Seattle Artisan Beer Tasting Set for Aug. 16

Discussion in 'Northwest' started by Lyke2Drink, Jun 10, 2014.

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  1. Lyke2Drink

    Lyke2Drink Crusader (485) Nov 2, 2009 North Carolina

    DRAFT Magazine is presenting the inaugural Seattle Artisan Beer Tasting to benefit Pints for Prostates on Aug. 16. The event featuring a collection of two dozen artisan beers and food will be held in two sessions at the Pike Brewing Beer Garden on a roof top with a magnificent view of Puget Sound.

    Beer from some of America’s leading craft brewers along with selected classic imported brews will be poured at the outdoor event accompanied by food prepared by the chefs at the Pike Pub and Brewery and specialty cheese from the Pacific Northwest. The two sessions, 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m., will each be limited to 140 guests.

    “Seattle is the perfect place to celebrate artisan beer and its inter-relationship with great food,” said Evan Hughes, publisher of DRAFT Magazine. “We are proud to partner with Pints for Prostates to produce this fundraiser and help them reach men through the universal language of beer.”

    Invitations have been extended to a dozen brewers and importers to take part in the event. So far AleSmith Brewing of San Diego, Calif.; Big Sky Brewing of Missoula, Mont.; Dogfish Head Craft Brewery of Milton, Del.; Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales of Ann Arbor, Mich.; Laughing Dog Brewing of Ponderay, Idaho; Merchant Du Vin of Seattle, Wash.; Pike Brewery of Seattle, Wash.; Schooner Exact Brewing of Seattle, Wash.; and Sierra Nevada Brewing of Chico, Calif., have confirmed they will attend.

    “The Seattle Artisan Beer Tasting is going to be an intimate celebration of beer craftsmanship that will help raise funds for the Pints for Prostates campaign,” said Rick Lyke, a beer journalist who founded Pints for Prostates following successful prostate cancer surgery in 2008. “We are bringing together some of the best beers in the world in a unique setting that a small group of beer enthusiasts will get the chance to enjoy.”

    Tickets for the event are $65 with a $5 service fee online via ETIX. Tickets include unlimited beer samples, a commemorative tasting glass and food samples in an unforgettable setting overlooking Puget Sound. The event is being held at the Pike Brewery Beer Garden, on the roof of 84 Union St. (at the Post Alley) in Seattle adjacent to the historic Pike Place Market. Funds raised by Pints for Prostates help to support the group’s awareness mission, as well as funding free men’s health screenings provided by the Prostate Conditions Education Council and support groups organized by the Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network.

    About Pints for Prostates
    Pints for Prostates reaches men through the universal language of beer to encourage them to take charge of their health. The group was founded by prostate cancer survivor and beer writer Rick Lyke in 2008. The grassroots effort raises awareness among men about the importance of regular men’s health screenings by making appearances at beer festivals, social networking and pro bono advertising. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 240,000 new prostate cancer cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S. More information is available at www.pintsforprostates.org. Pints for Prostates also has a presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@pints4prostates).

    About DRAFT Magazine
    DRAFT Magazine brings you the latest in beer and the life that pairs with it. From epicurean interests and world travel to sports and entertainment, DRAFT Magazine is a 360- degree view of the beer enthusiast’s lifestyle presented through a multi-media platform. Visit www.draftmag.com
     
    #1 Lyke2Drink, Jun 10, 2014
  2. HoppySeb

    HoppySeb Initiate (0) Jan 21, 2014 Washington

    IN! Purchased my ticket. Thanks for posting, what a great event & cause!
     
    #2 HoppySeb, Jun 10, 2014
  3. John_M

    John_M Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,849) Oct 25, 2003 Washington
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    The silence is deafening around here, so I feel like I might as well weigh in.

    When I read over the event description, I find myself mumbling the following: "Well, at leasts it's for a good cause. So maybe I should go." The reason I keep on repeating that to myself, is that otherwise this just seems a bit spendy for what I'm getting.

    $70 for 24 different beers, the identities of which at this point are unknown. None of the beer participants are exactly unknown or under represented in the NW, so I'm a bit worried that this event will simply feature beers that I can find over at the local Whole Foods, Total Wine or BevMo. Yes, I realize there's going to be food and cheese as well at this event, and while that's certainly nice, I'm not sure it's sufficient enticement to get me to attend something like this.

