Beer experience to showcase new brews

Beer connoisseurs and novices alike can expand their palates and taste some new brews at the local Rotary Club’ s Beer Experience on June 13.

The event, running for its fourth year, will introduce Lac La Biche-ers to the burgeoning world of craft beer, provide a social atmosphere and raise money for Rotary youth programs.

“It allows people to try beers they may not buy a full case of, but if they see a beer they would enjoy it allows them, for a minimal price, to taste it,” said Brydon Ward, local Rotarian and organizer of the event.

Attendees start by grabbing a four-ounce tasting glass, and then can purchase a variety of beer options by the four-ounce pour. Pub food like wings and quesadillas, prepared by Rotary members, will also be on offer.

In partnership with the Liquor Stop, Ward is choosing this year’ s feature beers with a few themes in mind.

“There are a lot of really popular fruit beers coming out,” he said. “A nice variety of European beers, too.”

Ward continued, “We’ re also going to focus on craft beers - small boutique beers, Alberta and British Columbia kind of beers. You may want to try them, they’ re really good beers.”

While he can’ t release the specifics of this year’ s beer list yet, Ward did share is own favourite style - he enjoys India Pale Ales, a hoppy, medium-bodied type of brew that has enjoyed a surge of popularity in western North America over recent years.

This year’ s event is also going to be offering some great fundraising aution items to help raise money for the local Rotary’ s charitable exploits.

The beer-tasting evening was a natural outgrowth of the Rotary’ s annual wine-tasting fundraiser, as Ward explained.

Tickets for the Beer Experience are available at The Liquor Stop and Home Hardware. Advance tickets are $15, which includes a 4 oz. tasting mug and one beer or food ticket. The event takes place from 8 p.m. to midnight on June 13 at McArthur Place. Ride home services will be provided.