Writing and imbibing are linked throughout modern literature and journalism. Hemingway loved mojitos; Faulkner, mint juleps; Fitzgerald, gin; Kerouac, anything; Tom Robbins celebrated the golden, bubbly concoction of Bohemia. With such historical connection between words and drink, it’s no surprise that a newspaper would host a beer festival.

While most beer tastings venture from lightest to darkest—dew drop to motor oil—that’ll be difficult with 40 beers to choose from. There’ll be tough decisions like: “Should you go from a porter to a saison?” or “What’s the optimal time to break for a snack?” and “What’s the perfect pairing for your tacos?” Ah, life is hard when you’re having such a good time. Luckily, there’s five hours of mouth joy at 3 ounces a pop. Three ounces is plenty to experience a brew, and it encourages responsible drinking.

Loads of Utah breweries will be dishing out their classics, seasonal selections, award-winners and full-strength brews. Check out Epic, Squatters, Wasatch, Four , Rooster’s, Desert Edge and more (Read the  Drink article). There’ll be live entertainment to cleanse your palate with between tastes from each brewery. The Futurists, Wasnatch and the Samuel Smith Band join 2010 City Weekly Music Awards winners Spell Talk for musical accompaniment to your sampling. A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to Local First. And, when it’s over, there are only 364 days until you’ll again see the City & County Building in such a sudsy state.

City Weekly Beer Festival @ City & County Building, 451 S. State, Sept. 11, 1-6 p.m., $25 advance/$35 day of.

Click here to buy tickets online or find a brew pub that's selling them.

Below, a preview of the festival produced by Utah's Fox13.