Our local beer festival was postponed from its usual date this year, but the time has nearly arrived. Saturday, BarrelHouse Brewing Co. (22 E. 12th St., in Over-the-Rhine) will sponsor the fourth annual Microbrew Festival.

        Even though we've had beautiful weather, November is a notoriously tricky month, so this year the festival will be indoors instead of on the street. BarrelHouse is clearing out everything moveable in order to cram in as many tasting tables as possible.

        Once you're inside, dozens of breweries will be serving more than 60 specialty beers from across the United States and around the world. You'll also be treated to an appetizer buffet and live bluegrass music.

        Another change this year is that instead of a continuous session, there will be three separate sessions to thin out the crowd. You can buy a ticket for $25 in advance (421-2337), which will admit you to one of the three-hour sessions, beginning at 1, 5, or 9 p.m. More information: www.barrelhouse.com.

Look for pumpkin beers

        To celebrate the season, most well-stocked beer stores will have at least one pumpkin beer on the shelf this time of year. Some of the beers are quite good, but the real modern American classic is a beer from Oregon called Dead Guy Ale, brewed by Rogue Brewing Co.

        Dead Guy Ale is a big, malty ale that just about defies description. It is somewhat reminiscent of a German maibock that became Americanized, but it might also fit into the “old ale” category. It's a marvelously complex brew, with biscuity, fruity and malty flavors that combine in a well-balanced and distinctive blend.

        Dead Guy Ale gets its name from its label, showing a grinning skeleton seated on a beer barrel, holding an ale mug and wearing a beehive hat. That dead guy was put there in honor of the Mayan Day of the Dead, but he also helps us celebrate Halloween.

        Rogue has added to the experience by offering Dead Guy Ale in special bottles during this season. The three-color silk-screened label on the 22-ounce bottles will glow in the dark for up to half an hour after exposure to bright light. You also can find Dead Guy in 12-ounce six-packs and on tap at a few enlightened drinking establishments.

        Contact Ed Westemeier by e-mail: hopfen@malz.com.

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