Missing You, Sweet Girl…

Forgive me a non-beer-related emotional post.  Things will return to normal soon.

One year ago today, I had to make the most difficult decision of my life and have my German Shepherd, Luna, put to sleep.  She was a few weeks shy of thirteen years, and I had raised her from a puppy.  She was fun and silly and loving.  She loved to run (often straight out the front door) and dig holes in the yard for no apparent reason.  She created a no-fly-zone over out back yard, taking down butterflies and bluejays with reckless abandon.  She was the bane of possums and golden tagu.  Inside the house, she was the princess.  She would perch atop the couch back with paws crossed surveying the front yard through the window,  or she would find clean laundry that had not been put away yet and sprawl over it and sleep.

She knew her place in the pack, for sure.  She understood her role as protector of the house, the kids, and playful companion.  She was never aggressive towards anyone unless she thought they were threatening the family.  She was fiercely loyal, loved to try to steal food, and was a bed-space-stealer.  And we all loved her very much.

As she got older and slowed down a bit, she settled into sleeping more, lounging more, and nestling down into soft places for long naps.  Her health began to fade, and after a while even getting up and down became difficult for her.  Early in the morning of April 3, 2011, she was doing very badly, and I knew the time had come.  I took her for the last time to the vet and sat by her and held her paw and stroked her face as she passed from this world.

It has been a year, but not a day has passed where I don’t think about her.  I miss the sound of her paws on the hardwood floor, her bark when someone comes to the door, her huff-huff sound when she wanted your attention.  I miss the feel of her soft head, her warm furry chest, her kisses that also served to clean my face.  There is a poem about the “Rainbow Bridge” where our pets await us in a frolicking meadow, free of illness and injury until we join them on our way to heaven.  It’s a bit sappy for me, but I like the general idea, so I imagine the Rainbow Bridge of Bifröst on the way to Asgard, and when my time comes, we’ll enter the halls together as Man and Dog.

Play well, my sweet girl.  Until we meet again.

Saint Patrick was a gentleman…

Who through strategy and stealth
Drove all the snakes from Ireland
Here’s a drink to his health!
But not too many drinks
Lest we lose ourselves and then
Forget the good Saint Patrick
And see them snakes again!

Tomorrow is the granddaddy of drinking days in America.  Everyone claims Irish heritage, and over-consumes green-tainted macro adjunct light American lagers.  Or pours pint after pint of Guinness Stout down their gullets.  Because that is what the Patron Saint of Ireland would have wanted… right?

I tease, of course.  I have very fond memories of my days at the old Harp and Thistle Pub on St. Pete Beach, pouring beers from 11 in the morning until 2am the next, singing loudly along with Jim and Laura Farrell, watching the Irish dancers leap about, and bantering with the hundreds of revelers at the bar.  My comrades in pints at my side… Alan, Debbie, Laurie, Jen, Julie… I miss them all.  Those were some very fun times, albeit tiring.

My St. Paddy’s days since then have been more mellow.  I’m older, have a family, and I like to think my taste in beer has refined quite a bit since then as well.  And while I love a well-poured, proper temperature, proper CO2-Nitro mixed Guinness as much as the next guy… I have also discovered some great alternatives to the “traditional” Irish offering.

Instead of Guinness Stout: Cigar City Brewing Patio Tools – An authentic dry Irish stout, made right here in Tampa Bay!  Smooth, delicious, with coffee and chocolate notes, and all the malty goodness one should expect from this style.

Instead of Killians Red: Swamp Head Brewing Hoggetowne Irish Red – Award winning traditional Irish ale from Gainesville’s own.  Made in collaboration with the local homewbrew club, this is a great choice if you can find it in your local craft beer bar.

Instead of Bass Ale: Tampa Bay Brewing Company One Night Stand Pale Ale – A nicely balanced and deliciously hopped pale, this is a great “everyone” beer.  Not too light, not too heavy, just right for have a few while you celebrate.

Instead of Harp Lager: Intuition Ale Works Jon Boat – a light and crisp kolsch-style ale.  Crisp session beer with lager-like characteristics… perfectly suited for St. Paddy’s day in Florida’s heat!

