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! 

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!