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Beer connoisseurs will have the opportunity to learn more about craft beers at the Top of the Hops Beer Festival on Saturday in the Cajundome Convention Center.
The presenting sponsor of the event is Abita Beer, which is brewed at the Abita Brewing Company near Baton Rouge. Abita Brewing, founded in 1986, was the first craft brewery, also called a micro brewery, in the southeast and has grown to be the largest.
Micro breweries or craft breweries are smaller breweries whose approach to beer making is to concentrate on quality and diversity of their beers. In general, to be classified as a craft brewery, a company must produce fewer than 15,000 barrels of beer annually, although that amount may vary from state to state.
Beer seminars as well as beer sampling will be the focus of the festival. The Sam Adams Brew University will present seminars such as "Food Pairings" and "How to Brew Beer." There will also be live music and games. Ticket prices vary and grant varying degrees of access. The VIP ticket will grant patrons access to the festival one hour early to take advantage of a more exclusive beer tasting experience. The VIP ticket allows entry to the private VIP Lounge with complimentary food and an exclusive beer selection not available to the general public. Advance VIP ticket purchasers will also receive premium parking. Patrons will receive a commemorative sampling cup and have access to unlimited 2-ounce samplings of more than 120 craft, import and domestic beers. For those who accidentally over-sample, local taxi services have been made aware of the event. The numbers of local cab companies will be provided in the festival guide for the convenience of patrons who prefer not to drink and drive. Want to go? What: Top of the Hops Beer Festival When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday Where: Cajundome Convention Center Cost: $35 in advance; $40 at the door; VIP tickets are $60 in advance; $65 at the door. A general admission ticket and a VIP designated driver ticket for those who will not sample beer. Tickets: Cajundome Box Office, online at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 800-745-3000 Information: www.TopOfTheHopsBeerFest.com or Heidi Champagne, 265-2355 Read more Leave A Comment
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