Whatever you end up drinking, enjoy yourself!  And remember to be safe.  I know I have said it before, but it can’t be repeated enough: If you are drinking, do not drive.  Period.  There is simply no excuse to get behind the wheel if you have been drinking.  Even if you think “I am fine” or “I need my car”.  The second you get behind the wheel after drinking, you put yourself and everyone else at risk of injury or death.  It is simply not worth it.  Get a cab.  Call a friend.  Bring a designated driver.

Sláinte!!!

“My taste in beer was formed by commercials in the ’70s and ’80s…”

That line right there is enough to disqualify anyone from having an intelligent discussion about beer.  If you feel the need to read the rest of the cringe-worthy “article” on AskMen.com, don’t say I didn’t warn you.  Read it here.  But, since I often find I can’t let sleeping dogs lie – especially when it comes to beer – I feel like I have to refute this misguided, ill-informed, and patently false hack job.

The author of the piece would have you believe that all of us who claim to enjoy good craft beer are liars and snobs more concerned with looking cool than enjoying our beverages.  He says “It’s time to admit it. You hate the beer you drink today.”

No sir, I don’t.  I actually love the beer I drink today.  I love my choices.  I love the varieties.  Do I like them all?  No, of course not.  But way more often than not, I do enjoy the beer I drink.

He makes mention of seeing the rows of craft beers in his local store and then claims “I love beer, but I hate these beers.  And so do you. You can deny it all you want, but I’ll never believe you wouldn’t rather shoot pool with a couple of Pabst Blue Ribbons than with a cedar-spiced holiday ale.”

Well, Mr. Smith, I am denying it.  Vehemently.  And I also question your love of beer.  What you love is the lie that has been perpetrated by the same commercials you have admitted shape your albeit-questionable taste.  The ice-cold… the fizzy yellow… the delivered by Swedish Bikini Teams… The fact is, sir, that you do not know what you are talking about.  There is a reason that while the overall beer market is shrinking and sales are down, the craft beer market is growing and seeing an increase.  Do you really think people are lying to themselves and just trying to be cool and snobby?

You claim that you have “friends” who say you are missing out and call you a beer square.  But I sincerely question whether or not you have had a real

Do you remember the "Bitter Beer Face?"

conversation about beer.  Actually tried anything recently.  Your descriptions of turpentine, pumpernickel, B.O., and sweat socks do not sound like any of the beers I drink.  Are there some beers out there that are bad?  Sure.  Plenty.  And you are right about the attempt to fool an unsuspecting public with some imports years ago by claiming beer heritage.  Unfortunately, few of those were different from the light American lagers we were already forced to accept.  A lot of them were, and still are, “skunky, musky brews”.  But there are so many other choices.

In today’s craft beer world, you can’t make blanket statements like “I hate these beers”.  You like light American lagers?  Fine.  I challenge you to try a truly excellent Pilsner or another well-crafted lager.  I would bet you enjoy them more than your “yellow, fizzy and brewed in Milwaukee… in a can so cold I have to guzzle it just to get the feeling back in my hand” beer.

I am pretty sure that Mr. Smith will never take that leap, however.  He has already let the talking frogs, the emotive limes, and the race-car drivers tell him what to drink.  That’s fine.  All the more for me.

Cheers!

Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout 2012 – Release Day Madness

It’s finally here.  The culmination of an amazing Tampa Bay Beer Week, and the release of one of the most highly anticipated beers of the year anywhere.  Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout.  Last year was amazing, if you recall.  This year, the madman (and madwomen) of Cigar City are taking it up a few levels.

From the info I have cobbled together from various sources – most of which were from Cigar City themselves – you can plainly see what an epic day tomorrow will be.  So here we go…

