Sometimes it seems like obsession with bacon know no bounds. Present company definitely included. However, in some cases the infatuation is deserved, as in the case with the Gratzilla bacon wheat beer created by Wingman Brewers and Maxwell's Restaurant, which I wrote about this week. The two Tacoma entities let their pork flag fly, and their porky and smoky beer is on tap now, well ahead of the Bacon and Beer Classic at Safeco Field May 17 for which they brewed it. Drop by Wingman Brewers by the Tacoma Dome for a taste.

Side note: 208 Garfield next to Pacific Lutheran University offers a $10 beer and bacon sampling at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 17.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

The Leavenworth Ale Fest, which is the annual fundraiser for the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, will run from 2-10 p.m. on April 12. This year's Ale Fest will feature beers from more than 30 breweries, five popular food vendors and live music performances every 90 minutes throughout the day. The hop-tastic day also benefits Operation Ward 57, a nonprofit that provides assistance to wounded warriors, their families and their caregivers. In exchange for providing volunteers for the event, Operation Ward 57 receives a portion of the proceeds. Best of all, active duty servicemembers receive free admission by simply presenting their respective IDs at the entrance. Admission for military also includes a taster's glass and three drink tokens. Regular admission is $20 at www.leavenworthalefest.com. Tickets will increase to $25 when purchased at the door. The event will take place at the Leavenworth Festhalle, 1001 Front St., Leavenworth.

SUNDAY, APRIL 13

Pint Defiance will host Petrus sour beers as part of its "Sour Sampler" from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Flights of four 4-ounce pours will be served for the cost of a normal pint.