I'm am incredibly excited about the 4th Annual Great American Distillers Festival, this weekend at Portland Center Stage's Gerding Theater.

Why? Well, Because:

a. I love booze
b. I love local booze
c. I love talking to people who make booze
d. I love learning about booze

Based on what I've seen from the festival's website, the weekend should requite these loves quite sufficiently. I'm certainly looking forward to a couple of the seminars. The History of the Cocktail at 1 pm on Sunday should be interesting—but I think when talking about cocktails, history should be put in quotes, considering the bleary eyes through which that "history" was documented.

Aside from the seminars and a mixologist showdown, there will be 24 participating distilleries on site offering sips of their wares. The cost is $10/day to get in and $16 for a two day pass. Admission includes 3 taster tickets.

I'll try to do some live blogging from the event, so check back here during the weekend for possible drunken ass-millinery.

Bottoms Up!