Success on tap at Great Alaska Beer and Barley Wine Festival: a beer-lovers paradise hits Anchorage Jan. 16-17 at the Egan Center.

• Author: Pilkington, Steve
• Position: Alaska This Month

Anyone with a penchant for the byproducts of mixing yeast, malts and hops under the perfect conditions, must take some time out for the annual Great Alaska Beer and Barley Wine Festival. The success of the event, and the numerous celebrities it has brought to Anchorage, are a testimony to the conviviality of the far North.

This year the festival, now in its ninth year, will take place Jan. 16 and 17, again at the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center in downtown Anchorage. The event's yearly draw of thousands of thirsty quaffers is a testimony to its popularity, and since it started in the Arco Building Atrium years ago it has outgrown several venues.

"It's just growing and growing," said Annie Chavez, office manager for Aurora Productions Inc., the organizer of the annual event. "A highlight is the sanctioned barley-wine competition."

Historians say barley wine, which originated in England, was revived in the 1970s after Anchor Brewing Co. released its first bottles of Old Foghorn, triggering other breweries to follow suit. Barley wines range in color from tawny copper to dark brown and are known for full body and malty sweetness.

While beer festivals abound throughout the year, there are only a few actual barley wine competitions in the country, one reason the Alaska festival has drawn outside attention. Breweries and numerous celebrities in the industry take part in the fun despite the timing and the winter climate. Among those who have graced past festivals are Charlie Papazian, a noted brewer and author of several outstanding home-brewing books, and Michael Jackson, who is also known as The Beer Hunter from his popular television series on brewing.

Tickets purchased...