While this blog tends to focus on the beers and breweries of Washington, we try not to have complete tunnel vision. That being said, we would be remiss if we failed to mention that the Seattle International Beerfest (SIB) starts tomorrow. The annual event kicks off Friday at noon at the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater and runs through the Fourth of July.
Around the world in 150 beers
One of the really cool things about this event is that your ticket gets you in for all three days−save your tasting glass and don’t take off your wristband. Buy your ticket in advance online and save $5.00. ($20 advance, $25 at the door, includes official glass and ten beer tickets.) The VIP Express Passes are sold out.
Another cool thing about this event is the location. Seattle Center offers ample parking and is easily accessible using public transportation. We like that.
The big draw is the beer. The beer list published on the event website includes 150 beers. The majority of the beers are non-domestic. Some of the beers are downright rare.
Local brewers also involved
Although SIB is an international beer festival, and the majority of the beers are European, some of our local Washington brewers we be there. Representing Centralia, Dick’s Brewing will be pouring Dick’s Triple (Belgian-style triple). From Stevenson, Walking Man Brewery will be pouring Jay Walker Imperial Stout. Oak Harbor’s Flyers Brewing will be pouring Kentucky Uberwine. Everett’s Lazy Boy Brewing will be pouring Red Head Imperial IPA. Old Schoolhouse Brewery is coming over the mountains from Winthrop to pour its Ruud Awakening IPA.
SIB is one of the biggest annual beer events in Washington. In December we ran a poll asking people to vote for their favorite Seattle area beer festival (see the results). SIB had an impressive showing, coming in 4th place behind the Washington Cask Festival, the Washington Brewers Festival, and the Tacoma Craft Beer Festival.
Our fellow Seattle-based beer bloggers have also previewed this event. See the Beer Blotter report. See the Seattle Beer News report.