• Parking will be across the street from the brewery at the Sears and Roebuck parking lot – look for the big, open lot with all of the cars.  It will NOT be at the IRS building as previously reported.  There is no longer going to be a shuttle service provided.
• The gates will open to the public at 11:00am, but you can expect the line will begin waaaaay before that.
• Bottles will go on sale at 3:30pm, limit of 2 bottles per person.  This is a change form the original 3.  Don’t bitch about it, please.
• Upon entering you will receive two wristbands: one to show that you’re at least 21 years old and the other to secure your right to purchase Hunahpu’s.  Bring your ID.  ”I forgot it” will not be an acceptable excuse and you will not get a wristband, which will mean no beer for you.
• At 7:30, bottles will go on sale again, limit of 12 bottles per person, if any is left.
• Bottles are $20, cash only.  You MUST get a wristband to purchase your bottles.
• There will be no growler fills at all on Saturday.
• There will be 9 food trucks and/or vendors on site with food for sale.  Bring cash, just to be on the safe side.
• Guest taps and Cigar City taps will be spread out all over the compound, as well as inside the Tasting Room.
• Several homebrew clubs will have booths set up and offering samples of their brews for free!

So… now to the beer… I hope you have some time to read through this… it is impressive, to say the least.  First off, here are the Cigar City Brewing beers that will be available throughout the day.

• Hunahpu’s 2012
• Hunahpu’s 2011
• Jai Alai
• Maduro
• Hotter Than Helles
• Tocobaga
• Marzen
• Florida Cracker
• El Lector
• Humidor Series IPA
• Church on a Hill
• Jose Marti
• Cubano Espresso
• Kalevipoeg
• Patio Tools
• Minaret
• Bourbon barrel-aged Big Sound
• Raspberry Saison
• Vuja De
• Bohr
• Dirac
• E&J’s Smokeout Stout
• Honey Vanilla Black Lager
• Pineapple Blonde
• Campeador Greaves
• Rum barrel-aged Imperial Milk Porter
• Blueberry Lager
• Bohr/Dirac Blend
• Nielsbohrium
• Oak-aged Dirac
• Palm Ridge barrel-aged Bohr/Dirac
• Blueberry White Ale
• Those Candies Your Granny Loves Brown Ale
• El Murcielago
• Strawberry White Ale
• Palm Ridge barrel-aged Vuja De
• Sam-I-am-buca Baltic Porter
• Marron Acidifie
• Red Wine barrel-aged Sea Bass
• Red Wine barrel-aged Vuja De
• Mocha Cubano Brown
• Cookies and Milk
• Blueberry Muffin Brown
• Hungarian Oak Peach IPA
• Smokabaga
• Check It and See (Hot Blooded aged in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels)
• Whiskey barrel-aged Hunahpu’s
• Rum barrel-aged Hunahpu’s
• Palm Ridge barrel-aged Hunahpu’s

Thirsty yet?  How about this lineup of guest taps…

• 7venth Sun Midnight Moonlight Berliner Weisse
• Avery Trogdor the Burninator
• Ballast Point Smoke Screen Helles
• Ballast Point Sour Wench Blackberry Ale
• Bold City Mad Manatee
• Bold City Killer Whale
• Bold City Duke’s
• Dunedin The Moar Wheat Ale
• Dunedin Noggin Black Cherry Pale Ale
• Founders Breakfast Stout
• Founders Imperial Stout
• Funky Buddha Last Snow Porter
• Funky Buddha Floridian Hefeweizen
• Funky Buddha Passionfruit Berliner Weisse
• Green Room Undertow Barley Wine
• Intuition People’s Pale Ale
• Johnathan Wakefield’s Miami Madness Berliner (guava, mango, passionfruit)
• Johnathan Wakefield’s Phat Bottom Berliner (hidden rose apples)
• Johnathan Wakefield’s PFDF Berliner (passionfruit, dragonfruit)
• Lost Abbey Angel’s Share
• Lost Abbey Deliverance
• Port Brewing Older Viscosity
• Samuel Adams Dark Depths Baltic IPA
• Samuel Adams Griffin’s Bow Oaked Blonde Barley Wine Ale
• Samuel Adams Tasman’s Red IPA
• Shipyard Emporium Palm Ridge barrel-aged Porter
• Tequesta Oak-aged Vier Belgian Quad
• Three Floyds Alpha King Pale Ale
• Three Floyds Arctic Panzer Wolf Imperial IPA
• Three Floyds Dark Lord Imperial Stout
• Three Floyds Oak-aged Dark Lord Imperial Stout (Heaven Hill barrels)
• Three Floyds Dreadnaught Imperial IPA
• Three Floyds Sand Pebbles American Brown Ale
• Three Floyds Stygian Darkness Dark Belgian Strong Ale
• Three Floyds Topless Wytch Baltic Porter
• Three Floyds Zombie Dust Pale Ale

And those are just the ones we have been told about… our friends at Cigar City have a tendency to surprise us with little secret stashes from time to time, so do not be surprised to see something show up that is not on any list anywhere.  In addition, bottle-sharing is not only allowed, it is encouraged.  Just be nice, be generous, and clean up after yourself.

