Summer Madness!

School's out. Traffic is (slightly) better. I'm not nagging my kids over homework each night, and the NBA playoffs were on. What's this mean? It's SUMMER! This also translates to basically showing up to work each day, making sure children are fed, and doing whatever I want in between! Lucky guess, beer is involved. Here are a few recent dabbles, into my craft beer world:

Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale

This is one of my top ten favorites. It's a brown ale coming in at 5.5%, with hints of toffee, tobacco and caramel. It comes in cans, at my local Publix. Not sure which is more exciting: checking the dates on the bottom of the can, or tasting "that batch" to see if the tobacco is more prominent, or if the toffee is stealing the spotlight. It seems to vary, and each variation is delicious to me. This is one of my favorite local brews by far. 



I would not have left early, my Heat



Oskar Blues Deviant Dales IPA
16 ounce tallboy can. Pine, hops, citrus and a beautiful copper hue. This is a fabulous, big-bodied IPA. I've never had an Oskar Blues I didn't like: Old Chub Scotch Ale, Ten Fidy Stout, Pale Ale; I love them all! They're one of my favorite breweries. I savored this while watching the Heat playoffs. That's all I've got to say about that. 

Bison Brewing Organic Chocolate Stout

Pure chocolate, shining through roasted freshness. Organic to boot. This is one of my regular bottles, that make it into the "Make your own 6-pack" at Total Wine. Anyone that loves chocolate, and stout, should try this one. 

 

 

Stone Enjoy By 07.04.14 Double IPA

I love bold beers. Whether it's a red, brown, stout, pale ale or IPA, if it's bold, I'll probably enjoy it. That is exactly what I did with Stone's Enjoy By 07.04.14. First of all, it was the last one Total Wine had. Actually, it was the display bottle. I was so happy I got it. Even the cashier said "Oooo... you're lucky". She's smart. This brew is so fresh, as if it was just made yesterday. With 11 types of hops, and 9.4% ABV, as all Stone beers: it's not for wussies. Just saying. I didn't even want to finish drinking it. It's that good. Stone is my favorite brewery, and has never disappointed me. 

 
Due South Brewing UXO

This American Imperial Red Ale, was created as a tribute to (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) EOD technicians that have served in the military. Mike Halker, Founder and Head Brewer at Due South (Boynton Beach), is a former EOD tech. I'm a military brat, so I have a special place in my heart for anything military. It's what I grew up with. This brew has a 8% ABV, a malty foundation, citrus tones, and a barleywine-esque feel, and it got even better as it warms. A portion of the proceeds get donated to the EOD Warrior Foundation, a group that helps active duty and veteran wounded, injured, or ill EOD Techs and their families, as well as offers assistance to families of wounded and fallen EOD soldiers. Even better. 

 
Until next time, cheers, and happy summer!