Harbottle Brewing Company is hosting its second annual SMaSHed in the Desert beer festival with seven other location breweries from noon – 6 p.m. on Friday, February 5.

Also, as a double whammy celebration, Harbottle Brewing is utilizing the festival as a party for its fourth anniversary.

So, a SMaSH beer is comprised of one single malt and a single hop — no more and no less. However, keeping it minimal like this can be somewhat of a challenge because the brewer needs to rely more on things like precision and technique. It’s a good thing these folks are the pros because it ought to be a fun competition to witness.

Here’s how the competition works:

Eight breweries are pairing up into four teams to compete in the battle at 3820 S. Palo Verde Rd. #102, with a grand prize of a championship belt. That’s right, it’s all about being the holder of the wrestling-like belt until the following year’s competition reveals a new pair of winners.

This year’s ingredients are Vienna malt and Mosaic hops and each of the four teams (two breweries per team) will be offering tastes of their creation in a blind taste test. From there, you’ll be the judge and vote on your favorite pours.

Tickets are $30 per person and include your five-ounce tasters, a pint of beer, and a commemorative pint glass. Plus, additional drink tickets will be available to purchase, too, if you’re in need of wetting your whistle.

Participating Breweries

• 1912 Brewing Company (Tucson)
• Borderlands Brewing Company (Tucson)
• Button Brew House (Tucson)
• Copper Mine Brewing Company (Tucson)
• Dillinger Brewing Company (Tucson)
• FireTruck Brewing Company (Tucson)
• Harbottle Brewing Company (Tucson)
• Ranch Hand Brewing (Eloy)

If you happen to be a “Mug Club” member at any of the participating breweries you’ll snag yourself a sweet discount — ask your bartender for details on the day of.

Harbottle Brewing Company is located at 3820 S. Palo Verde Rd. #102. For more information and to buy your tickets, visit eventbrite.com.