The Occidental Beerist in Tacoma

The German Beer Purity Law — Reinheitsgebot — is three years past its quincentennial: 500 years of absolutely nothing but barley (or wheat), hops, water and yeast. Not so much as a spruce tip or cacao nib may defile anything called “beer.” Occidental Brewing’s brewmaster Dan Engler mostly brews beers in the spirit (if not the letter) of the Reinheitsgebot. Opening in 2011 in Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood, Occidental makes some of the best German-style beers in the Northwest, including their authentic Bavarian Hefeweizen. It’s hefeweizen makes one want to throw on a pair of lederhosen over your flannel. If you like wheat beer — heck, even if you hate it — you must try this sweet, banana- and clove-scented hefeweizen pouring from Peaks and Pints’ Western red cedar tap log Wednesday, Feb. 27 during Occidental Brewing’s Tacoma Launch Party.

Did you choke on your Occidental Hefeweizen as you read that last sentence? Yes, You have been enjoying Occidental craft beers for quite some time at Peaks and Pints, but that’s because the brewery’s sales executive Chris Spinelli has been periodically driving his beer up to Tacoma. This month, Occidental signed with NW Beverages, which means Spinelli can cancel his Goodyear Tires of the Month membership. NW Beverages driver Shawn Emil will now deliver Occidental beer weekly to Peaks and Pints, which means a constant stock of goodness.

Peaks and Pints will host the Occidental Brewing Tacoma Launch Party from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27 pouring their Hefeweizen, as well as Alt, Helles Lager, Kolsch and Pilsner.

THE OCCIDENTAL BEERIST IN TACOMA, 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, Peaks and Pints, 3816 N. 26^th, Basecamp Proctor, Tacoma, no cover