Magic City Brewfest returns for its ninth year this weekend, and the popular event will include 307 varieties of beer. Nick Hudson, president of presenting organization Free the Hops, notes that's the most beers the event has ever offered.

So where should you start? During Wednesday's meeting of private craft beer group Hops for Honeys, Hudson shared the top five beers on his MCBF wish list.

Good People's popular El Gordo will be served from a cask in the J. Clyde's cask tent. Hudson says the beer has notes of chili and cocoa nibs. It is also the highest alcohol offering from the state's oldest brewery, at 13.9 percent alcohol by volume. Because it's part of the brewery's reserve collection, it is typically in high demand during MCBF.

2. Westbrook Mexican Cake

Hudson will quickly turn his attention to Westbrook's Mexican Cake, a Russian imperial stout that he intends to compare with El Gordo. Mexican Cake is the South Carolina brewery's annual anniversary beer, and it clocks in at 10.5 percent. It, too, evokes chili and has vanilla-like flavor.

3. Fairhope Ecor Rouge

This Flanders red-style beer is port barrel aged and in limited supply. The brewery distributed fewer than 100 bottles in south Alabama, and so the festival is its Birmingham debut. The beer is 6 percent ABV.

4. All Ghost Train beers

MCBF will debut four Ghost Train beers, the soon-to-be Birmingham-based breweries first. The weekend's servings are expected to include Dark Ride, an 8.9 percent ABV Belgian golden strong; Go Devil Golden Ale, a 4.9 percent American blonde; Switchman's Stash IPL, a 6.9 percent American India pale lager; and Terminal Station Brown, a 4.51 percent Northern English brown. Although Ghost Train is currently contract brewing through Mississippi's Crooked Letter, the owners plan to open a facility in Birmingham soon.

5. Brouwerij Girardin Gueuze 1882 Black Label

Hudson is a big fan of sour beers, and so he is especially looking forward to this beer. Gueuzes are made from blending old and new lambics to create a distinctive flavor. Beer Advocate users give it 95 points.

Hudson also notes that Cahaba Brewing will have a wide variety of beers available, including several (Batch 500, Single Hop 8) that aren't yet on the market. Cheaha Brewing will make its first appearance at the festival, and other breweries, such as Iceland's Einstok Beer, will make their local debut. Find a complete list of MCBF beers at magiccitybrewfest.com, and don't miss Birmingham magazine's tips on how to make the most of the festival.

DETAILS

Magic City Brewfest

7-11 p.m. June 5 and 4-8 p.m. June 6

Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St. N.

Paid parking on-site

Rain or shine; designated drivers buy tickets at the gate and with full-ticket patrons only; no one under 21 allowed without parent or legal guardian.

Tickets are $38 in advance and $45 at the gate

magiccitybrewfest.com