A Week of Funky Buddha, Milestones, and the Beer That Went With It!

Best engraved glass ever. I'm biased.

The idea of seeing my name on a glass was all I needed, to join Funky Buddha's Snifter Club last year. Throw in an extra 2 oz pour each time, extended happy hour, and a t-shirt and I'm in! Fast forward a year later. Time to renew, or pick up my glass. Since I don't make it in that often (not by choice), and don't live too close (5 more years to the east side beach condo), I grudgingly picked up my glass to enjoy at home... However, I can't go in there and just "pick up a glass". That's dumb. I had to at least enjoy one more draft Buddha brew out of it, before shoving it in my purse for the trek back west..

My brew of choice was: Chocolate Covered Cherry Porter. Yes.. I just said that. Yes.. it was silky. Yes.. there was luxurious chocolate with balanced tart cherries involved... The bitter malt meshes perfectly with the authentic taste of cocoa. This weighs in at 6.3% ABV, and is one of my favorites I've had from Funky Buddha.

Cheers to my niece that will be spoiled, then given back

I had a big reason to celebrate last week. I'm an Auntie! To celebrate this grand occasion, I reached into my cellar, pulling out the last 2013 Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout I had. This has been aging for about 8 months now, and tasted incredible. It was smoother than November, and as it warmed up, I picked up dark fruits, molasses and heavy toffee. I dare say vanilla too. This 14.5% ABV beer, never ceases to amaze me. Fresh, poured from the bottle in November, on tap at random spots, and aged for 8 months: it's always a decadent treat. 

Another reason to "celebrate", (or cry) last week, was my daughter getting her Learner's Permit. 

Not sure what's scarier: my younger brother having a child, or my child legally able to drive. It's a toss up. Either way, I know that Bison Brew Organic Chocolate Stout will never leave me wondering. It's always smooth, and I just discovered their site has recipes, and cooking recommendations, such as utilizing it as a meat tenderizer. Be looking for THAT entry soon. Bison Brew says, it's "Like Barry White's voice in a bottle". At 5.0% ABV, with an earthy, dark chocolate and espresso foundation - I can't get enough of this one...

I was on a roll with the rose..

Recent honorable mention for beautiful label artwork goes to Saint Somewhere (Tarpon Springs, FL).

Drain pour mention also goes to Saint Somewhere, for their Pays du Soleil Dubbel Belgian Style Ale.  I immediately noticed the cork slipping up on it's own, once I removed the wire. Red flag #1. Red flag #2, was picking up on medicinal flavors, and honestly, the kind that felt I may be sick if I drank it. So, I drain poured this marvelously labeled bomber. 

Perhaps, my palate is used to other styles, but that's the beauty of craft beer: there's something for everyone. Cheers!

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!

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!

Broward Beer Adventures...

It's such an exciting time to be a beer nerd, in South Florida! We've got new breweries like Wynwood and MIA Brewing; and restaurants and beer spots upping their craft selections regularly. The best thing is when you stumble upon a new spot by accident! On a rainy Saturday night, a group of 3 non beer nerds, and myself were out and about in Ft. Lauderdale. They took me to The Parrot (near the beach). Oh my. It's a bar/restaurant with it's very own craft beer menu! It was such a nice surprise to find this gem of a craft beer mecca. I enjoyed a Ballast Point Sculpin IPA bottle. Delicious! This place has a lot of taps, and a large craft beer fridge. I can tell hardcore beer geeks know about the place since a lot of items were out.. I will be back to this place, and recommend if you're near Ft. Lauderdale beach, check it out. 

Continuing my fall / pumpkin extravaganza, two high ranking brews for me are: Shipyard Pumpkinhead, and Cigar City Good Gourd. CCB Good Gourd was all that I was expected it to be. Believe the hype. I could probably pass up a slice of pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving for some Good Gourd. Southern Tier Warlock Imperial Stout made the cut for International Stout Day. This one was dark, luscious, satin pumpkin smoothness and was very memorable. 

After a long week, all I wanted to do was to go drink out of my Funky Buddha snifter. It's the small things, ya know? It was truly what I was looking forward to all week. So, we go, and arrive to the fire alarm going off. No big deal, but somewhat disorganized. No one really said, oh hey, welcome, and disregard that alarm. It was kind of everyone looking at each other like - should we be in here? Eventually, they ask us to go outside while the fire department handles business and the alarm is shut off. We wait quite a bit once inside to even get waited on, and the server was kind of zoned out, eventually helping us, and was not courteous, but not rude. The other servers, with the exception of Adam, all appeared so stressed and like they didn't want to be there. I was so surprised, because every other time I've been there - everyone has been so pleasant. The vibe was stressful, and I didn't want to stay that long. My beers were awesome though. Adam was fantastic like usual, but I'm disappointed with the vibe now. Seems like some team building is order. Hopefully they get it tightened up. My Pip's Pumpkin Porter was excellent. I would love to have more. My sampler was on point too: Cream Abdul Jabar (creamy and awesome, like a mild Boddington), Red Dawn X and Broooownn Double Brown. 

I knew Tap42 would cheer me up, and that it did. I had a flight of: Miami Brewing Co. Coconut Blonde, Rivertown Brew Espresso Vanilla Porter (OH), and Cigar City Cubano Espresso. Yesssssss. They were all so tasty! I loved them all. The Rivertown was pretty malty, and roasty. The Cigar City was heavy on the espresso, just how I like it. Miami Brewing Co. Coconut Blonde is so easy drinking and full of flavor. I love when I find this on tap! Big ups to Lauren at Tap42 for making the beer selection nothing less than perfect every time I go there. By the way, their new menu is very cool. I had baked potato soup, and shrimp mac n' cheese. Yes, yes, yes!! 

