The first smooth, foamy, chilled sip of liquid courage is engineered through a lengthy process of malting, milling, mashing, brewing, cooling, fermentation, maturation, and finishing.  Beer Brewing could be a fun, productive new hobby… I’m not quite sure what I’d call my original beer, seeing as my name, “Sierra,” is already taken, but if anyone with a more original name feels inspired to take a swing at it, let me know how it turns out. Here’s a video to give you a push in the right direction:

http://www.alabev.com/brew.htm

Then, of course, comes the final, and most important step of beer design: drinking.  Drinking alone is boring (and selfish,) so the MACC has generously found a way to unite beer-drinkers around the island in an outdoor party.   After all, winos are notorious for their “wine tastings,” where they engage in the blasphemous practice of spitting out alcoholafter swirling it in their mouths for mere seconds.  If any alcohol is coming out of your mouth at this party, it better not be until the end of the night, and please not in my car, on my clothes, or on any unfortunate fellow’s shoes (Though if a decision must be made, elect the shoes.)

Oh, and did I mention, this beer fest is top notch. (The MACC is pretty good at that, what with its awesome white and black-clad volunteers, and use of the term “under the stars” to explain the concept of “outside.”) Even more breweries than last year will be featured (foreign, domestic, and local). Look below for a complete list.  Spend the afternoon and early evening leisurely taking your sampling cup to taste away at each of the brewery and food stands. Warning: It is possible that this event works like the Loko Kuapa fishpond design, which is an angled rock wall with a sluice gate (makaha) allowing little fish to find their way in, fatten up, and be unable to escape. *Besides being fatter, there will also be the factor of being unable to walk in a straight line or recite your alphabet backwards (I can’t do the latter sober, so I may already be at a disadvantage.)

For just $45, you will have unlimited access to the beer sampling, a commemorative sampler cup, ‘ono pupu and desserts, and event parking.  For $75, be a “happy hour” guest, which results in reserved parking, and early entry at 2pm for a private sampling with the brew masters, in addition to the general admission ticket. 21 and over only. 242-show or mauiarts.org

See the official press release for more info:

MAUI BREWERS FESTIVAL TO SHOWCASE MICRO-BREWERIES FROM HAWAI‘I AND BEYOND AT MAUI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER 2nd Annual Event is a Benefit for the MACC

FOR RELEASE March 19, 2010 KAHULUI, MAUI, HAWAI‘I – Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC), Maui Brewing Co. and Paradise Beverages are pleased to present the 2nd Annual Maui Brewers Festival on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 3 to 7 pm. It will be held on the Events Lawn at the MACC in Kahului. The event is a fundraiser for the MACC with net proceeds benefiting The Center’s arts and educational programs for students, seniors and the Maui community.

Showcasing the best in hand-crafted and imported beers made in Hawai‘i, California, Oregon and beyond, Maui Brewers Festival will feature 30 breweries, including: Ballast Point Brewing Co., Boston Beer Company, Caldera Brewing Company, Coronado Brewing Company, Deschutes Brewery, Hawaii Nui Brewing, Maui Brewing Co., Moylan’s Brewing Co., Oskar Blues, Pizza Port, Primo Brewing & Malting Co., Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Stone Brewing Co., Uncommon Brewers and Waimea Brewing Co.

Garrett Marrero, founder and owner of Maui Brewing Co., had this to say: “Last year was a blast! This year, we’re adding even more craft brewers who will be pouring some amazing beers never seen before in Hawai‘i. The breweries invited to participate in the festival were chosen because of their commitment to making craft beer, where quality, flavor and uniqueness comes before cheaper, bland and mass-produced beers. They all play a part in the growing rebirth of good beer in America. This festival is a must-do for all, not just beer lovers.”

Festival attendees will enjoy a leisurely day of sampling a wide variety of micro-brewed beers along with island style dishes from local purveyors such as 808 Deli, Flatbread & Co., Maui Brewing Co. Restaurant, Maui Tacos, Three’s Catering, Cake Bakery and Zia Maria Gelato. On stage, the entertainment line-up includes some of Maui’s favorite bands like GoMega and Off Tomorrow. There will also be logo merchandise for sale from Maui Brewers Festival and the individual breweries as well as prize giveaways galore.

The all-inclusive general admission price is $45 per adult, which includes beer sampling, a commemorative sampler cup, ‘ono pupu and desserts, and event parking. The $75 “happy hour” package features reserved parking, early entry at 2 pm for a private sampling with the brewmasters or brewery representatives, and a special amenity in addition to general admission for the entire event. The festival is open to adults aged 21 years and over only.

“The first-ever Maui Brewers Festival last year received positive reviews and created a new group of supporters for the MACC. The organizers recognized that we had to continue this new tradition,” said Toni Rojas, CMP, event coordinator and director of Corporate Sales & Special Events for Maui Arts & Cultural Center. “We’re planning an even bigger event this year, and invite everyone to bring lawn chairs or mats and enjoy a relaxing day of fine food and libations, good company and great entertainment.” Festival sponsors include Maui Brewing Co., Paradise Beverages, Pacific Radio Group and Maui Time. Paradise Beverages is the exclusive distributor of Maui Brewing Co. and Hawaii Nui Brewing. Event tickets will be available beginning Monday, March 22, 2010 from the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Box Office. Call (808) 242-SHOW (7469) or order online at MauiArts.org.

### ABOUT THE MAUI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER: The Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) opened in 1994, the culmination of a long standing dream of Maui’s residents to build a world-class gathering place for the arts. The Center is the most comprehensive, multi-disciplinary arts facility in Hawai‘i. Its diverse facilities include the state-of-the-art 1200-seat Castle Theater; multi-purpose 300-seat McCoy Studio Theater; the 4,100-square foot museum-quality Schaefer International Gallery; a 5,000-seat capacity outdoor Alexander & Baldwin Amphitheater; the Pa, dedicated to hula, as well as a mix of dance studio, classroom, and meeting room space. The new Yokouchi Family Pavilion, currently under construction, is slated to open in mid-2010. MACC is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation governed by a 28-member volunteer board of directors and made possible by the generosity of people who love Maui. For more information, call 808-242-ARTS (2787) or visit MauiArts.org.