A FESTIVAL OF STRENGTH >>>
With strength similar to wine, the barleywine is one of the strongest beer styles in the world. They can range from malty-sweet to fruity, dry to hoppy as hell, and everything in between - but they're always big, bold beers that can range from 8 percent alcohol by volume to 15 percent or more.
Those of us in the Tacoma area are damn lucky. Right in our backyard we have a tavern so in love with barleywine that it will throw 32 of them on tap over two days. I, of course, refer to the Parkway Tavern and its Barleywine Festival, which kicks off today at 2 p.m.
The TNT Diner has the full scoop on this year's festival, which includes a Sunday morning brunch. The blog also has a list of the barleywines that will be served. I don't care who brews them as long as there are lots of glasses of glorious, glorious beer. Don't forget your ID, and I highly suggest leaving your car in your driveway.
[Parkway Tavern, April 24-25, 2 p.m. to closing, no cover, 313 N. I St., Tacoma, 253.383.8748]