If you enjoy a good porter, you might want to think about taking the trip to Wenatchee over President’s Day weekend for the 2nd Annual Great Washington Porter Festival.

Press Release:

The Second Annual Great Washington Porter Festival will take place Saddle Rock Pub & Brewery in Wenatchee on Presidents’ Day Weekend, February 15-16, 2013.

In honor of George Washington, our state’s namesake and the nation’s first brewer/president, the festival will showcase porter-style ales from different Washington breweries.

Porter, a dark ale with a rich malty favor but without the strong roasted bitterness of a stout, was Washington’s favorite beer. He brewed it at Mount Vernon, and his 1757 small beer/porter recipe is preserved in the archives of his estate today.

George Washington was patriotic about American porter, a style first developed in England and probably named because of its popularity with the working class. “We have already been too long subject to British Prejudices,” Washington wrote. “I use no porter or cheese in my family, but that which is made in America: both these articles may now be purchased of an excellent quality.”

Participating breweries include Icicle Brewing (Leavenworth), Elysian Brewing (Seattle), Diamond Knot Brewing (Mukilteo), Methow Valley Brewing/Twisp River Pub (Twisp), and Flyers Brewery (Oak Harbor).

The festival is for those age 21 and older, with no admission charge. Beers will be sold as samples or by the glass. Food will also be available.

Hours for the festival are: Friday February 15, 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 16, noon to 11:00 p.m.

Saddle Rock Pub & Brewery is located at 25 N.Wenatchee Ave. in Wenatchee. For more information, contact organizer Alan Moen at 509 -784- 5101, the brewery at 888 – 4790, or visit www.saddlerockbrewery.com or Saddle Rock’s Facebook page.