The Washington Beer Commission will celebrate its 7th Annual Belgianfest beer tasting event on Jan. 30 and Bothell’s Beardslee Public House will be one of 40 Washington breweries showcasing more than 100 unique varieties of Belgian style beer. The festival will be held at Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center.

Belgian beer has an interesting history, with clear origins in the Belgian abbeys of the Middle Ages. First brewed by monks, it was a way to remain industrious and earn income for the abbey. Little did they know they were crafting beer unlike anywhere else in the world, with distinct, recognizable tastes such as citrus, vanilla and cloves to name just a few of the unique flavors.

Popular Belgian beer styles include Lambics, Witbiers, Dubbels, Tripels and Saisons. The key ingredient that differentiates Belgian beer is its yeast. Though many of the other ingredients remain the same, Belgian yeast creates flavors and aromas that no other strain can. The 40 Washington brewers participating in Belgianfest will be using Belgian yeast, along with their creativity to craft delicious Belgian style beers.

Belgianfest will host two separate sessions: Noon-4 p.m. and 5:30-9:30 p.m. Admission is $35 in advance or $40 at the door and includes a tasting glass and ten, 4oz samples. Separate tickets are required for each session. Tickets are available online now at washingtonbeer.com.