Burgers, Atlanta and Tap and Grinding with the Craft Brewjas!

It was a typically humid South Florida Sunday morning, when a caravan of beer geeks from Orlando's Tap & Grind, arrived at Funky Buddha in Oakland Park. Craft Brewjas' were there to greet them, and kick off the 1st Reverse Tap Takeover! Supporting local places is an important job, and we were happy to do it! After sippin' on some of the great brews like: a blood orange IPA, (think beer mimosa), and No Crusts (PB & J Porter), the crew (without me unfortunately) trekked up to Due South Brewing in Boynton Beach, to take them over next! It was a great show of local support from Orlando's Tap & Grind, and South Florida's Craft Brewjas! I think we should hit the road to Orlando next!

Project Management doesn't stop, so off to Atlanta I went for an extremely quick, yet time-enough-for-a-craft-beer-outing trip! I was literally at the airport to come home, 24 hours after I landed. That's OK! Still time for exploring the craft beer scene! As soon as I knew I was going, I made dinner plans with one of my BFFs who lives there. Her being the sweet friend she is, picked out the perfect spot. Fabulous (she eats nowhere less), with an extensive craft beer selection, (because she knows I'm a beer nerd) and good food (cause a girls gotta eat)! Tap 1180 was the spot. Throw in another fab girlfriend, and ya got a Tuesday night downtown with the ladies. I am so excited to share that I finally tasted a Goose Island Matilda. It was superior and decadent, like Belgian velvet in a glass... No wonder Instagram goes crazy with trades on this. I get it. I couldn't be in a new town, without trying something local! So my next beer was a MNB Drafty Kilt Scotch Ale. I'm a sucka for scotch ales. They're one of my favorite styles. I give this one a B+. It doesn't top Claymore's, or Old Chub's Scotch Ale, but it was close, smooth and delicious. *Notable Hotlanta spot for my next trip: Sweetwater has it's very own pub at Delta's terminal. Yes please! I will be sure to fly Delta when I go back.

 
Breaking News!! West Broward has a new craft beer spot! They also have bomb ass burgers, and bomb ass mac' and cheese! Let's give a warm Pembroke Pines welcome to...Burger and Beer Joint! 

-Yes, it's the same one as in Miami Beach. 
-Yes, it's not all the way in Miami Beach, or east of 95! It's right here, in my hood.

Did I mention they have 59 taps? They have 59 taps. Pretty good stuff too! In my flights I sampled and sipped (since some I've already 'sampled'): Bells Kalamazoo Stout, Capital Hop Cream, Green Flash IPA, Bell's Two Hearted Ale, Lagunitas IPA and Florida Avenue's Lager and Blueberry. I'm normally not a big fruity beer chic, however, this one had bold flavors so I accept it. Throw in the cool pin-up/retro/red wall with album cover decor, and classic rock playing - you've got a new local place for the beer nerds of the west, and the visiting beer nerds from the north, south and east! I'll see ya there..

Can't Get Enough Funky Buddha, and Hey Ladies!!

Funky Buddha emailed me that my personalized snifter was in. That's all I needed to head back to Oakland Park. After a delicious, not overly sweet Blood Orange IPA, it seemed like a perfect time for a 2PM tour. So, after $5, and a free commemorative pint glass, off to the back we went! The tour guide was awesome. He was super passionate about the history, the beer, and the process. Beer nerds know beer nerds, and this dude knows what's up. I didn't realize how successful their Maple Bacon Coffee Porter was at GABF (Great American Beer Festival), and how it was instrumental in putting them on the map! I also learned that their tanks are named after kids, pets and dead Grandparents; i.e. Popper, Gram and Miles, to name a few. After touring the facility, sampling the goods along the way, and checking out the fridge with the motherload of kegs - we were released back with the common folks. I had a No Crusts, which seriously, is like a PB&J but very drinkable, and then a big ol' growler of Hop Gun IPA for the road. Hop Gun IPA was so fresh, and just delicious. I'm not sure what kind of hops they use, but it really reminded me of Cigar City Jai Alai. Two very different tasting, and yummy IPAs, but, I can see a parallel in there somewhere. Maybe it's the same kind of hops??

Time for a ladies night! Two beer dorks, and three non beer dorks, got glammed up and headed to the Royal Pig in Ft. Lauderdale. I was curious to try their own Royal Pig Red Ale, so I ordered it in a flight along with: Green Flash IPA, Rogue Dead Guy Ale, and Breckenridge Vanilla Porter (all safe choices). I wasn't overly impressed with their Red Ale. It seemed a little watery, but I did enjoy the oaky flavors. Maybe it was the tap. It wasn't good enough to get another one. My next one was an Epcot sized glass, of Rogue Dead Guy. Can't go wrong with that one!

Random shout out! Friday's in Davie has expanded their craft selection, specifically on the local side. I savored a Monk in the Trunk (Inlet Brewing), but had a choice of Tequesta Brewing. Impressive, Fridays! 

As I'm typing and sipping, I have to talk about this Dogfish Positive Contact; the collaboration of apple cider, music and beer, with Dan the Automator. You've got spices, cilantro, light mouth feel, yet 9% ABV. I can't recall a more complex, yet simple brew. Dogfish is known for their random specialty brews, and this is one of the better ones I've had!