Day 2: Ultimate Blog Challenge – 2011 World Beer Festival in Raleigh
*Official Press Release*

RALEIGH—Think you know beer? Well, maybe. But have you given in to the Hopsecutioner? Or found yourself Hazed and Infused? Or taken a ride on the Orange Blossom Mead?

These are just three of more than 260 beers (lagers and ales) in nearly 100 beer styles at the 2011 Raleigh World Beer Festival. The countdown has begun, and the anticipation is building as special tasting events, delectable food offerings and top-shelf local entertainment are announced.

The Festival will be held on Saturday, April 9 at Moore Square in downtown Raleigh. Festival-goers can learn about the many different types of brews and enjoy them while listening to stellar local talent at two different sessions (noon to 4 pm and 6 to 10 pm).

“We are thrilled at the level of quality and sophistication attendees will find at this year’s World Beer Festival,” said Daniel Bradford, publisher of All About Beer magazine and WBF founder. “This sellout crowd is in for a great time and a greater learning experience, about the finer points of excellent beers and ales. We want everyone to develop the level of appreciation for the nuances of beer that they have for fine wines and champagnes.”

The Festival’s theme, The Art of Beer, will be evident not only in the many well-crafted brews offered at the many tasting booths, but also through musical offerings. Local talent will include bluegrass band The Hotwires, modern rockers Big Something, bluesy pop Lubriphonic and Killer Filler, a mixture of funk, jazz, lounge and swing.

Featured special “learning events” happening throughout the day will include:

– Homebrewing 101: John Federal, American Brewmasters –The basics to brewing – your own beer. (1 and 7 pm)
– What Exactly is Cask Ale? John Withy, Brewmaster, Top of the Hill Restaurant – How to spot, taste and pour cask ale. (2 pm)
– What Makes Beer Beautiful? Daniel Bradford – The bitter, resinous world of hops. (3 and 9 pm)
– How to Pair Beer with Food (for an Epicurean Experience) -Julie Johnson, Editor of All About Beer Magazine (8 pm)
Major sponsors for this year’s Festival include Brewmasters Bar and Grill, Flying Saucer, etix and The Irregardless. Whole Foods will be donating food for the pairings events, and is celebrating the opening of its new location on Six Fords Road.
Visit the All about Beer website to get tickets and find out more about Festival events.