Scanning the news these days for something to note about beer culture there are the inevitable beerfest (slash) Octoberfest (slash) tailgater tales as well as crime notes on a guy called Clevus busting into the house or the head of another guy called Clevus so as to acquire the case of beer possessed to that point in time by Clevus the first. Anyway, it was interesting to note this event in Poughkeepsie New York recently:

The scene appeared to be a typical wine tasting. But then the conversation turned to head retention and malt and hop nuances. Beer, not wine, was the star of the evening.

Festival of Beers is an annual tasting and dining event at the culinary school that unites craft brewers and importers with enthusiasts who believe beer is as versatile and sophisticated as wine. "I think that the increase in the number of small, artisanal breweries has really taught the public how different beers can be, the different varietals, and how great they can be," said chef Anita Eisenhauer, an assistant professor at the American Bounty Restaurant on the culinary campus.

One thing that is noteworthy in this event is that it is not in a bar and does not appear to feature one brewery's product as a PR event. Plus it is not in a setting that in any way suggests over...err...generosity of consumption. I am also noting that Half Time Beverage Center is quoted as having 1,800 different beers now. Must figure out excuse way to get there.