Our cover story this week, "Extreme Beer" by Josh Wimmer, might lead you to believe that Isthmus has something brewing. And you'd be right. Wimmer's article is preparation for our popular midwinter celebration of Wisconsiana, the Isthmus Beer & Cheese Festival.
IB&C takes place this Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Alliant Energy Center's Exhibition Hall from 2 to 6 p.m. for general admission. A special VIP tasting precedes the regular event at 1 p.m. Absolutely no one under 21, including children and infants, will be admitted.
The phrase "extreme beer" covers many examples of imaginative brewing, as Wimmer informs us, and does not refer specifically to alcohol content. Elevated levels are a characteristic of many extremes, however. The vast majority of the more than 100 brews presented at the fest are more traditionally crafted.
Let's not forget the cheese. Please! If there's anything that Badger folk know more about than beer, it would be cheese. A lot of cheese will be there on Saturday, again more than 100 varieties.
For more details about the event, check our back page. Or you could go to TheDailyPage.com/beercheese and get the information, along with photos from the 2011 edition and tips for getting the most enjoyment from your Beer & Cheese experience. Drinking and driving don't mix, so inform yourselves about the Union Cab involvement, featuring free rides to the event and discounted rides home.
After Beer & Cheese comes Valentine's Day, and with Valentine's Day comes the Isthmus Book of Love, showcasing your love notes and pictures. Those should be submitted at TheDailyPage.com/bookoflove no later than Sunday, Feb. 5, for publication Feb. 9. Sooner would be better.
