Seasonal Beers Bring Clark County Cheers
This area is known for its wide varieties of high-quality microbrews – many are specially brewed for a particular season. In keeping with the holiday spirit, Portland has hosted the Holiday Ale Festival for 19 years as a way to introduce “bold ales designed to fend off the chill”. Held outdoors in Pioneer Square, revelers are protected in heated tents where some 50 beers are featured this year, including limited release beers made just for this event. The event started Dec 3rd , and runs through this Sunday, Dec 7th.
Food is also available from several vendors, and festive music is provided throughout the event.
In that same tradition, Clark County has started its own Vancouver Winter Brewfest, scheduled the following weekend Dec 12th – 14th. The event is held outdoors in Esther Short Park, downtown Vancouver, WA. (Also in heated tents!) Some 35 beers are available - ranging in variety from hearty ales to India Pale Ales. This event's third year also features 5 Belgian brewers, made famous by European abbeys, whose brewing techniques date back to the 1100s. Food will also be available, along with holiday music.
Each event charges an admission fee, which includes a commemorative beer mug and credit towards a number of sample tastes. Both are restricted to age 21 and over, and will monitor closely for anyone over-imbibing. These are designed to be fun holiday festivals, not drinking contests. Designated Drivers are offered discount admissions, and treated to free root beer, sodas, or bottled water. Public transportation is also available - check out their web sites for detail.
If you want to kick off your holiday season with some warm "Cheers", go sample some winter beers at the Holiday Ale Festival or Vancouver Winter Brewfest. Or give us a call if you want to learn more about holiday events in Clark County.
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