To help ease the pre-exam jitters, I hit the road to enjoy some local South Florida breweries.
Stop #1 - Due South Brewing, Boynton Beach
I took the 2PM VIP tour, that comes with samples, Q&A and a pint glass for only $10! Mike, the Operations Manager was knowledgeable, courteous and passionate about his craft (no pun intended)!
The Beers:
-Caramel Cream Ale - a favorite. Creamy, malty, with the perfect balance of caramel notes.
-Category 3 IPA - Great IPA! Smooth and crisp. Citrusy, yet not too sweet.
-Cafe Ole Espresso Porter - Hola, te amo mucho!
This is my other favorite Due South staple! I enjoy the roastiness and superb espresso, brewed in this beauty of a beer!
This is my other favorite Due South staple! I enjoy the roastiness and superb espresso, brewed in this beauty of a beer!
-Mexican Standoff - Hora le.. (I used to love in Cali, what can I say?) This one was very spicy, but not too much that you can't taste the cocoa, vanilla and cinnamon notes. I enjoyed this, but would need to share. I can't hang with a full glass.
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| Bourbon Barrel Mariana Trench posing in a glass |
Drumroll... My new favorite from Due South Brewing, is... Bourbon Barrel Mariana Trench Imperial Stout! Layer, upon layer of lusciousness. Thank you for the people who didn't pick up their bottles, because I got one to bring home. Their loss, was my gain!
The atmosphere and staff at Due South was warm and inviting, and you can feel the camaraderie of the staff, along with a family feel. I can't wait to go back! Awesome place!
Stop #2 - Saltwater Brewery, Delray Beach
Let me start by saying, I love the building, and decor! It's beautifully decorated with handsome woodworking, and subtle beachy shore touches throughout. The common theme of beers all named accordingly, makes it very interesting. I love the ocean and the beach, so I was really excited about a place that combines two of my passions.
The only ones I enjoyed, were the Raspberry Reef Pale Ale, and the Belgian Blonde. In full beer blogging disclosure, all of the darker beers reminded me of salt, or meat. Not sure if my palate was overflowing from the amazingness of Due South, but I would drink those two again, and am open to try new ones.
Stop #3 - Funky Buddha, Oakland Park (1st Anniversary Party)
All of the beer geeks, snobs, nerds, brewers and hoarders were there for this special anniversary party! Initially, I wasn't planning to attend, since I was being low key, avoiding crowds and many, many beers, in preparation of my exam, but, it's Funky Buddha, and it's a party. How could I not? So off to Oakland Park it was!
The beers:
-Funky Buddha Humble Braggot (Mead/beer hybrid) - Orange peels, raisins and honey oh my!
-Cigar City Double Barrel Hunahpu's Imperial Stout My first Hunahpu ever. I was a Huna virgin, and I get it. This shit is good. Apple brandy and rum barrels, cinnamon and vanilla beans, cacao nibs and chiles. This was a treat indeed, and I was thrilled when I was told some was left!
Let me start by saying, I love the building, and decor! It's beautifully decorated with handsome woodworking, and subtle beachy shore touches throughout. The common theme of beers all named accordingly, makes it very interesting. I love the ocean and the beach, so I was really excited about a place that combines two of my passions.
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| Selfie at Saltwater, since the chandelier and wood is so cool |
Flights included the following:
-Chocolate Mayday Imperial Porter
-Watch This Belgian Barley Wine
-Stinger Double IPA
-Bonafied Blonde Belgian Blonde
-Mola Mola Imperial Nut Blonde
-Raspberry Reef Pale Ale
-Bourbon Barrel Watch This
-The Black Current Strong Ale
The only ones I enjoyed, were the Raspberry Reef Pale Ale, and the Belgian Blonde. In full beer blogging disclosure, all of the darker beers reminded me of salt, or meat. Not sure if my palate was overflowing from the amazingness of Due South, but I would drink those two again, and am open to try new ones.
All of the beer geeks, snobs, nerds, brewers and hoarders were there for this special anniversary party! Initially, I wasn't planning to attend, since I was being low key, avoiding crowds and many, many beers, in preparation of my exam, but, it's Funky Buddha, and it's a party. How could I not? So off to Oakland Park it was!
The beers:-Funky Buddha Humble Braggot (Mead/beer hybrid) - Orange peels, raisins and honey oh my!
-Cigar City Double Barrel Hunahpu's Imperial Stout My first Hunahpu ever. I was a Huna virgin, and I get it. This shit is good. Apple brandy and rum barrels, cinnamon and vanilla beans, cacao nibs and chiles. This was a treat indeed, and I was thrilled when I was told some was left!
It was great running into a lot of my beer friends! I'm so glad I ended up there, and am heading back soon to drink from my snifter!
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