For the first time ever, SEAL will be hosting a beer tasting. The event will be held at 7 p.m. Friday in University Center room 259.

Traditionally, the event has been a wine tasting, but members of SEAL decided to try something a little different this year.

Senior Jackie Olson, who is in charge of organizing the event, said the events that are different usually attract a larger crowd.

SEAL teamed up with Randy Cruse of Randy’s Restaurant to host the event.

All of the beer that will be served is made in Fun Hunter’s Brewery, located inside of Randy’s.

Participants will have five different choices of beer. They will sample Warhawk Wheat, Amber Lager, Minneiska Maibock, India Pale Ale (IPA) and Oatmeal Stout.

They are all grain beers and vary in color from light to dark.

Although SEAL had a few options to choose from, Olson said she wanted to give Cruse first dibs because of his long history in Whitewater. She said she also wanted to bring someone in who was already familiar with the university.

“By working kind of together with them, we’re getting the community involved, and we’ll hopefully have a great turn out,” Olson said.

Randy’s has been in Whitewater since 1972. Cruse and his wife Patricia own the restaurant. To add to their resume of dedication to the city, both of the Cruse’s are UW-Whitewater alumni.

The Fun Hunter’s Brewery was added onto the restaurant in 1994.

Cruse will be giving a presentation about his own brewery and the brewery business as a whole.

“I’m going to talk about how we got started in the brewery business, who we consulted with and how we go about getting the beer ready to be served,” Cruse said.

The presentation will include a question and answer session.

“I will answer questions about how we go about formulating beers, and how they get their tastes and colors,” Cruse said.

The session will also cater to students who are interested in the brewery business.

“He’s able to answer any questions because he said he has had some students come in that are kind of interested in the whole brewing process themselves,” Olson said. “If they’re interested at all, he’ll be more than willing to answer any questions.”

Students must be 21 to participate in the event. A signup sheet is available at the Career and Leadership Development’s front desk.

Only 40 students can participate.

Participants must pay $5. The fee acts as a spot-holder for each attendee, and it will be returned at the event.

To complement the beer, snacks including cheese and crackers, popcorn, peanuts and pretzels will be offered.

IDs will be checked at the door upon entrance to the event.

Cruse said he encourages students to come with their families or roommates.

“We can talk about school, the city, or anything else they want to discuss,” Cruse said.