout - This barrel aged stout from Big Sky Brewing in Montana promises to be one of the best treats of the festival. We are expecting a pretty over the top stout with this.

Haand Norwegian Wood - We are not sure that this beer has ever been poured anywhere in the USA. It is a traditional Norwegian beer made with malt that was kilned by fire and it is spiced with juniper berries. It is made by the small scale "Hand Brewery" in Drammen, Norway. We love smokey beers, and this one looks promising.

Nøgne Ø Imperial Stout - Just another great Imperial Stout (From Norway) that we usually do not get in Seattle.

Orval - This is the best Trappist beer in our eyes. If you have not tried it, you must. It has much more hop character than the other Trappist beers that makes it very unique.