Jungle Jim’s International Beerfest: More than 400 beers from 100 different breweries all in one place

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

It’s the most magical time of the summer for beer lovers as Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield kicks off its 14th annual International BeerFest this Father’s Day weekend, June 14-15.

With two evenings of tastings at one of the top 4 beer retailers in the country, this year’s event stands to be spectacular for casual beer lovers and devout enthusiasts alike. Tickets often sell quickly for this event, so it’s best to purchase tickets online before you go.

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Here are five reasons this event is worth the drive and worth your time:

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1) 400 beers.

You read that right. From hyperlocal breweries to international distributors, over 400 beers will be available for the sampling at the two-evening event. You can find the full list of offerings on the Jungle Jim's website, which includes ciders and malt brews alongside traditional stouts and lagers. More than 100 different breweries will be represented. Jungle Jim's is also collaborating with MadTree Brewing to bring their own unique Jungle Jim's-inspired brew to the party.

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2) Join the Brew Crew and get all the perks.

Brewery exclusives, rarities and obscurities, and highly-rated favorites will all be represented throughout the festival, available exclusively to members of the Jungle Jim's Brew Crew. If you're not already a member, click here for information about joining and perks of Brew Crew. Be forewarned: only Brew Crew members can try the identified Brew Crew Beers, so make sure to sign up before you arrive so you don't get a serious case of FOMO.

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3) Early birds get the scoop.

Credit: Martin Wheeler III

Credit: Martin Wheeler III

Buy an Early Admission ticket and you'll not only be granted entry an hour before the general public, but you'll also receive a larger, 8-ounce souvenir sample glass and a full beer list to guide you through the festival. These tickets are limited however, so go jump on over to the website to snag one before you make the trek south.

4) Drink and get social.

Jungle Jim's is verified on Untappd, the social sharing platform especially for beer drinkers, where you can surely earn some shareable badges for checking in at the event. As well, special Twitter only giveaways will be running through the Beer Guy Twitter account @JunglesBeerGuy — festival-goers are encouraged to follow along and check frequently to snag a chance at winning some cool stuff!

5) More than just beer.

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Every festival ticket comes complete with a complimentary picnic-style meal. When you go through the food line, you’ll receive a BBQ beef sandwich, potato chips, coleslaw or potato salad, and a bottle of water.

If you’d like to pair your sample beer with a fine cigar, one of Jungle Jim’s cigar experts will be selling a selection of world-class cigars from their Humidor, so feel free to venture out onto the terrace to enjoy the classic pairing. Don’t forget about the International Beer Festival T-shirts available at the Souvenir Table, and all the beer paraphernalia that you can possible imagine.

All proceeds from the sales at the Charity Table will be donated to charity, which is the perfect excuse to pick up as many bottle openers as your heart desires.

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WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Jungle Jim's 14th Annual International Beerfest

WHERE: The Oscar Event Center at Jungle Jim's International Market, 5440 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield

WHEN: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 14-15, admissions begin at 6:30 p.m.

TICKETS: $25 non-drinker, $55 general admission, $65 early admission (plus tax)

INFO: Website

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