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!

Road Trippin' to Palm Beach and Broward Breweries!

After 8 months of integrating studying, into my world of intense project workloads, raising children, and day to day life: I passed the PMP Exam June 2nd! This warranted a trip to the cellar, for a 2013 Bourbon County Brand Stout, and my autographed-by-Stone-CEO-Greg Koch w00tStout! This was a huge personal accomplishment, and these special beers fit the bill perfectly!

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!

-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. 



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.


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. 



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!

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!

Out and About in South Florida (Including Trips to my Beer Fridge)

If you haven't checked out Brass Tap Coral Springs, you should go. Especially when they have 'School of Rock' child students performing for the craft beer loving patrons! I hear you - why are kids at Brass Tap? Well, it's because they're bad ass! If you didn't see them, you'd swear a bunch of grown folk were up there strumming, banging and belting out "Roxanne"! 

The band was amazing, and so were our flights:

Pyramid Weiss Cream Wheat Ale
Anderson Valley Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Stout
Stone Sprocket Bier
Shiner Ruby Redbird
Oskar Blues Ten Fidy Stout
Southern Tier Choklat Stout
Delirium Tremens
Ommegang Abbey Ale

I loved all of them except the Shiner Ruby Redbird. There was grapefruit prominent on the first sip, and ginger thereafter. It's a good quality beer, but not my thing. 



Have you poured hard? If you haven't, you should try. All you need is a Left Hand Brewing bottled Milk Stout Nitro, Sawtooth Nitro, or in my case, a Wake Up Dead Nitro. It is so deliciously good: hints of molasses, and fruit cake whisked into a creamy stout. Your supposed to open the bottle, and pour hard into a glass. It won't overflow, and anything new to try with beer, is fun to me! Google it! You'll see. There are videos of hard core pourers, especially one of my favorite Instagrammers: Morganannezamora. She sets the standard on pouring hard. You should check her out, then go try it!

 

Smooth beer. New vocab word. Bonus creepy Guinness statue

Good ol' Riverside Market never disappoints. Especially when they have Founder's Curmudgean: (Ale brewed with molasses and oak aged), Crabbie's Ginger Beer, and Lagunitas Cappucino Stout on tap! Their fish tacos and Rueben were scrumptious compliments to the beers. The vibe in this place is the best. After living in Key West for 12 years, I appreciate anywhere that takes me back to that casual, cool and laid back atmosphere. You can tell how "known" it's become because it's always packed, but they always take great care of everyone, and it's one of my favorite places in South Florida. 







The last two memorable beers I'll mention are Founders KBS (courtesy of a wonderful trade), and Courage Imperial Russian Stout. KBS was savored down to the last sip. I literally didn't want the chocolate, coffee, bourbon barrel aged goodness to end. 

Courage, was originally brewed for Catherine the Great of Russia in 1795. OK! Anything suitable for her, shall be suitable for me. It was smooth, lightly boozy and just enough sweetness. You can age it up to 13 years! I will be going back for more!

90 Days of Amazing Beer!

When you haven't blogged in 3 months (I'm a slacker), but have continued to drink great beer - it's hard to figure out where to start! 

What I'll do, is highlight some of the best, boldest, most delicious brews that have hit my lips since January. Then, I promise to work on posting more frequently. I mean really, who calls themselves a "beer blogger" and posts once a quarter..

The Bruery Black Tuesday Imperial Stout

This bourbon barreled, roasty, silky masterpiece was my treat, for wrapping up an 18-month project. Pure decadence.

Modern Times Black House Stout

This was my first Modern Times, thanks to my Cali trading friend. Delicious, with full on fresh coffee flair! I really want more. Plus, their cans are so clean, and inviting..

Oskar Blues Ten Fidy Imperial Stout 

So, I've had this a few times before, and it never gets old. It's massive on taste, and I do love canned beer. Plus, I love this shot, and I wanted to include it.

Nogne O Winter Ale

I picked up this Norweigan gem winter 2012, and cracked it in January. It was warm, smooth, and had big tones of toffee and molasses. This would be perfect to drink any cold evening.

Toppling Goliath PseudoSue

This is my new favorite Pale Ale. It's bursting of tropical fruit, especially mango - but not overpowering. It tasted fresh, and had great pine notes. A+!

Beer Events!!!

Sud Swap
(With a Bonus of BCBS on Tap!)

In March, Miami Beer Tour put on a spectacular craft beer bazaar at Gramps in Wynwood, along with Funky Buddha and the fabulous Craft Brewjas! I'm talking beer trading, a beer speaker panel, and local brewers such as M.I.A. Brewing and 2 Live Brews showcasing their goods for all to taste. Throw in some baked beer cookies from Let's Make Beer homebrew store, along with guest kegs such as: Saugatuck Brewing's Neapolitan Milk Stout - and you have yourself an amazing Saturday afternoon!

Could it get anymore fabulous? 
Wait for it... It did! Gramps had Bourbon County Brand Stout on tap! Talk about a sticky, sweet, coffee, big stouty bonus! Sud Swap will happen monthly, with the next one April 26th. You should really go. I'll see you there!

