Fest of Ale delivers different tastes

 

story and photos by Ruby Dean
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What’s your poison?

Approximately 300 patrons came out to find exactly what drink they do like the best. Ale or lager? The 2011 Fest-Of-Ale beer and bourbon tasting was held Friday (July 8), at the Holiday Inn City Center. All proceeds benefit the Girls Inc. of Fort Smith.

This is the first Fest-Of-Ale event held by the Girls Inc. of Fort Smith. SuzAnn Spindor, executive director of Girls Inc. of Fort Smith, was pleased with the turnout and was excited and ready to start planning for another such event.

A brochure was given to each attendee with a grading system used world wide by beer lovers. Guests could keep their grading system for future reference. The guests were encouraged to relax, enjoy, and see which drink they prefer – ale or lager.

Bourbon tasting by Jim Beam included Jim Beam Black, Jim Beam Devils Cut (just released), Knob Creek, Makers Mark, and Markers 46. Thirteen different brewery companies participated in this event and beer from all over the world was sampled much like a wine tasting event.

Drinks came in every flavor imaginable from green apple to one that tasted like barbecue sauce. Drinks with names like Basement Batch and Last Laugh were available for tasting. Nonalcoholic drinks were also available provided by Miss Ellie’s Gourmet Coffee. Guests also enjoyed finger foods such as wings, nachos, and coffee cake.

Silent auction items included such things as a grill, a Bud Light fridge, 8 days/7 nights at Barefoot Beach Resort, dinner for 25 at the Nancy Orr Ranch — just to name a few. Tickets were also sold for a 50/50 drawing.

Tickets for the event were $35 for beer tasting and for an additional $5 you could also taste the bourbon. Attendees enjoyed the different types of beers and bourbons available.

Sponsors for the event included Fort Smith Mobile Billboard, Glidewell Distributing, Burford Distributing Inc., Holiday Inn, Jim Beam, TGI Friday’s, Shorty’s, River Valley Ale Raisers, Carman Inc., Maravillas, Eureka Pizza, Miss Ellie’s Cappuccino, Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Kantola, Dr. and Mrs. Gary Fine, Brown, Hiller and Clark, and R&G.