Jared Pasma and Dan Kandt volunteered to serve at the 14th annual Cool Dog Ball Friday night for good reason n free beer.

The duo were the keepers of the last keg of Lewis and Clark Brewing Company’s seasonal ale Mad Max.

“It’s probably the rarest beer here,” Pasma said.

The ale was one of 36 kegs by 16 breweries at the event, which is a fundraiser for the Race to the Sky sled dog race, which takes place Feb. 8-13. In the past, about $10,000 raised at the ball has funded the winner’s purse, event organizer Jim McHugh said.

Organizers expected about 1,500 microbrew fans to pack the Helena Civic Center ballroom, but said they would not have a ticket count for a few days.

Kandt said the IPA was flowing out of the keg quickly. By about 8 p.m. it was gone.

“It tastes amazing. It tastes like a light beer but has the alcohol percentage of a dark beer,”

Pasma said.

The volunteers don’t pick which brew they pour.

“We got really lucky,” Pasma said with a grin.

Pasma goes to the Brewhouse at least once a week to partake in local beers

“Lewis and Clark is my favorite in Montana,” he said.

Joyce Inchauspe, who moved from Helena in April, traveled all the way from Sheridan, Wyo., for the fundraiser. She said the event was a good opportunity to catch up with old friends while pouring a tasty porter.

“This allows me to get my people fix,” Inchauspe said, while pouring a Plum Street Porter.

Bozeman Brewing Company brewer Bill Hyland described the porter as robust with a mocha coffee flavor and a bit of bitterness. While the beer has been served at the fundraiser in previous years, this year the company is featuring a new recipe.

“This is really fun. I love this event,” Hyland beamed.

Big James & The Chicago Playboys, who also played the Mount Helena Music Festival last summer, rocked the crowd with horn-driven jazz tunes.

Rich Cary of Helena was pouring Oregon’s Rogue Kells Irish Style Lager his first time at the ball.

“I’ve heard really good things,” he said.

Cary said he is normally a Budweiser man, so the event is a good opportunity to try new brews.

Jeri Rittel, who attended the festivities for her fourth time, said her favorite was one she had tried before, 2 Below Winter Ale by New Belgium Brewery of Colorado. Rittel said she loves the event because it’s an opportunity to taste great beers and help the dog sled race.

“It’s a good way to get out in the middle of winter, especially when it is snowing and cold,” she added.

Reporter Angela Brandt: 447-4078 or angela.brandt@helenair.com