Stone Dinner!

It's rare that I go out on a "school night", but if you tell me Dr. Bill Sysak, Stone Craft Beer Ambassador, and master pairing expert of food, beer, wine, spirits and cigars will be up the street from my house, at a dinner hosted by my favorite brewery (STONE) at a local craft beer spot, guess what - I'm going. That I did. We had 4 courses, along with 4 special Stone beers. 

Course 1: Stone Go To IPA, paired with a Jerked Pork Slider

Stone beers, bacon, AND mac & cheese! Three of my favorite things.

Course 2: Stone Smoked Porter, paired with Angry Mac & Cheese (Had a kick)

Course 3: Stone Saison, paired with Chicken and Goat Cheese wrapped in Bacon

Course 4: Vertical Epic 07.07.07, paired with.. who cares? We had Vertical Epic 07.07.07! 

Vertical Epic 07.07.07 is one of the best beers I've ever had. A seven year old Belgian Strong Ale, aged in red wine barrels. It was like taking hints of red wine, pine, cocoa and vanilla, and slowly, combining it with velvet. It was so smooth, like the ocean on a calm day, looking totally flat, but having plenty of carbonation. It was hands down, one of my best beers ever! 

Maple Bacon Coffee Porter Release Day

Today's Belle of the Ball.

It's always fun going to bed, knowing you'll be waking up for some day drinking. Day drinking is exactly what happened with Funky Buddha's Maple Bacon Coffee Porter Bottle Release and Festival. This beer is a hot topic. Just Google it. It has high ratings on Beer Advocate, RateBeer.com, and got famous at the Great American Beer Festival. It's what launched Funky Buddha into craft beer fame. I do enjoy this beer, drank it on draft and picked up a few bottles, but I don't pick up on any bacon. Sorry. The coffee notes are fantastic and prominent, and it's robust, sweet and a smooth porter. Bacon no, delicious - yes! 

Bottle status. I got my 2 of the 3,000.

The festival included many beers, with special times releases on the hour. 

Somehow we thought our feet would liven up the shot. You're welcome.

My notable pours included:

Bonita Applebum, an American Brown Ale which has the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie. The cinnamon is dominant, with a lot of spice going on. This beer is great. It's not too sweet, and I enjoyed the malty undertones. 

Snowed In is an Imperial Porter, which was my favorite of the day! It's pretty similar to Last Snow, except a higher ABV. It feels a bit more creamy, and less earthy than Last Snow. I tasted chocolate, coconut, high malt, and maybe caramel. 

Their Rice Crispy Cream Ale was a tatsy beer, however I wouldn't say it tasted like one. I picked up more of a lemon, toasted marshmallow flavor. It didn't taste overly artificial. 

Special Guests on Draft:

I sipped on an Engine 15 Jasmine Saison, but wasn't a fan. It was way too floral for my taste, but, I rarely enjoy saisons so this was expected. Not my thing. 

The Dogfish 2012 Chateau Jiahu was a treat, an ancient ale modeled after an era 9,000 years ago from China. It's made with brown rice syrup, orange blossom honey, grapes and berry - with the wort fermented with sake yeast for a month. It's like a fine wine hybrid beer. Dogfish always gets my respect for pushing the envelope on things no one else has done, or imagined!

I really wanted to try Cigar City Illuminating the Path Pinot Noir Barrel Aged Ale (ran out), and Cigar City's Good Gourd Almighty Rum Barrel Aged Ale (left too early). 

One of the best moves we made all day, was to avoid the food truck lines and made a field trip to the Ale House for a round of cheese steaks. The weather was great, balmy and 80, and I was impressed with the organization of the festival, and selection of beers. The only thing I didn't like was seeing kids being brought there; I felt bad - each one I saw looked miserable and was crying. Not their thing, obviously. 

Overall, this was a very fun day with friends! It's great to have so many options continuing to develop for South Florida beer nerds! We have South Florida Beer Week coming, and Miami Beer Festival!

Cheers!

Florida Sunshine, Via Malt and Hops...

It's cold everywhere. Even here in Florida, we're supposed to "drop" to the 40s tonight, but for most of you - I know that's still car washin' weather. Regardless, it felt like the perfect time to bring you some Florida sunshine and warmth, via our local water, yeast, malt and hops! 

Over the last month or so, I've tasted a lot of beers. Just check Instagram. Of those magnificent beers, there were plenty local selections. I've said it before, and will say it again: I love being in South Florida for this craft beer revolution we're undergoing. Breweries are popping up everywhere, and some sports bars/restaurants like Bokamper's are now offering special craft selections. I would've taken a pic of my Bell's Two Hearted Ale, but I sacrificed material for the sake of a first date. However, I was at a ladies night at Village Tavern (Pembroke Pines), and was pleasantly surprised to have a can of Cigar City Jai Alai, which was a week old. 

