Little Woody Festival Returns to Bend

Little Woody Barrel-aged Brew FestThe Third Annual Little Woody Barrel-Aged Brew Festival returns to stunning Bend, Oregon over the Labor Day weekend. Following the successful addition of a bourbon tasting at the 2010 Festival, event producer, Lay It Out Events will showcase the Pacific Northwest’s burgeoning whiskey industry on Friday, September 2nd and Saturday, September 3rd.

This growing Festival, which is on the ‘must-attend’ calendar for any true beer aficionado recognizes what the national press has already acknowledged: when it comes to microbrews, the Pacific Northwest has some of the best in the nation. Not to be confused with other beer festivals around the U.S., the Little Woody focuses on the ancient technique of aging beer in wine, whiskey, bourbon or oak barrels, a process which uniquely flavors and intensifies the beer.

The rare opportunity to enjoy this time honored tradition encourages a high percentage of out of towners to the recreational mecca of Bend, Oregon. The U.S. Masters Road National Championships will also be taking place in Bend over the holiday weekend. The Downtown Criterium Course pass directly in front of the Des Chutes Historical Museum giving festival goers a birds-eye view of cyclists competing for the coveted Stars and Stripes jersey. Adding to the entertainment, and keeping with the barrel theme of the event will be a musical lineup of musicians performing on wooden instruments.

“If there’s two things we know how to do in Bend, it’s cycling and imbibing,” said Sandy Henderson of Lay It Out Events. “Expanding the Little Woody to incorporate a bourbon tasting in 2010 was hugely successful. Whiskey is a natural accompaniment to barrel aged beers, most of which won’t be available any other time except this weekend. With the U.S. Masters passing right in front of the event, we’re gearing up for an incredibly unique and exciting festival.”

WHAT: Northwest Community Credit Union Little Woody Barrel Aged Beer Festival

WHEN: Friday, September 2, 5-10 pm & Saturday, September 3, noon-10pm

WHERE: Des Chutes Historical Museum in Downtown Bend, Oregon

COST: $6 admission includes commemorative glass; tasting packages are also available. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Des Chutes Historical Society.

Sharing these one-off beers at the Festival will be breweries from Portland, Eugene and the McKenzie River, in addition to local favorites from Bend and nearby Sisters. Participating in the 2011 event are:
• 10 Barrel Brewing Co.
• Bend Brewing Co.
• Block 15 Brewery
• Boneyard Beer
• Cascade Lakes Brewery
• Deschutes Brewery
• Good Life Brewing Company
• Hopworks Urban Brewery
• McMenamins
• Ninkasi Brewing
• Oakshire Brewing
• Three Creeks Brewing

Lay It Out Events is a local Bend company that produces Central Oregon’s favorite events:Bend WinterFest, the Bite of Bend, Balloons Over Bend Children’s Festival,Shakespeare in the Park: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and races such as the Happy Girls Half, Haulin’ Aspen the Crossaflixion Cup.

For additional information: www.TheLittleWoody.com or follow us on Facebook.