The holiday season quickly approaches, and while the kiddos dream of sugarplums (what the heck is a sugarplum, anyway?) I’m dreaming of something else – the winter beer releases from all our great local breweries. Thankfully, there are some incredible local events that bring those brews to the masses, coming soon in north Seattle. There’s two that I just don’t miss, and tickets are on sale now for both.
First up, the Phinney Neighborhood Association’s Winter Beer Taste. When I tell people about this HUGE event, they look at me like I’m crazy. Phinney Ridge is a pretty small neighborhood, but this Beer Taste packs a big punch. In fact, it fills up three stories of the Phinney Center with over 25 craft breweries, each serving two or three different tastes each. This year is extra special, as it’s the 25th year running. The PNA also holds a terrific silent auction during the evening with some great prizes.
A crowd packs one of the rooms at the PNA Winter Beer Taste 2011
Details: PNA Winter Beer Taste falls this year on Saturday, November 10th from 7pm to 10pm. Tickets are $25 for members, $35 for non-members, and $10 for designated drivers. The Phinney Neighborhood Center is located at 6532 Phinney Avenue North. Tickets can be purchased here.
After a few weeks of recovery from that, the Washington Beer Commission presents Winter Beer Fest, held this year on December 7th from 5pm to 9pm, and December 8th from 12pm to 9pm. Held each year at Hale’s Palladium, the Winter Beer Fest packs the room with almost every local brewery, along with food options from Hale’s Pub next door, chocolate from Theo Chocolate, and oysters from Taylor Shellfish.
“Big Daddy” Don Spencer and Kurt Larson from Silver City Brewery get in the holiday spirit pouring Winter Bock and Old Scrooge Ale at 2011’s Beer Tastes.
Details: Hale’s Palladium is located at 4301 Leary Way NW. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door, and designated driver admission is $5 (at the door only). WABL members received an additional two tasting tokens with their entry. Tickets for this one are available here.
NORTH SEATTLE SARAH 