"OLYMPIA, Wash. -- What does it take to spend a full day tasting some of the world's best specialty brews?

For Chuck Skypeck, it takes early-morning exercise and a big breakfast, followed by an equally hearty lunch.

That regimen was a must for Skypeck at this week's World Beer Cup in Washington state, because unlike their colleagues in the world of fine wine, the judges weren't wasting any of the samples on a spittoon. Skypeck says "We're beer drinkers. We don't spit."

The top finishers in some 85 categories will be announced Friday."