If there was a reason to drink beer — this Saturday, Oct. 24 from 7-10:30 p.m. is the night for it and the Tahoe Biltmore in Crystal Bay is the place to be.

Celebrating two decades of its hoppy existence the annual Foam Fest will benefit Disabled Sports USA Far West.
Armed with a commemorative glass and a commitment to helping physically challenged people of all ages live a limit-free life, festival participants can partake the wares of more than 40 breweries.

Those dedicated to the pursuit of the brewed beverage, considered the oldest alcoholic drink in the world, will think they have stumbled into a personal paradise.

Local and regional and national breweries are banding together for what Jim Shevlin calls “a great party that does good for so many.”

Shevlin who will be pouring Full Sail’s Wassail Winter Ale and the recently awarded gold medal Session Black Lager, from the renowned Great American Beer Festival, has more than just a commercial interest in the activities offered by the DSUSAFW.

He also has a quadriplegic relative whose active life is continually challenged.

When the desire to ski is hobbled by massive costs of renting specialty equipment like a mono ski coupled with a private lesson DSUSAFW’s efforts deliver the dream by reducing a $200.00 item to less than one-half the price.
In the Tahoe region, especially, all the seasons, not just winter, provide opportunities for outdoor adventures to regional schoolchildren from Northern California and Nevada. Rafting, water skiing and cycling bring satisfaction to the participants’ and revenue to local businesses.

The business this coming Friday is to party and enjoy “an incredible array of the best of U.S. breweries,” according to Jim Jacobs of Laquintas Brewing Company.

Located where wine is typically more revered, the Sonoma County brewer’s flagship India Pale Ale, and the big and bold hop and malted flavorings of their Little Sumpin’ Extra shall delight patrons. Also palates will appreciate the seasonal autumnal offerings of the Lucky 13 and spice-laden Imperial Red.

Beer with a Cajun boldness and Southern twang is the hallmark of Oskar Blues from Lyons Colorado. Legions of fans flock to the ales produced by a Rocky Mountain living, former Southerner who partially named his company after an elderly European hiker with an inspiring mojo.

Another European journey brought two women to numerous British pubs. The research experienced by Barbara Groom and Wendy Pound can be summed up simply — Eureka!

Now based in the city of the same name their Lost Coast Brewery’s “Downtown Brown” is its Foam Fest beer. Lighter in taste than lager or stouts, the brew’s dark coloring is highlighted by the slightly roasted malt flavor.

A refreshing spark of citrus is the hallmark of Buckbean Brewery’s Orange Blossom. Based in Reno the copper colored elixir is created with both Munich and caramel malts and American hops.

With beer names reflecting their Montana base, Big Sky Brewing is pouring a trio which includes the light ale Summer Honey and Trout Slayer where wheat waxes poetic magic in every serving.

For those looking for more fruit than grain tastes a stop at Colfax’s Fox Barrel Cider Company is a necessity. A sip of their award winning Hard Apple or Ginger Pear will provide a crisp snap of fall fruits gathered and pressed in nearby Apple Hill.

Chinook and Cascade hops provide bittering and finishing notes to the seasonal Anniversary Ale being offered by the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Additional featured brews are Kellerweis and Torpedo with a hardy alcohol content of 7.2 percent.

The jazzed soulful sounds of Jelly Bread will fill the evening with music. Also adding additional spark to this high wattage evening is the highly anticipated raffle of season ski tickets to Squaw Valley USA, Alpine Meadows, Northstar, Sugar Bowl, and Tahoe X-Country.

Beer, ski passes and helping others —the three ingredients to a happy life to many a Tahoe resident.