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!

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!! 

Pumpkin and Fall Beer Review - Florida Style!

Since I'm in Florida, my autumn equates to humid, hot and leave-less days. That doesn't mean I don't celebrate the season. I'm a sucka for a theme, especially anything fall related... Whether it's candles, decor, or beer - I want it! So, I made a trip to my Total Wine and selected some random pumpkin and fall brews to get in the spirit, all in the name of research (and my personal enjoyment). With football in the background, I began the tough job of reviewing.

 

 My rankings, in a very particular order:

5. Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale (PA)
Very dissapointed in this one. It was syrupy, way too sweet and thick. It felt like dessert, but a dessert that should be in cake or pie form. There was a flowery/perfume taste which I did not like. If you took maple syrup, some carbonation and a bouquet of flowers, you'd have this. Not a fan.







4. Summit Brewing Oktoberfest Marzen Style (Minnesota)
Not as bad as #6, but it was way too sweet for my taste. It was immensely syrupy, sweet as hard candy, and had a fake aftertaste. Sorry Summit.

3. Smuttynose Brewing Pumpkin Ale (New Hampshire)
This one was good. In one word: bountiful. It was piney, spicy and highly carbonated. I couldn't pick out individual spice notes, but more of an overall big, spicy blend. Thumbs up.

2. Abita Fall Fest Octoberfest Style Lager (Louisiana)
If I was someone that had to rake leaves outside, I would like to have one of these waiting for me afterwards. It was light, yet bursting with full flavor! It reminded me of a crisp, golden Pilsner. It has a large mouth feel, and was very refreshing. A+

1. Anderson Valley Fall Hornin' (Cali)
Oh yeah, I like this one. I want some more. This was in a can. I love beer in cans. To me, it's fresher. This was the clear winner. It was smooth, sharp with no overpowering taste of alcohol. It was a pretty amber hue, with notes of cloves and cinnamon. There was a very savory pumpkin presence, however, it wasn't super sweet. The taste was natural, and no artifical-ness. Clear winner of the afternoon!!

Peace out summer. Football is back!!

I am so happy football season is back. There’s nothing like Sundays with friends, family, football, food and good beer. Factor in that I’m taking people’s money in my Fantasy league this year, and you’ve got one excited beer nerd. My draft party compares to none other. We have flat screens that display our picks, music, and profile photos. It is quite the production. It was held at Duffy’s in Deerfield Beach. Lucky for me they had Harpoon IPA bottles, and lucky for me that Duffy’s is 2-for-1! I’m expecting big things from my QBs Kaepernick and Eli Manning, RB Arian Foster and WR Pierre Garcon this year. Special little reminder for you losers in my league that read my blog: I’m taking money this year.

 

Nothing beats breakfast for dinner. One random night, I was in the mood for some bacon and eggs, so I paired it with a Collaboration Not Litigation Ale from January 2012 (Avery and Russian River). I thought the story behind it was great. Both breweries had beers named “Salvation”. Neither one was trying to give up their brew, so they joined forces and created this fabulous dark Belgian style, maple syrupy deliciousness. Good thing!

 

On my most recent haul, I picked up a few noteworthy bottles: Pyramid Black IPA, Erdinger Oktoberfest, Anderson Valley Brewing Fall Hornin’, Claymore Scotch Ale, Founders Porter, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, Terrapin Dos Cocoa, and Goose Island Matilda. Let me express just how EXCITED I was to see Matilda at my Total Wine. Totally made my day. I have such a weakness for a fine Belgian, or Belgian style beer. A good Belgian beer feels so indulgent; am I wrong? Porters are another weakness of mine. One of the best I’ve ever had, was Edmund Fitzgerald’s Porter from Great Lakes Brewing in Cleveland. I’m really looking forward to trying the Founders Porter (Michigan), to make the whole “Midwest” brew comparison. I gave my Anderson Valley away to a guest, so I’m going to have to scoop up another one of those to try.

With getting back into the school routine, I was super excited (like everyone else) for the much needed Labor Day weekend! It was one of the best weekends I’ve ever had, and it’s not because of the beer selections. Just saying. I would love to elaborate, but this is a beer blog, so you’re only getting beer talk. My Lagunitas IPA on draft at Burger and Beer Joint, in Pembroke Pines was refreshing and crisp. I’m thrilled to have Lagunitas on tap near me! My Holy Mackeral Panic Attack at the Melting Pot, (yes, I said craft beer at the Melting Pot) paired perfectly with the massive amounts of meat, vegetables, and chocolate we consumed.  For the boat, gotta roll with the cans. I checked the beer fridge to see what I had in stock. Harpoon White UFO, and Oskar Blues G’Knight Imperial Red Ale got to come with us to Hillsboro Inlet. 

Harpoon White UFO is like a grown up Blue Moon. The mouth feel is lighter, and I can taste the difference in quality. Oskar Blues, well, I love everything they do. They are on my list of top breweries. 

Other breweries that come to mind on that personal list of favorites are: 

Stone

The Bruery

Great Divide

Southern Tier 

Bells

Green Flash

Cigar City

It's too much pressure to name any others! There are just too many great beers and brewers out there, to name them all. 

Stay tuned for my next post, dedicated to fall and pumpkin beers! Fall is my absolute favorite time of year, so it's fitting that the blog gets an entire entry about them. Cheers!