This past weekend I attended the local annual event, Winterhop Brewfest. This was the 15th year of the event. This was my second year attending and it was even more fun than last year. There’s something about getting dressed up all cozy, walking around in the pretty winter weather with your friends, and trying out tons of new beers. If you’re 21+ (or will be soon) considering checking this event out next January!
Put on by the Ellensburg Downtown Association, local downtown businesses can volunteer to host. This means their business is closed to the public during the event. You are admitted into the venue with showing your wristband. One tasting is equivalent to one drink ticket and your event ticket comes with 5 free drink tickets. After that, you can purchase as many drink tickets as you like at $1/ticket. You’re probably thinking there’s no way anyone could drink that much beer and make it through the full 5 hours of the event! The drinks are served in a small 3oz tasting mug provided at check in of the event. Let me tell you, that 3oz. miracle glass is more than enough after 5 hours. They make the cutest little souvenirs too. Each venue also features live music from local artists and they’re all insanely good. The live music adds great vibes to the social atmosphere.
This year there were over 35 breweries and cideries featured from around the Pacific Northwest of which 14 downtown businesses hosted. I am not a beer lover whatsoever, wine is definitely my favorite. That being said, I still enjoyed the featured drinks. Given that there are so many beers and ciders available to taste, you’re guaranteed to find a favorite even if beer isn’t your drink of choice. Being a local to the Kittitas County, I love supporting local businesses and this is a wonderful way to do so! I went along with a group of 10 of my friends, some of which are also locals, and it’s truly is such a good time. We are going to try to make it together for the years to come.
Some veteran advice– if you are interested in attending next year, make sure to buy your tickets early!! Ever year they sell out, fast! Within a week, all 1600 tickets are sold out without failure. A decent amount are resold through the Facebook event page by people who are no longer able to attend. Tickets are $40 each and people strongly respect that price when they resell. Tickets go on sale at the beginning of December each year. Text your friends, save the date, and go taste some beer!