The Pacific Northwest is home to a large number of microbrewers and likely an even larger number of individual homebrewers.

Many of these homebrewers are also airmen and soldiers based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and on Friday, Feb. 26, they will have an opportunity to network and try different beers at the annual JBLM Brewfest. The event is hosted by JBLM Morale, Welfare and Recreation and the Homebrewers of Puget Sound (HOPS).

The evening program will run from 4:30-8 p.m. at The Club at McChord Field, 700 Barnes Blvd. It will feature more than 30 microbrewers, an American Homebrewers Association-sanctioned competition, entertainment provided by bluegrass band The Oly Mountain Boys, and raffle prizes like professional microbrew swag and homebrew kits.

For $15, guests receive a sampling mug and six samples of beer.

"Everyone at the door gets a sampling mug with the JBLM Brewfest emblem on it," said Colin Brooks, manager of special events at JBLM. "An extra five dollars gets you an extra five samples. Guests turn in a wooden coin to the brewer for each sample. Whichever brewer has the most wooden coins, that brewer will be on tap at JBLM. This is something new we're trying to do this year."

This year, more than 140 homebrewers are competing, Brooks said. More than 30 microbreweries and more than 10 homebrewers will provide samples.

"(Brewfest) initially started under the Air Force programs at McChord Air Force Base," Brooks explained. "I brought it over in 2011 when the bases were joined. We have been partnering with Homebrewers of Puget Sound for five years. It really helps it make a whole lot easier to run. (HOPS) figures out coordination and provides judges."

Judges are certified via the Beer Judging Certification Program.

"We pair judges up with airmen and soldiers," Brooks said. "When we send the (competition results) to each homebrewer, one set comes from a certified judge and the other one from a novice like an airman or soldier."

Master Sgt. Doug Fielding with the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, who has served in the Air Force for more than 19 years, has been a member of HOPS since December 2011.

He has coordinated the homebrewers competition for several years. He tallies up scores from the judges and also helps to promote and advertise the JBLM Brewfest to other homebrewer clubs in the Northwest region.

"Each club will have their own booth at Brewfest," he said.

Fielding, who started brewing his own beer in 2008, said Brewfest is the only event of its kind where homebrewers can mingle with commercial craft brewers.

"We get to share our beer with them," Fielding said, "and we get to share what we like about their beer."

Fielding remembers one craft brewer asking him about his smoked chipotle beer recipe.

"I appreciated that feedback," he said.

HOPS actively recruits airmen and soldiers and holds meetings the second Saturday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at Edison City Alehouse in south Tacoma, 5602 S. Lawrence St. New members are welcome.

JBLM Brewfest, 4:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, Feb 26, $15, The Club at McChord Field, 700 Barnes Blvd., JBLM McChord, 253.967.5776, jblmmwr.com/brewfest/