CHARITABLE INDULGENCES: If you're not too hungover from tonight's couture cocktails with Jack Mackenroth at Product Runway, something beautiful involving imported beer and fine Scotch is happening in Fremont both tonight and tomorrow: the HopScotch Spring Beer and Scotch Festival. The festival's a benefit for NW Folklife, so think of your purchase of extra tequila tastings as an act of springtime charity. 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Friday, 1 p.m.-12 a.m. Saturday // Fremont Studios, 155 N.......

There's no shortage of special occasions to sample beer here in Seattle, whether it's a low-key event like Hard Liver over at Brouwer's Cafe, or a full-fledged lollapaloosa like the Seattle International Beer Festival. Yes, Seattle loves its microbrews, and will occasionally pay homage to wine (particularly if it's of local extraction). But let's face it: Sometimes we get tired of beer, no matter how good, and start jonesing for something a bit stiffer. Certainly,......