Few West Coast destinations can compare to Seattle’s natural beauty and exciting vibe. Visitors to the Coffee Capital of the World should stop by the Downtown area, which features shopping, performance art venues, and world-class restaurants. If sightseeing is your game, then the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Great Wheel should be at the top of your itinerary.
The Seattle Scotch & Beer Fest has been one of the top sampling events in the region since it began 14 years ago, and it will take place March 30-31 at Fremont Studios. This year’s event will include samples of more than 50 craft beers and ciders from favorite regional producers such as Fremont Brewing, Ballast Point, and more. Attendees can also sample flights of scotch and whiskey from The Glenlivet and Jameson, as well as unique cocktails from each producer including the Founders Reserve Old Fashioned (The Glenlivet) and Black Barrel Apple Barrel (Jameson). Certified Master of Scotch, Rick Edwards will host a series of seminars where he will introduce and break down 10 different samples of scotch. Lumpia World’s mobile truck will serve up a variety of unique culinary creations to hungry patrons. The event is a fundraiser for Seattle Humane, which is one of the largest animal nonprofit animal shelters in the region. We interviewed Event Representative, John Thorburn, to learn more about this can’t miss Northwest sampling experience.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
JT: Seattle Scotch & Beer Fest is entering its 14th year.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
JT: We attract 4,000 guests annually.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
JT: Seattle Scotch & Beer Fest is a 21+ event. We see the highest number of guests from the 25-40 age demographic (couples and small groups). They are typically working professionals from around the Seattle area, so of the middle to upper middle class demographic.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
JT: This is one of the only events where you can sample 50+ craft beers and two different whiskey flights at the same time. We work to make our beer lineup as diverse as possible, offering guests the opportunity to sample some unique brews.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
JT: Here is a taste of what people will find:
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50+ beers,
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Vertical Scotch flight featuring six varietals of The Glenlivet
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Vertical whiskey flight featuring six varietals of Jameson
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2 Scotch seminars taught by a certified Master of Scotch
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Tax-free Bottle Shop
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Live sports on TV’s around the Venue (showing the Final Four)
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
JT: There will be a Master of Scotch in both seminars, and they will be floating around the event answering questions, plus a live DJ both nights.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
JT: The Lumpia World food truck will be available for guests.
RAL: Tell us about the overall atmosphere?
JT: The crowd is lively and excited. Both the beer and spirits sampling are super laid back. They allow guests to go at their own pace, offering a very relaxed atmosphere to the event. People are just happy to be there.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
JT: Seattle Scotch & Beer Fest takes place in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. This unique and lively area of the city is ideal for access to nearby hotels located in South Lake Union, Downtown Seattle, University District, and more.
RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?
JT: The event is a fundraiser for Seattle Humane – one of the region’s largest non-profit animal shelters. Proceeds raised from this event support Seattle Humane’s mission to save and serve pets in need regardless of age, ability, circumstance or geography. And with the number of pets in Seattle outnumbering children in Seattle, that makes Seattle Scotch & Beer Fest an important part of the community.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JT: Seattle Scotch & Beer Fest is the best of both worlds. You can dip your toes into both beer and whiskey sampling. Guests can pair 50+ unique beers with either a vertical Scotch flight, featuring The Glenlivet, or a vertical whiskey flight featuring Jameson (or both). All of this tasting takes place inside Fremont Studios, which makes for a super relaxed atmosphere. The atmosphere makes for an easy tasting, way less intimidating for a novice taster. It’s the perfect opportunity for everyone to have access to different beers and spirits.
For more information about the Seattle Scotch & Beer Fest, please visit the event website.