Beer and snow are perfect mates. A good, hearty beer pairs well with a snowy evening or a long day on the slopes.
It's with this in mind that the Inlander decided to add a beer festival to its annual Snowlander EXPO. The featured beers from 20 different breweries run the gamut in terms of style, but mostly lean toward the stronger, sweeter brews that go well with cold weather and holiday celebrations.
With a tasting package, you get a sampling glass and can taste your way around or choose a pint if you find something especially tasty. Commemoritive stainless steel growlers are also for sale.
Here are five to keep on your shortlist to taste at this weekend's PowderKeg brew festival.
Goatnik Russian Imperial Stout
Iron Goat Brewing Co.
This Spokane brewery has been impressive this fall with their fresh-hop beers, and this high-gravity stout shows that they can handle their malts.
Bootjack IPA
Icicle Brewing
It's not a winter beer, but crisp, floral notes result from the choice Yakima hops in this brew.
Ho! Ho! Winter Ale
Diamond Knot Brewing
This Mukilteo, Wash.-based brewery has been cranking out this burly winter beer for almost a decade. Ringing in at a relatively daunting 8.5 percent alcohol, the Ho! Ho! can sneak up on unsuspecting imbibers — but it's impressively drinkable for such a high-gravity brew.
Winter Warmer Ale
No-Li Brewhouse
This Spokane-style seasonal is red in color and is candy-sweet on the front end, but is backed up with enough hops for a nice balance.
Saison d'Friod
Ramblin' Road Beer
We haven't had it, but fledgling brewery Ramblin' Road is looking to make a splash with this Belgian beer, the only saison to be found at PowderKeg. ♦
PowderKeg • Fri, Nov. 8, 4-9 pm; Sat, Nov. 9, 10 am-6 pm • Spokane Convention Center • Tasting packages $15-$25
