Washington Beer Commission to Host 5th Annual Belgianfest in February

Seattle, WA – On February 1st, 2014, the Washington Beer Commission will celebrate its 5^th Annual Belgianfest beer tasting event. The festival will be held on Seattle’s waterfront at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center (Pier 66) and will feature 42 Washington breweries showcasing more than 90 unique varieties of Belgian style beer.

Belgian beer has an interesting history, with clear origins in the Belgian abbeys of the Middle Ages. First brewed by monks, it was a way to remain industrious and earn income for the abbey. Little did they know they were crafting beer unlike anywhere else in the world, with distinct, recognizable tastes such as citrus, vanilla and cloves to name just a few.

Popular Belgian beer styles include Lambics, Witbiers, Dubbels, Tripels and Saisons. The key thing that differentiates Belgian beer is its yeast. Though many of the other ingredients remain the same, Belgian yeast creates flavors and aromas that no other strain can. The 42 Washington brewers participating in Belgianfest will be using Belgian yeast, along with their creativity to craft delicious Belgian style beers.

Belgianfest will host two separate sessions: Noon-4pm and 5:30-9:30pm. Admission is $35 advance or $40 at the door and includes a tasting glass and ten, 4oz samples. Separate tickets are required for each session. Tickets are available online now at washingtonbeer.com

The 42 Washington Breweries participating in 2014 Belgianfest: