Portland Holiday Ale Festival 2007

Holiday Ale Festival gathers three-dozen rare beers for theWest Coast's most prestigious winter beer sampling opportunity

PORTLAND, Ore. - Sept. 7, 2007 - The Holiday Ale Festival is a joyoustradition among beer lovers who treasure the big beers of winter. Heldoutdoors in the chilly month of Dec., the festival pours more thanthree-dozen robust winter craft brews, the majority of which have eitherbeen created specifically for the event, or are vintage or reserve beers notavailable in the general market. It is effectively the most prestigiouswinter beer sampling opportunity on the West Coast.

The 12th annual Holiday Ale Festival will begin on Thursday, Nov. 29, andcontinue through Sunday, Dec. 2 at Pioneer Courthouse Square, located at 701SW Sixth Ave at the intersection of SW Broadway and Yamhill streets,immediately on the MAX Light Rail line. Hours for the event are 11 a.m. to10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admissioninto the venue is free. A purchase of a 2007 souvenir mug is required fortasting beer, and costs $5. Patrons purchase script in $1 increments. Ittakes $4 in script for a full mug of beer, or $1 for a taste. The event isfor ages 21 and over.

Despite winter-like temperatures and often-inclement weather, attendees staywarm and dry under a large clear tent that covers the venue while allowingfor views of the city lights. Gas heaters create a cozy ambience under theboughs of one of the region's largest decorated Christmas trees. In additionto beer tasting, the festival also features on-site food, beer merchandise,complimentary sodas for designated drivers, mead sampling, and seasonalbackground music.

The Holiday Ale Festival annually draws more than 15,0000 people to theevent. To alleviate long lines and facilitate better access to the beer,festival organizers have increased this year's event space by 20 percent.

Also returning to the event is the fourth annual Brewers Brunch, takingplace on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to Noon on the upper level of PioneerCourthouse Square. The auxiliary event features breakfast and an assortmentof local and imported winter beers not available at the festival itself.Tickets cost $30 and are available at www.holidayale.com.

The roots of brewing special winter and holiday beers trace back to themythologies of Greece and Rome. The pagan celebrations of the wintersolstice marked the return of light to the world, and triumphant ale wasbrewed to mark the occasion. Today, these "winter warmers" ward off thechill of winter and warm both the palate and soul. Complex in aroma andflavor, these heavier beers are big in body and high in alcohol. Thanks toan extra dose of malt, most of these beers are rich and bold, withchocolate, caramel or coffee flavors; others benefit from the addition ofherbs, spices, and fruit. In keeping with the flavors of the season, thereare often hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves in the brews.

For more information, visit www.holidayale.com or call 503-252-9899.