Checking out former Seattlester and all-around beer expert Geoff Kaiser's new home on the web, Seattle Beer News, we came across an interesting factoid: Today is the first day of the Collins Pub's Fifth Annual REAL Strong Beer Festival. What's "real" strong beer? According to Geoff, one triple IPA weighs in at 11 percent ABV. There's a variety of other short-run and vintage beers on tap from Northwest craft-brewers. Should be awesome. The fest runs today through March 1 down at 526 Second Ave., at the base of the Smith Tower. more ›