Just a few of the beers that will be available to sample during the third annual Belgian Beer Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 17. The event takes place at The Royal Mile/Red Monk, 210 Fourth St., from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is $15, and tickets are available at The Royal Mile.

Bask in Belgians at third annual event

Stroll through the aisles of your local liquor store and you're bound to find a wide array of beer stylings. From IPAs to Stouts, the selection is tremendous, but only one style — Belgian beer — is considered the Rolls Royce of its kind, which is why The Royal Mile/Red Monk is celebrating the tasty elixir with a celebration all its own, the third annual Belgian Beer Celebration.

"Belgian beer is so different than any other type of beer," said Jeff Bruning, event organizer and partner with Full Court Press (owners of The Royal Mile, Red Monk, High Life Lounge, el Bait Shop, Hessen Haus). "It's such a distinct beer that it really deserves its own festival."

The event, which takes place at The Royal Mile/Red Monk on Saturday, Sept. 17, runs from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at The Royal Mile. There will be more than 75 beers to sample.

"We only have a limited amount of tickets left, so get them while you can," Bruning said. "The weather has been really good, so we're looking forward to a great turnout this year."

Although this is the third annual event, Bruning had confidence from the beginning that the festival would attract beer lovers.

"I knew we were on to something during the first year because it rained the whole time, but nobody left," he said. "We had 75 people standing in the rain drinking some great beer."

For the price of admission, attendees receive a commemorative tasting glass and two drink tickets. Additional drink tickets can be purchased for $2. The event is limited to 150 people, with more than 75 beers available to sample.

"It's a great opportunity for people to try something they have never had before," Bruning said.

For those not familiar with the Belgian beer style, Bruning says Blue Moon is a good example of an Americanized version. Other companies creating their own style of American crafted Belgian beers include New Belgium, Boulevard and Goose Island. New Belgium just released a new, limited edition beer called Clutch, which they created with the rock band of the same name. The beer might be available at the celebration, said Bruning.

"We're working on bringing it to the festival, so hopefully, we'll have some Clutch to sample," Bruning said.

Although they offer a delicious taste, a lot of consumers shy away from Belgian beers because of higher costs. One of Bruning's goals for the festival was to offer samplesfor affordable prices.
"People might be afraid of the commitment to buy a bigger bottle at a higher price, so they never try these beers," he said. "At the festival, they can sample a 3-ounce pour for a couple bucks, which is a much better way to try a number of them. "

Although there have been many different tasting events throughout the summer, the Belgian Beer Celebration focuses strictly on one type of beer.

"If you tell people you like beer, but have never had Belgian Beer, you better not tell people you like beer," Bruning laughs. "It's a great celebration and the perfect opportunity to try some beers you've maybe never had before. Plus, there is nothing better than drinking some great beer on a late summer afternoon." CV