BY CHRIS JOHNSTON (Twitter: @CheersForBeers)

Star Date… November 13th, 2010… We are going into what appears to be a beer black hole. Many beers will be… consumed, in fact 28 breweries and 2 home brewers will fill a small building in Seattle built in 1904 called the Phinney Neighborhood Center (http://www.phinneycenter.org) for the 23rd annual PNA Beer Taste, sponsored by 74th Street Ale House (http://www.seattlealehouses.com).

This year’s PNA Fall Beer preview is themed “Beer Trek 2010”.  Yes, as in Star Trek! Through out the 2 floors of beer pleasures, I found random comments on the walls like: “Beer… The Final Frontier!”, “Beer Me Up Scotty!”, “Live Long & Pilsner!”, “Wort 9, NOW! I’m Giving Her All I Got Kipton!” and the list goes on. The volunteers running from room to room were dressed in Star Trek outfits or Spock ears.

The guests were in for quit a voyage tonight because the brewers brought their new winter ales and some of their exotic beers to this sold out event.

There was entertainment at every beer station. Naked City Brewery and Tap house (http://www.nakedcitybrewing.com) had their White Russian Imperial Stout named “Big Lebrewski” with a handle to match Jeff Bridges character from the 1998 movie “The Big Lebowski”. Oh man! This Stout is an instant classic! Talk about unique… aged for a month in Kahlua soaked oak. Very smooth and wonderful aroma, I’m ready for a long winter’s nap!

Naked City's the "Dude" Beer Tap handle! It's a bobble head!

Big Al’s Brewing (http://www.bigalbrewing.com) had a tangerine Dream Ale. A mild hops and citrus combination with a spicy Turkish pepper finish.

The Darkside IPA from Anacortes Brewery (http://www.anacortesrockfish.com). This IPA got its name because the recipe didn’t turn out as expected. However, everyone loved it at the Rock Fish Grill and asked for it by calling it that “Darkside” IPA.

Odin Brewing Company’s limited edition Thor’s Intrigue, Sour Stout (http://www.odinbrewing.com). This was a fantastic blend of roasted malts and sour. Aged for 5 months and it was perfect!

Dan from Odin Brewing pouring a Smoked Ruby Ale from his handcrafted handles

Maritime Pacific Brewing Company’s Rum Aged Jolly Roger Ale (http://www.maritimebrewery.com). Maritime made this holiday brew for the PNA Beer Taste! This is a must have!

Corey and Geoff serving up the Maritime Jolly Roger Ale and Islander Pale Ale

Plus, we were entertained by the toe tappin, bluegrass band “The Shed Boys” (http://www.shedboys.com) video sample

The Shed Boys rockin' the second floor crowd

In my opinion, I didn’t meet a beer I didn’t like at the PNA Beer Trek. However, there was a vote on the favorite beer.

Third place went to the Big Woodrow Imperial Milk Stout by Harmon Pub & Brewery (http://www.harmonbrewingco.com). Kentucky bourbon Barrel aged… need I saw more.

Second place went to Cask Conditioned Jive Espresso Stout by Two Beers Brewing Company (http://www.twobeersbrewery.com). This stout has a little bit of everything, cinnamon, chocolate, coffee, rose petals, kitchen sink and the list goes on. With all of these ingredients this stout is a beautiful blend yet very clean and refreshing.

Adam Robbings with his first place brew Roasted Rye PA

First place goes to the Homebrewer, Reuben’s Brews Roasted Rye PA (http://www.reubensbrews.com). With Strong hops and the use of roasted rye to create this first place entry, I felt it was a very nice spin with a splendid hoppy finish. Well done!

The kids in the Hall!

PNA’s Beer Trek 2010 was a fine display of fun and unique craft beers. I applaud all of the brewers who participated! Every brewer had something new or different which excited my taste buds! Below is the complete list of brewers – Hunt them down and try them all!!

Anacortes Brewery www.AnacortesRockFish.com twitter: @Rockfish_Grill
Baron Brewing Co www.BaronBrewing.com

Baron's Three Skulls Winter Poison handle

Bayern Brewing Company www.BayernBrewery.com
Big Al Brewing www.BigAlBrewing.com
Boundary Bay Brewery www.BBayBrewery.com twitter: @BoundaryBay
Chuckanut Brewery www.ChuckanutBrewery.com twitter: @ChuckanutBeer
Deschutes Brewery www.DeschutesBrewery.com twitter: @DeschutesBeer
Diamond Knot Brewery www.DiamondKnot.com twitter: @DiamondKnot

Diamond Knot Industrial HO! HO! Winter Warmer

Elysian Brewing Co www.ElysianBrewing.com twitter: @ElysianBrewing
Epic Ales www.EpicAles.com twitter: @EpicAles
Fish Brewing Co www.FishBrewing.com
Fremont Brewing Co www.FremontBrewing.com twitter: @FremontBrewing

Freemont Brewing's Mark and James serving up Imperial Oatmeal Stout.

Georgetown Brewing Co www.GeorgetownBeer.com twitter: @GeorgetownBeer
Golden Hills Brewing www.GoldenHillsBrewing.com
Hale’s Ales Brewery www.HalesBrewery.com twitter: @HalesAles
Harmon Brewing Co www.HarmonBrewing.com
Home Brewer www.ReubensBrews.com twitter: @ReubensBrews
Home Brewer www.PopuluxeBrewing.com
Maritime Pacific Brewing Co www.MaritimeBrewery.com
Naked City Brewing Co. www.NakedCityBrewing.com twitter: @NakedCityBeer
Ninkasi Brewing Company www.NinkasiBrewing.com twitter: @Ninkasi
Odin Brewing www.OdinBrewing.com
Pike Brewing Co www.PikeBrewing.com twitter: @PikeBrewing
Port Townsend Brewing www.PTBrew.com

Ken from Port Townsend Brewing enjoying a moment while serving up some Hop Diggity Northwest style IPA

Schooner Exact Brewing Co www.SchoonerExact.com twitter: @SchoonerExact

Schooner Exact Brewing's Master Purveyor, Mike Murphy pouring up his Hoppy Holidays winter warmer

Scuttlebutt Brewing Company www.ScuttleButtBrewing.com
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. www.SierraNevada.com twitter: @SierraNevada
Silver City Brewery www.SilverCityBrewery.com twitter: @SilverCityBrew

Kurt serving up Silver City's Fat Scotch Ale and Imperial Stouts - YUM!

Two Beers Brewing Co www.TwoBeersBrewery.com twitter: @TwoBeersBrewing

Thank you to 74th Ale House, Chardell Paine, Phinney Center staff, and all the volunteers for a wonderful beer filled night!

Live long & enjoy great craft beer!