“I’m not drunk, I’m just a big supporter of public radio.”

It’s a special kind of event that produces such memorable quotes. The KLCC Microbrew Festival is one such event. It’s not the biggest, and I’m sure many would say it’s not the best festival, but this festival is loaded with character. Keep reading for more information on times, available beers and of course the homebrewing competition.

If you’ve never been to the KLCC Microbrew Festival, it really is a good time. It’s an indoor festival, taking up the Exhibit Hall at the Lane Events Center. First impression might leave you a little disappointed, but remember, you got your admission, and glass, for free with your homebrew submittal. The bands on stage always seem to fit. You might not sit down to watch the band but they make for great music to cruise the brew tables and, of course, the used record section. A couple years ago I walked away with Thriller on vinyl for $1. In case you beer drinkers didn’t know, there’s a Michael Jackson that makes music out there too.

But what about the beer? Glad you asked. Remember, you’re in the Willamette Valley, and good beer is plentiful. So expect a large dose of that good Oregon beer as well as a fair sampling from other West Coast breweries. Having looked over the list today (49 breweries, over 100 beers) these beers jumped out as a few I would seek out:

• Anderson Valley - Double Nickel Imperial IPA
• Deschutes - Abyss Imperial Stout
• Dogfish Head - 60 Minute IPA
• Lagunitas - Hop Stoopid
• Lost Coast - Double Porter
• North Coast - Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout & Brother Thelonius Belgian Abbey Ale
• Rogue Ales - Chocolate Stout
• Sierra Nevada - ESB (Early Spring Beer)
• Stone - Ruination IPA
• Willamette - Espresso Stout
• Young’s - Double Chocolate Stout

A few of these would be new to me (Double Nickel, Abyss Imperial) and a few would be nice to have on tap (Ruination, Hop Stoopid, Old Rasputin), and then there’s the Anheuser-Busch beers (not shown), which, I must say, I’d be interested in sampling. Of course, there’s the collaboration brew, which everyone has to try at least once, and in the past there have been a couple available.

For more information (full beer list, homebrew competition form) check out the website KLCC has set up for the festival.

I’ll leave you with a few random thoughts about the event, and what I have experienced in the years past. My tables are safe from the effects of water thanks to leather coasters Deschutes was distributing a few years ago. If the option of half or full pour is given, take the half, it always comes out as a full. If you and a roommate are ending said relationship and beer brewing equipment might be considered community property, the homebrew competition is a great way to decide who gets what. Last, but not least, make friends in the neighborhood or arrange other transportation. I’ve listed 12 beers here and that is just the beginning.

KLCC Microbrew Festival 2008, February 8-9, 5-11 pm, Lane Events Center, Exhibit Hall

Homebrew competition deadline: February 4