The massive keg, named Woody, has its own Twitter feed with more than 5,000 followers. It is traveling from Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Ore., for Saturday’s fourth annual Lewiston Brewfest.
Woody will be full of Armory XPA, says Brewfest organizer Lee McVey.
Armory XPA is an experimental pale ale with a caramel flavor and citrus kick, according to Deschutes’ website.
Deschutes is one of 15 Northwest breweries showcasing 35 beers at Saturday’s event. “We try to mix it up a little bit. We try to have breweries that have never been at the show so there’s something new for the customers. We invite back those that are very popular,” says McVey, who runs Lewiston’s Northwest Best Entertainment with his wife, Angie.
Deschutes’ Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale was one of last year’s most popular beers, McVey says. Critics agreed as it was named World’s Best Beer at the 2012 and 2010 World Beer Awards. Another favorite was the dark and smooth Irish Death from Iron Horse Brewery of Ellensburg, Wash. Iron Horse will return along with local brewers, including Riverport Brewing Company of Clarkston and MJ Barleyhoppers of Lewiston.
A crowd of 2,500 are expected at Brewfest. The first 1,500 will receive a souvenir pint glass. The rest get plastic cups. Light beer, wine, twisted tea and Angry Orchard cider will also be available. Five tokens are given out for the $10 admission, with each token good for a 4-ounce sample. After that samples are $1 each.
In a change from past events only those ages 21 and older will be admitted. The February indoor event was so crowded last year that they felt the need to limit attendance for safety reasons, McVey says. Brewfest takes place twice a year. The outdoor summer festival is likely to remain open to families.
Acoustic music will be provided by local musicians and food will be for sale from Wayback Cafe and Catering.
This year’s charity is the Willow Center For Grieving Children. Volunteers from the organization will be pouring. Besides a cash donation the group will receive all tips from the event.
For those wondering how to get home after drinking all that beer, free rides will be offered from 3-7 p.m. anywhere in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. The rides, provided by Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home, will be via shuttle bus available at the front gate.
if you go WHAT: Lewiston Brewfest WHEN: 2-7 p.m. Saturday WHERE: Nez Perce County Fair Pavilion, Lewiston COST: $10 for five samples. Additional samples, $1 each. OF NOTE: Must be 21 or older to attend
