Smithsonian Beer 2004

[Theakston]

Next Monday is the start of this year's Smithsonian "Beer Gazetteer" (Yes MeridianFC, I thought it had something to do with kebab-eating-footballers too)

Here's the line up:
JUL 5 Heavyweight Brewing Co.
At Heavyweight Brewing Co. in Ocean Township, New Jersey, Tom Baker, true to the company name, produces big, flavorful beers like Perkuno’s Hammer, a Baltic porter.

JUL 12 Bluegrass Brewing Co.
Kentucky is better known for bourbon than beer, but brewer David Pierce of Bluegrass Brewing Co. in Louisville may change that with his multi-medal-winning Bearded Pat’s Barleywine.

JUL 19 Three Floyds Brewing Co.
Nick Floyd of Three Floyds Brewing Co. in Munster, Indiana, has become a cult figure for his wacky label art and aggressively hopped brews like Alpha King Pale Ale and Dreadnaught IPA.

JUL 26 AleSmith Brewing Co.
Peter Zien, an award-winning homebrewer turned pro, heads San Diego’s AleSmith Brewing Co., one of several artisanal producers that have made southern California an epicenter of craft beer.

AUG 2 Midnight Sun Brewing Co.
Mark Staples, Barb Miller, and the gang at Midnight Sun Brewing Co. in Anchorage, Alaska, slake thirsts on the Last Frontier with wildlife-themed beers like Spirit Wolf Pale Ale and Mammoth Extra Stout.

Here's the link (http://residentassociates.org/com/beer.asp)

We went last year and really enjoyed it. This year I'll try and post some notes on each tasting.

If anyone else is going, send a PM.

[chazwicke]

Do you have to sign up for all of them or can you attend individual sessions? I would like to go to the Three Floyds session especially. They make fantastic beers.

[Theakston]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Do you have to sign up for all of them or can you attend individual sessions? I would like to go to the Three Floyds session especially. They make fantastic beers.

Not sure about this. It doesn't look like you can from the web-site but you may be able to if you call the number (last year I had to call the number because the web-site was not working properly and couldn't process my purchase).
You may be able to get a single ticket this way (They do come as 5 separate tickets) - It's (202) 357- 3030 if you want to try it.
Let us know how you get on.

[chazwicke]

I called and was told that it was only available as a package. That you had to attend all 5 sessions. I know I would not be able to attend all 5. Damn!

[Trainwreck]

I've got two tickets for the July 5 session with Heavyweight Brewing Co. They're yours for $20/each (we paid $25). Let me know if you're interested -- I'll be leaving town Friday morning, so I'd have to know by tomorrow night.

[chazwicke]

Thanks and welcome to this board. I saw your post over at BA. I would like tickets for the Three Floyds Session on the 19th. Like you, I'll be out of town for the Heavyweight session. The beach is calling. Thanks again for the offer and again, welcome to our board.

[Theakston]

Single session tickets now available on the night!

This just in from RFD:


"The Smithsonian Beer Gazetteer 2004 is once again a GREAT series! The folks running the show say they have a little room for walk-ins! If you didn't get tickets for the series, shame on ya! But we're peacin out and luvin up here so if there's a brewery you want to see come to D.A.'s around 6-ish on the night you wish to attend and see if too many people didn't beat you to the available seats! The lineup is as always first class! Here's the who and when's on upcoming guests
JUL 12 David Pierce of Kentucky's Bluegrass Brewing Co
JUL 19 Nick Floyd of Indiana's Three Floyds Brewing Co.
JUL 26 Peter Zien of San Diego's AleSmith Brewing Co.
AUG 2 Mark Staples and Barb Miller of Alaska's Midnight Sun Brewing Co.
Available tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis. This is most unusual and kind of the Smithsonian Associates, usually the place is packed elbow to elbow. Thank your beergeek buddies for going on vacation! This is a fantastic lineup of wonderful first time guests from great American craft breweries!"

[chazwicke]

Excellent! Excellent! I got this email too. I really want to go to the Three Floyds session. I love their beers!

[Theakston]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Excellent! Excellent! I got this email too. I really want to go to the Three Floyds session. I love their beers!

are you going this evening? (check your PMs)