Site
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Pioneer Courthouse Square
701 SW Sixth Ave
Portland, Oregon
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Dates
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December 1, 2, 3 & 4, 2005
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Hours
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11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
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Admission
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Free admission into the venue!!
A one-time purchase 2005 souvenir mug
is required for tasting beer and costs $4. At the general
bar, patrons pay $4 for each mug of beer or $1 for a taste.
At the “Big Boy Bar” there will be 10 exclusive
beers, many of them imports, which will serve tasters only
for $4.
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Description
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The only beer festival in the Northwest to
be held outdoors in the dark, cold and often wet month of
December, the Holiday Ale Festival is truly distinctive.
Despite chilly temperatures and often-inclement weather outside,
attendees stay warm and dry under a large clear tent that
covers the venue while allowing for views of the city lights.
Gas heaters create a cozy ambience under the boughs of one
of the region's largest decorated Christmas trees.
Thirty potent winter ales are featured at the event, all
of which are created specifically to bring warmth and cheer
to the holiday season. The beers are rich, robust and full
of complex flavors. They range from Imperial IPAs, Belgians
and Barley Wines to Winter Warmers, Scotch Ales and Stouts.
Many have been seasoned with spices, and enhanced with
ingredients such as honey, cranberries, ginseng, and espresso
beans.
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Points
of Interest
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Festival highlights include on-site food;
craft vendors; beer apparel and merchandise; a complimentary
root beer garden for minors and designated drivers; mead
tasting; and seasonal background music. The event is immediately
on the MAX Light Rail Line. Minors are allowed when accompanied
by a parent. Animals are not allowed (except ADA).
Many breweries take great pleasure in assigning clever
names to their winter brews: past offerings have included
Wreck the Halls from Full Sail; Ebenezer Ale from BridgePort;
Santa's Little Helper from Cascade Lakes; Tannen Bomb from
Golden Valley; Blitzen from Rock Bottom; Papa Noel’s
from Alameda; Sled Crasher from Collaborator; and Auld
Nutcracker from Bill’s Tavern.
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Contact
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