During this month of party-hard festivities like the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, beer drinkers have needed little excuse to grab a pint. This weekend, as February draws to a close, the easy reason to celebrate grains in a glass is the Centennial Beer Festival.
The festival takes place today and tomorrow in Centennial Malt House’s The Malt House Cellar, located in the historic building at 2017 Chouteau Ave. (once part of Joseph Schnaider Brewery) which also houses Moulin Events, Vin de Set, PW Pizza and Grand Petite Market.
This year’s brouhaha will feature more than 200 beers from upwards of 85 breweries. Festival-goers can sample suds from numerous local breweries – a few that have been on the scene for awhile, plus newbies that weren’t around when the festival began five years ago. If you’re already acquainted with brews that hail from The Lou, you can fixate on many regional, national and international beers in this year’s line-up. Along the way, increase your beer knowledge as you stop at booths to chat with the brains behind the beer. The event will also include live entertainment and food available for purchase.
Although tonight’s brewmaster dinner is sold out, tickets are still available for beer tasting sessions scheduled for tomorrow afternoon (2 to 5 p.m.) and evening (6 to 9 p.m.). VIP tickets, available for a $15 upcharge, provide guests with access to rare and limited release beers, as well as appetizers prepared by Moulin chef Tony Cole. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Designated driver tickets will be sold at the door for $10. Attendees must be 21 or older.
This article appears in February 2013.