Passion: Strong and barely controllable emotion, or an intense desire or enthusiasm for something. Something just popped in your head, didn't it? It was something that defined this word for you. Maybe it was that ‘72 Chevelle SS that's sitting in your garage waiting for that 454 motor. It might be that album you made, and you're trying to find that one person that is going to share it with the world. Whatever it is, you thought of it when you read the word passion.  In the Tacoma community especially, this word runs rather deep. This city is full of artists and genius entrepreneurs that not only have passions, they turn them into careers and share it with the public.

Ron Swarner is a man that did just that, and is having a blast doing so. Partnering with bar owners Robbie and Justin Peterson, they opened Peaks and Pints in November 2016. If you're lucky (or good at planning), you can catch Peaks and Pints on a Monday during SudsPop. Once a month, Peaks and Pints invites a craft brewery to make a three-hour soundtrack off their jukebox, while the brewery's beer is poured and the public plays games. This month, SudsPop will be hosted by Firestone Walker Brewing Company. They will be pairing their Easy Jack Session IPA and their Union Jack IPA, paired along side a game of Black Jack. Don't worry, there is no money involved, but there is a chance to win big prizes.

I know what you're thinking, with over 28 craft beers on tap, how do you choose just one? Ron found a way for you to narrow 64 different types of IPAs down to two in the course of a month.  Starting April 7, you will be able to go online and vote on your favorite IPA in the Tournament of Beer bracket. The bracket is broken up into four categories: Northwest, Southwest, Eastern Washington and King County. If you're like me, and not really educated in the craft beer world, you can still vote. There is going to be a short bio of each IPA explaining the overall feel of the beer, so you have a better idea of what you're voting for.  On April 29 at 5 p.m., you can join Peaks and Pints for the Tournament Of Beer Championship. The final two beers will be on draft, and they will announce the best IPA in Washington, chosen by you. If you're new to the area, or a long-term native, come drink with us, and see why Washington state is arguably the IPA capital of the Northwest.

Peaks and Pints, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday-Thursday, 3816 N. 26th St., Tacoma, 253.328.5621, peaksandpints.com