Nicolle Hodges | [email protected]
The history of humans cheers-ing and clinking glasses dates back to medieval times.
鈥淐heers,鈥� which evolved from the old French word chiere meaning 鈥渇ace鈥� or 鈥渓ook,鈥� is now a symbolic way of wishing to good health with those around us 鈥� a verbal glue that seals the moment.
Early medieval Anglo-Saxon bashes featured round-bottomed drinking glasses, designed to be emptied since they could not be set down without toppling over.
Following a hearty 鈥渃heers,鈥� guests often drained their cups and then turned them upside-down on the table.
In our modern age, you might consider the Jasper Beer & Spirits Festival hosted at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge the epitome of such bottomless abundance.
With 26 breweries congregating in JPL鈥檚 spacious Beauvert Ballroom to offer samples of their most exciting craft beer and spirits, it will be a joyous occasion for those who appreciate a cup - or an Alberta Beer Festival tasting mug, to be exact - that never seems to empty no matter how many 鈥渃heers鈥� ensue.
Friday, January 31 features a welcome reception from 5:30 to 6 p.m. followed by the Grand Tasting Evening Event until 10 p.m. Saturday is already sold out.
As you make your way around the room, it鈥檚 the ideal opportunity to satisfy your curiosity.
Try craft beers or spirits you might not otherwise, and expand your knowledge of some recognizable favourites, such as Folding Mountain Brewery, Rocky Mountain Big Horn Distillery, Fallentimber Meadery, and Snoday Spirits.
Oh, you want food too?
Imagine every type of mouth-exploding, belly coddling combination you would want to pair with beer, including pulled pork sliders and grilled cheese sandwiches, prepared by world-class chefs at JPL.
If you鈥檙e taking a break from the endless flow of well-deserved gluttony, there are games and other interactive elements like giant Jenga and pinball tables to keep you entertained (and to help you work up an appetite for more hops).
After the event, hop on a complimentary shuttle and head to the Jasper Brewing Co Brew Pub to raise a glass and cheers to health, happiness, and a good night with new friends.
Prepare for the Jasper Beer & Spirits Festival by learning how to say 鈥渃heers鈥� in other languages:
- Scottish, Irish Gaelic 鈥� Sl谩inte (pronounced slawn-cha)
- Spanish 鈥� Salud
- German 鈥� Prost
- Danish 鈥� Skal (pronounced Skoal)
- Dutch 鈥� Proost (pronounced prohst)
- French 鈥� Sante