    I don't mean to belittle this event, as it does sound like a nice time, but there are all kinds of similarly priced food, wine and beer events over the Summer in Seattle, and except for the organization I'll be giving my money to, there really isn't a whole lot about this event that stands out (as far as I can see). In other parts of the country, $70 for this sort of event wouldn't seem all that exhorbitant, but out here, this qualifies as one of the more expensive beer events I've seen.

    Maybe I'll feel differently once I see the beer list (assuming it's posted). For now, however, I just don't see myself champing at the bit to attend this.
     
    #3 John_M, Jun 11, 2014
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  4. distantmantra

    distantmantra Pooh-Bah (2,954) May 23, 2011 Washington
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I'm sure it will be fun and it's for a good cause, but this sounds like the type of event that really isn't targeting your typical BA forum dweller.
     
    #4 distantmantra, Jun 11, 2014
  5. HoppySeb

    HoppySeb Initiate (0) Jan 21, 2014 Washington

    No kidding! Crickets! At least I got a friend to buy a ticket too - that'll be a whole lotta beer for the two of us lol...

    I agree that most of these beers are on shelves almost everywhere - as in QFC everywhere. I would love to see the beer list too and obviously it would be a game changer if say, AleSmith brought some of their BA stuff and DFH/SN brought some of their more exclusive/limited brews as well (yeah, I realize a [hopefully] hot & sunny day in the middle of august isn't exactly the setting for drinking BA stouts or warmers, but whatever...).

    However, I bought my ticket thinking about the cause - I've had direct family suffer from Prostate cancer and can attest to how horrible of an illness that is. It's also supposed to be one of the more painful forms of cancer once in an advanced stage. While shelling out $70 for an event is indeed expensive - it's not that more expensive than a beer haul of limited brews or perhaps a dinner & drinks outing. I also thought about the opportunity to meet new beer enthusiasts and just have a good time overall. Hope our community can help then raise some money and awareness, and yep - I hope we get to try some great beers in the process.

    Cheers!
     
    #5 HoppySeb, Jun 11, 2014
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  6. John_M

    John_M Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,849) Oct 25, 2003 Washington
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Agreed.

    Also... I must have missed the memo I guess, but when did "craft beer" morph into "artisan beer?" Is that the name we're supposed to be using now, so as to encompass both craft and quality imports (I say quality, because I'm assuming things like stella, Moretti and corona don't qualify)? This is really becoming confusing!
     
    #6 John_M, Jun 11, 2014
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2014
  7. Lyke2Drink

    Lyke2Drink Crusader (485) Nov 2, 2009 North Carolina

    John.... I think we all rest a little easier having you serve as an arbiter of fair event pricing, cause worthiness, food and beer menu selection and the use of the English language. ;-)

    Our goal with Seattle Artisan Beer Tasting is to create a boutique style and sized event in a unique and memorable environment, while reaching men through the universal language of beer. I think it will offer something for people who love great beer and for people who want to support the cause. If you want a lineup focused on rare beers, the Denver Rare Beer Tasting VI on Oct. 3 will be more your style. If sipping a very solid selection of fine beers from great brewers while sampling food in an outdoor setting overlooking Puget Sound appeals to you, then this event is worth checking out.

    You are right, it is a bit more expensive than the typical $40 beer festival -- with the range of beers and crowds that come with those type of events. Pints for Prostates will be a part of more than 100 different events this year, thanks to the support of the beer community and volunteers who help out at these events. Some of these events are free and open to the public. Some are festivals that have an admission price collected by the event organizers. In some limited instances we organize the events and set pricing. Obviously, we have costs to cover with holding these events and our goal is to raise awareness and funding for our activities, free men's health screenings and support groups for guys battling prostate cancer. We work hard to put on quality events with a purpose. In the six years we've been doing this only had one person has ever ask for a refund (his initials are J.M.) and we gladly returned the full ticket price even after they had attended the full event. Most of the feedback on our events is very favorable. We do gladly ask for and accept people's constructive feedback and use it to improve future events. It is part of the process.

    BA's are a passionate and opinionated folks. Not every beer or every beer event is going to appeal to everyone on this forum. We all have limited budgets that we can spend to attend various beer events. Thankfully, in the beer world we have a wide selection and price range options. I appreciate this fact. It would be pretty boring if every event offered exactly the same experience if the only benefit was a standardized price. We applaud creativity in the beer we enjoy and the events we attend.