Funky Buddha has exploded in South Florida since they've opened their second, and larger brewing location in June. I recently tried their Chocolate Cherry Porter, Sweet Potato Casserole, and famous Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, which by the way - is the one that put them on the craft beer map nationwide. I didn't pick up much bacon, but the coffee and maple were fantastic. I'm extremely excited to be heading to the Maple Bacon Coffee Porter Bottle Release and Festival this Saturday, and can't wait to try it bottled. I'm expecting a massive beer nerd reunion with my local peeps. Their tap list looks insane: Pineapple Jalapeno Hop Gun, Imperial Stout, Fire in the Hole, Pina Colada Wheat Ale, Whiskey Barrel - Aged Snow Day, guest drafts like 7eventh Sun Guilty Pleasure and Galactic Pale Ale, Funky Buddha/Tequesta Brewing Co. Imperial Pils, and Cigar City Brewing Good Gourd Almighty Rum Barrel Aged Ale - just to name a few! Consider this a warning in advance, on behalf of South Florida for flooding your Instagram and Twitter feeds on 1/11/14!

Over my amazing two week winter break / vacation, I mapped out a strategic road trip which hit two breweries while I ran other errands. The first stop was to the rural farmland area of Homestead, to Miami Brewing Company, which also houses Schnebly Winery. I wasn't there for the wine (that day). Strictly the beer please (this time). I picked up a couple 6-packs of Big Rod Coconut Ale, and Gator Tail Brown Ale. Big Rod Coconut Ale is one of my favorite local brews. The aroma instantly transports you to a balmy, tropical day in which you would be relaxing pool side, or jumping off the boat into the warm Atlantic. It tastes just as great. Hints of vanilla and caramel, with a not too overly sweet or phony coconut goes down smooth. The Gator Tail Brown Ale was a new one for me. I like it. It's very malty, with subtle coffee notes. It's not too heavy, so this would be another great one for the beach, boat, or pool.

My next stop was to Wynwood Brewery, in one of the hippest and coolest neighborhoods in Miami. I've tasted their fine beers in other local establishments such as: Tap 42 and the Mack House, but I was SO excited to finally get there in person. I love everyone connected to Wynwood Brewery I've ever met. It's such a great family vibe and they are doing wonderful things. Great things such as: integrating art into the brewery, which is a reflection of the area, and great things such as the growler of El Dorado Pale Ale I brought home. It was so fresh, crisp, with barely there hints of fruity sweetness and the perfect hoppy boldness I love. I will be going back sooner than later, and can't wait to sample everything they have!

There is beautiful art at Wynwood Brewery

On a final note / public service announcement, 595 Tap and Tavern in Davie, has Terrapin Cinnamon Roll'd Wake and Bake on tap!!! Not a Florida brew, but the establishment is South Florida, and the beer is one we could use tonight to keep warm! Cheers!

Beers Under the Same Roof as Greg Koch...

If the CEO and Co-Founder of your favorite brewery (Stone!) is going to be in town, much less going to be in town, and accessible to meet and drink beers in the same room with - not only do you blog via run on sentence, but you go! You make sure your Sunday evening schedule is clear for Greg Koch, and you drive on down to Coconut Grove to the LoKal for this grand occasion! That is exactly what I did one beautiful, full moon Sunday evening. 

Hanging out with Greg Koch, ya know, typical Sunday...

I was happy to represent the Craft Brewjas, and while a packed house waited for the guest of honor, I had a chance to catch up with old and new Miami beer friends. I love meeting beer friends, especially the ones from Instagram. It's nice to have a real name to the IG name! I say this all the time, but it's so exciting to be a part of South Florida's craft beer movement. There has never been such a fulfilling time to be a beer nerd. We have so many options for great craft beer in South Florida!

OK, back to Greg Koch. As he tapped Enjoy By 12.13.13, he preached to his craft beer disciples about how Miami has made such progress in craft beer, and enlightened us with inspiration such as: "No longer will we put up with the fizzy yellow beer; can I get a hell ya?!"  I will say no more. OK, a little more. He was amazingly approachable, extremely down to earth, and very hospitable. Coolest CEO ever. He signed my W00tstout, and his people were texting the shot to Wil Wheaton. He shared his Crime and Punishment bomber with anyone that held up their glass. And that my friends, is a testament to why I love Stone. Not only are their beers hardcore, bold, in your face and made with obvious quality and ingenuity, but their leader is a man of the people. The craft beer people. 

While we're talking about Stone, I've recently tried the Suede Imperial Porter, a collaboration between 10 Barrel (OR), and Bluejacket (DC). It's brewed with Calendula flowers, jasmine and honey. I loved this one. It was like drinking some smmmooooth velvet. Suede was a great name. I don't know what Calendula flowers taste like, however, I did pick up on a lightly sweet floral-esque hint, so I'm guessing it was the flowers. I will be picking up another so I can age it. It will be awesome. 

Most recently, I picked up a Belgian random bomber from my local Total Wine. Pauwel Kwak, a traditional Belgian special ale (8.4%). I enjoyed this. The color was a beautiful honey hue, and the mouth feel was crisp, full and classic. It's from Belgium. Chances are it will be fantastic. They've been doing this a lot longer than most of us. One day I will get there and taste first hand. Until then, I will keep hitting up the Belgian aisle. Cheers!