Interested in sipping a complex Malbec? A powerful Syrah? Sniff. Pass. Don’t you know that beer is the new wine?

At least that was the message at Savor on Saturday evening at the National Building Museum. The massively popular craft-beer festival offered beer-and-food pairings from more than 60 breweries as well as panel discussions with experts who shared their knowledge on everything from Colorado beer to “ancient ales.” (We attended a panel on Belgian beers with Rob Tod of the Allagash Brewing Company and Peter Bouckaert of the New Belgium Brewing Company, two rock stars of the beer world.)

Even in tight economic times, the festival proved that Washington can’t get enough of craft beer: The event, which cost $95 to attend, sold out two months in advance. And why not? Where else can you try passion-fruit-and-mango-mousse cups with an Abita Purple Haze? Or Moroccan-spiced lamb burgers with a double IPA from the Russian River Brewing Company? There were more than 40 food/beer pairings, although many breweries kept things simple with chocolate or cheese.

Still thirsty, or just bummed you missed out on Savor? Tonight at the Brickskeller (1523 22nd St., NW; 202-293-1885), Greg Koch—founder of Stone Brewing Company, based in Escondido, California—will be lead a beer tasting and discussion starting at 6. You can get tickets for $35 at lovethebeer.com.

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