    Respect Beer.
     
    #7 Lyke2Drink, Jun 12, 2014
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  8. John_M

    John_M Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,849) Oct 25, 2003 Washington
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Arbiter - a noun. Definition: a person who is considered to be an authority on what is right, good or proper; also, a person who has the power to settle an argument between people.

    I appreciate the compliment Rick, but I don't think I merit it.

    I actually thought my post was pretty complimentry, but pointed out what I felt were some fairly obvious detractions from the event. I gather you don't post very often in the NW forum, and/or likely don't read many threads in the NW forum, but typically, an event announcement generates all kinds of discussion, both pro and con. The fact there was virtually no comment whatsoever, after nearly a day following the OP, is highly unusual, and was the sole reason I bothered to comment at all.

    Shrug. I've long since learned that you and your organization are not appreciative of any sort of critique or criticism, so I can't say your response is a huge surprise. Regardless, I hope the event proves profitable for you and your organization, and that you get a nice turnout for it.

    Best of luck.
     
    #8 John_M, Jun 12, 2014
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  9. Orca

    Orca Grand Pooh-Bah (4,710) Sep 18, 2010 Washington
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    As with basically every fundraising event ever, the price for what you get is going to be higher. Because it's not about the event; it's about the cause. Unless you think a plate of food at an Obama fundraiser is literally worth $25,000...

    If the event raises awareness of prostate cancer, or helps just one person get diagnosed early, then I'd argue it's worth it. That said, I'm generally not a huge fan of fundraisers, auctions, dinners, breakfasts, etc.; I've always believed that if you want to support a cause, you should just give money to that cause without all the hoopla and expense of putting on a big event. But I realize, in a lot of cases (in my case, my experience is mostly with political and social activism type events), people also use these events to network and connect with others in the same social/political/professional circles. So if that's important to you, then you'll make the time and pay the money for it without griping about how much it costs. If it's not your thing, that's fine too.

    Anyway... for those who are going I hope you have a good time, that the event raises a lot of money, and that that money is put to good use.
     
    #9 Orca, Jun 12, 2014
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  10. Lyke2Drink

    Lyke2Drink Crusader (485) Nov 2, 2009 North Carolina

    Here is an update on the Seattle Artisan Beer Tasting on Aug. 16. We have 14 great craft brewers and importers bringing great beers to this event.

    AleSmith Brewing
    Big Sky Brewing
    Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
    Double Mountain Brewing
    Elysian Brewing
    Global Beer Network
    Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
    Laughing Dog Brewing
    Merchant Du Vin
    Pike Brewing
    Rogue Ales
    Schooner Exact Brewing
    Sierra Nevada Brewing
    Unibroue

    Tickets for the event are $65 with a $5 service fee online via ETIX. Tickets include unlimited beer samples, a commemorative tasting glass and food samples in an unforgettable setting overlooking Puget Sound. The event is being held at the Pike Brewery Beer Garden, on the roof of 84 Union St. (at the Post Alley) in Seattle adjacent to the historic Pike Place Market. Funds raised by Pints for Prostates help to support the group’s awareness mission, as well as funding free men’s health screenings provided by the Prostate Conditions Education Council and support groups organized by the Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network.
     
    #10 Lyke2Drink, Jul 19, 2014
  11. BBThunderbolt

    BBThunderbolt Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,846) Sep 24, 2007 Kiribati
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Is there a specific beer list yet? That's going to be the deciding factor. With all due respect, "sipping a very solid selection of fine beers from great brewers while sampling food in an outdoor setting overlooking Puget Sound" is what a lot of us do on a daily basis. I'm sure it will be a very pleasant time indeed, but here on a beer-oriented forum, we want to know the beery details.
     
    #11 BBThunderbolt, Jul 19, 2014
  12. MattyPrize

    MattyPrize Initiate (0) Jul 7, 2011 Oregon

    I think you guys are missing the point. If you want to help out a worthy cause, go. If you are only looking to lurk in the shadows for rares and whales, don't go.

    All I am reading is "Sure, I understand the benefit, but show me the whalez bro." Weak sauce guyz.

    I think you guys are focusing on the wrong aspect of this event.
     
