Tasting events

About 99 Bottles beer tasting events

The Weekly Pick

Every week on WEDNESDAY we pour our two picks from 4:00 'til 8:00 p.m. The tasting fee is just $1, with ID. This is an open-house tasting; stop in anytime after 4:00; last call is at 7:45 p.m. Simply come in, present your dollar and ID, and we'll pour for you. The selected beers are posted on 99 Bottles's chalkboard and announced on facebook and twitter.

Special Tasting Events

99 Bottles also invites brewery and beer industry guests, where you can meet-n-greet while tasting brews from a specific brewery, cidery, or meadery. Check the tasting calendar, subscribe to The Weekly Brews, or watch our facebook and twitter feed for details.

99 Bottles tasting calendar

Frequently asked questions

Where are the tastings held?

Tasting events advertised by 99 Bottles are held at 99 Bottles beer store in Federal Way, Wash. unless otherwise noted.

Who can attend?

Beer, cider and mead tasting events are open to ages 21 years and older, with valid ID.
Non-alcoholic soda tasting events are open to all ages.

Can I bring my kids?

While 99 Bottles does offer a child-friendly shopping environment, we request that children not be brought to alchohol-focused tasting events so that adults can better focus on their samples.

What does it cost...and when are the events?

Check the calendar for scheduled tasting dates. Tasting fees are $1, $3, or $5 per person, depending on the event selection (see the event details for cost).

How much do I get to drink?

Wednesday night samples are 2 ounces and feature one or two labels. According to Washington State Law we can serve up to a total of 8 ounces, up to 2 ounces per label, with no revisits to any one label. We feature 3 to 6 different beers.

Can I pay again to try the featured beer a second time? ...or get a larger pour?

No. Per rules of the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) Specialty Beer Store licensees are limited to serving up to 8 ounces total, up to a 2-ounce single serving from each label, with no revisits to a label.

What happens on The Weekly Pick Wednesdays?

Upon arriving at 99 Bottles, come to the counter to present your ID, pay your $1, and ask to sample the weekly pick. 99 Bottles will then pour the first featured beer, then the second. Feel free to read about the beers, shop, or visit while you sip. This is our most informal tasting event.

What happens at a special guest event or The Beer Adventure?

Upon arriving at 99 Bottles, come to the front counter to present your ID and pay the event fee. (Exact cash and ID may go direct to the tasting area.) 99 Bottles will give you a sheet with descriptions of the beers you'll be trying. The beers are listed in pouring order; you can use pencils provided to make notes and track your progress. We repour into the same cup, so hold onto it! Sip water or munch on an oyster cracker between beers to cleanse your palate. If you have any questions, speak up! We and the guests will do our best to answer your questions about the featured beverages, brewing processes, and breweries. You can also shop or visit with others during the event and return to the pouring area when moving onto the next beer on the list.

Can I taste the beers in a different order?

Yes, but it's not recommended. 99 Bottles selects and arranges the beers in an order that will best suit the palate. Like wines and cheeses, beer should be tasted in order of flavor — starting from the lightest in flavor and saving the heaviest, strongest, most bitter beer for last.

Are there any guidelines for tasting beer?

For a great overview of tasting beer, read "How To Taste Beer" on BeerAdvocate.com.

Do you ever hold tastings on Thursday or Friday?

Rarely. Thursday and Friday are our primary beer delivery days, where we focus on getting new and returning brews on the shelves and into the coolers. (And if you've visited on these days, you've seen the tasting counter lines with cases!) With so many incoming beers, there's little time or space to hold tastings on these days.