Ale Force

A A A Comments By Jonathan Shikes Thursday, Apr 29 2010

Supermarkets sell beer that’s 3.2 percent alcohol by volume. Most other brews run 4 to 6 percent. The Boulder Strong Ale Festival features beers at 8 percent or higher, and about half of those are 12 percent or more. Now we’re talking beer!

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Avery Brewing hosts the eighth annual Strong Ale Festival this weekend, featuring more than 65 beers from at least forty breweries. “If you’re into rare beers or expanding your palate, this is your festival,” says Avery spokesman CV Howe.

Last year, the strongest beer available was XXX Winter Warlock, an 18.9 percent ABV whopper from Bristol Brewing in Colorado Springs. The biggest entry this year is Avery’s own Meph Addict, a coffee-infused 16 percent-plus version of the brewery’s Mephistopheles Stout. And Howe points out that guests are limited to sixteen two-ounce pours and that attendees can get special rates at the Boulder Outlook Hotel. “We highly encourage designated drivers, the use of public transportation and the taking of cabs.” The festival runs today from 5 to 10 p.m. and tomorrow from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Avery Tap Room, 5757 Arapahoe Avenue. Tickets, $30 per day, are available at www.ticketalternative.com. Call 303-440-4324 or go to www.averybrewing.com for more information.
Fri., April 30, 5-10 p.m.; Sat., May 1, 12-5 p.m., 2010

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What's happening in town? From underground club nights to the biggest outdoor festivals, our top picks for the week's best events will always keep you in on the action.