Rock Out ALS Beer Fest on July 2nd

- by Kendall Jones, Washington Beer Blog -

The Washington Beer Blog is proud to sponsor the first-ever Rock Out ALS Brewfest. We do so in partnership with Rock Out ALS (a Woodinville non-profit) and Triplehorn Brewing. The event takes place at Triplehorn Brewing in Woodinville on Saturday, July 2nd from noon until 8:00 and features live music served up alongside a number of beers from the Ales for ALS program. All proceeds from the festival benefit ALS TDI, the leading research organization working on a cure for ALS.

At the event, eight Ales for ALS beers will be poured. Of course, Triplehorn will also pour other beers too. Along with music and beer, there will be an Ice Bucket Challenge (by now we all know the drill), informational speakers, and food by Meat on a Mission. Admission is $25.00 which includes a five-ounce commemorative tasting glass and eight tasting tickets to sample the Ales for ALS beers.



The breweries involved include Triplehorn Brewing, Pike Brewing, Fremont Brewing, Mt. Tabor Brewing, Bale Breaker Brewing, Deschutes Brewing, Double Mountain Brewing, and Ordnance Brewing. All of those breweries are participants in the larger, nationwide Ales for ALS program. This year, the program will see 150 of America’s breweries produce beers using a very special hop: the Ales for ALS blend (read about it).

Among the bands performing at the Rock Out ALS Brewfest, Four on the Floor (pictured above), the classic rock tribute band fronted by yours truly. (I am the lead singer, etc.) Exact performance times have not yet been determined. We will post updates as soon as that information is available.



When Rock Out ALS approached the band (and the blog) about this opportunity to help, we were more than happy to donate our time and talent. Four on the Floor has gained some notoriety in recent years by playing at breweries and beer festivals around the area, so this seemed a natural fit. Also, we recognize what an important cause we are supporting

“We’re pretty excited about the opportunity to raise money for ALS TDI by highlighting the beers made because of their campaign,” says Michael Miller, founder and president of Rock Out ALS. “Typically we’ve been known for putting on live music events for ALS awareness, and there WILL be some music involved, but drinking a beer FOR ALS is a lot more fun than drinking beer BECAUSE of the disease.”

Since its formation in 2012, Ales for ALS brewers have sold tens of thousands of pints and raised over $600,000 for ALS research. Participating breweries receive an experimental blend of hops each year from Loftus Ranches (a top Yakima hop grower) to be used in the Ales for ALS brew. This proprietary blend, distributed by YCH Hops, is only available to brewers in the program. Each brewery develops its own recipe. The result is an array of unique beers only available between the months of June and August.

ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. When these cells die, voluntary muscle control and movement dies with them. Patients in the later stages of the disease are totally paralyzed, yet in most cases, their minds remain sharp and alert. Once diagnosed, typical life expectancy is just two to five years.

Every day, an average of 15 people are newly diagnosed with ALS — more than 5,600 people per year. As many as 30,000 Americans may currently be affected by ALS. Annually, ALS is responsible for two deaths per 100,000 people.

The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI - www.als.net) and its scientists actively discover and develop treatments for ALS. ALS TDI is the world's first and largest nonprofit biotech focused 100 percent on ALS research. Led by people living with ALS and their families, they understand the urgent need to slow and stop this disease.

For more information about the Brewfest, other Rock Out ALS events, or about ALS in general, visit www.rockoutals.com

Rock Out ALS Brewfest
Saturday, July 2nd 2016
Noon til 8:00

Triplehorn Brewing
19510 144th Ave NE #6
Woodinville, WA 98072
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