    #12 MattyPrize, Jul 19, 2014
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  13. BBThunderbolt

    BBThunderbolt Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,846) Sep 24, 2007 Kiribati
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    No one has said it's not a worthy cause. But, if an organization is trying to get into the wallets of beer nerds, which is a reasonable assumption, being as how the plea was made on a beer nerd website, that organization should probably have some enticement for said beer nerds. I don't necessarily think we're looking for walez bro, but it would be nice to know that, for example, Schooner Exact was bringing some of last years Hoppy the Woodsman. We can't decide without information, but thanks for thinking that we're uncaring assholes.
     
    #13 BBThunderbolt, Jul 19, 2014
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  14. Lyke2Drink

    Lyke2Drink Crusader (485) Nov 2, 2009 North Carolina

    Thanks for the feedback. We wanted to give everyone an update on the breweries that will be pouring at the event. We recognize that for some the actual beer list will be the deciding factor on whether they buy a ticket. From what some of the brewers have told us about what they are planning to bring it will be a very nice group of beers (even for those of you lucky enough to drink beer overlooking Puget Sound on a daily basis). We hope to be able to release the beer list during the coming week. We hope to see a bunch of you in Seattle next month.
     
    #14 Lyke2Drink, Jul 19, 2014
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  15. John_M

    John_M Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,849) Oct 25, 2003 Washington
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    This is my take as well. There are a LOT of worthy organizations we can give our money to, so one has to find some way to pick and choose (as I'm assuming that most of us don't have financial means to contribute to all of them). The question becomes then, what is there about this particular event, and this particular organization, that would make me pick it over some other. IMHO, quality of the event is a very legitimate way of making that determination.
     
    #15 John_M, Jul 19, 2014
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  16. Orca

    Orca Grand Pooh-Bah (4,710) Sep 18, 2010 Washington
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I don't mean to jack the thread here, but you know what would be great? If more of our local beer establishments donated at least part of the proceeds from their special events to a cause or number of causes. Not to pick on Brouwer's, but I'm thinking events like Back in Black, Hardliver etc. (which probably rake in a ton... and to be fair, maybe they already do donate a lot, and I'm just not aware of it). I know I'd feel a little better about myself if I knew that at least a portion of the proceeds from getting my beer geek on was supporting something more positive and constructive, and I'd probably also be even more likely to attend these events. I know I could be giving more to the community (or at least saving more for my kid's college) if more of my money wasn't being diverted to feed my personal vice, so this seems like kind of a win/win opportunity...
     
    #16 Orca, Jul 19, 2014
  17. ballardbeer

    ballardbeer Pundit (779) Nov 10, 2013 Oregon

    for profit businesses are for profit for a reason. if they do choose to be charitable, it's typically because they see financial opportunity from it. if an event (like this one) fails, well, it was a one time event. and plus, a lot of these events get plenty of free charitable donations from other businesses (i know local breweries donate kegs all the time to good causes). nobody is gonna be donating a keg to brouwers for a one-time charitable event while they are raking it in the other 364 days of the year.
     
    #17 ballardbeer, Jul 20, 2014
  18. Orca

    Orca Grand Pooh-Bah (4,710) Sep 18, 2010 Washington
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    A lot of for-profit businesses and corporations contribute a considerable amount of money and time to many charities and non-profit organizations for a variety (or combination) of reasons: to be good corporate citizens, public relations, tax incentives, or maybe just to give a little something back to the communities that support them. Breweries seem to get it; you often see them sponsoring various non-profit events and causes. Nobody is saying bottle shops and drinking establishments have to do this too; I'm just suggesting that it might be in their interest, and it would be good to see more of it.
     
    #18 Orca, Jul 20, 2014
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2014
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  19. Mages64

    Mages64 Initiate (0) Sep 7, 2009 Washington

    I do agree with you but wanted to quickly defend Brouwers in particular. Them and Bottleworks donate a ton of money to local charities. The most recent one being a charity for injured firefighters and their families. I've been to a few events at Bottleworks raising money for a variety of things.
    So yes I certainly believe selling beer is basically the best way ever to raise money, many people are doing it by just writing a check:slight_smile:
     
    #19 Mages64, Jul 20, 2014
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  20. Orca

    Orca Grand Pooh-Bah (4,710) Sep 18, 2010 Washington
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    As I said in my previous post, "to be fair, maybe they already do donate a lot, and I'm just not aware of it." Thanks for setting the record straight.
     
    #20 Orca, Jul 21, 2014
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