Finally, some personal words of advice.

• Wear sunscreen.  The weather report is calling for a high of 83 degrees, and a 30% chance of showers.  But make no mistake, it will be sunny a lot of the day, and you will be drinking.  The last thing you need to add to your day-after recovery is a sunburn.  Trust me.
• Drink lots of water.  Seriously.  For all the same reasons you are wearing sunscreen, you should keep yourself hydrated regardless of how much beer you are drinking.
• If you are drinking, do not drive.  Period.  There is simply no excuse to get behind the wheel if you have been drinking.  Even if you think “I am fine” or “I need my car”.  The second you get behind the wheel after drinking, you put yourself and everyone else at risk of injury or death.  It is simply not worth it.  Get a cab.  Call a friend.  Bring a designated driver.  We want to see you back again next year.
• Don’t be a jerk.  I have already seen complaints about the bottle limit dropping from 3 to 2.  Get over it.  The demand is high, and so the good folks at Cigar City want to be sure everyone gets a chance at having some.  Everyone is there to have a good time and drink some great beer.  There is no reason to be “that guy” (or “that girl”, for that matter) who is complaining because they think they should get more.

I will be there in the early afternoon pouring at an as-yet-undisclosed tap location.  Look for me, get your picture taken, and I only charge $15 per signature… which is less than many major sports stars. (I kid, of course… $15 is right on par with a lot of stars).  In all seriousness, I love meeting new beer friends, so come say hello!

Cheers!

Wow…

Not quite sure how else to put it.  I had high expectations for the special dinner event at Tampa Bay Brewing Company last night.  I know how good their food is.  I know how good their beers and the beers from Cigar City are.  I knew it was going to be a great time.  I had no idea how great.

To begin with, the setup was beautiful.  The staff was amazing.  And right off the bat, the food was incredible.  Every place setting had a specially designed menu for the event, and multiple glasses for the different beers to be poured.  Water was in plentiful supply.  It was a delightful and relaxing, yet elegant setting.

While the guests stood around and socialized, servers brought around trays of hors d’oeuvres, three different selections specially prepared to match up with either Cigar City Jai Alai or the TBBC Wingers Orange Peel Pale.

Oysters on the Half Shell with a Yuzu Golden Beet Jai Alai Gazpacho

Crispy Manchego Cheese with a White Balsamic Orange Peel Pale Ale Honey Drizzle

Hudson Valley Foie Gras Terrine with Jai Alai Orange Marmalade

All three were out-of-this-world delicious, and it was difficult not to go back for seconds or thirds, but everyone knew there was a lot of food still to come.  After some mingling and chatting, we took our seats and were greeted with a welcome from John Doble, owner of Tampa Bay Brewing Company.  I had the honor of sitting with head brewer Dave Doble (John’s son) and his lovely wife Windy and assistant brewer Brian Wing.  Dave raised a toast to everyone, and the meal was underway.  Much to my appreciation, each course was prefaced by a few words from head chef Ryan Kelly, explaining the idea behind the pairing with each beer.

The Menu

We started with a simply delicious Roasted Yellow Pepper Helles Coulis with Jumbo Lump Crab and Grilled Asparagus, paired with Cigar City’s Hotter Than Helles Munich Lager.  Light, crisp, and a perfect match.

Roasted Yellow Pepper Helles Coulis with Jumbo Lump Crab and Grilled Asparagus

The next course was Chili Crusted Nairagi (Hawaiian Blue Marlin) with Cucumber Carpaccio and Caviar, served with TBBC’s Old Elephant Foot IPA.  The hoppiness of the beer contrasted but balanced well with the spice of the chili and the cool, fresh cucumber.

Chili Crusted Nairagi (Hawaiian Blue Marlin) with Cucumber Carpaccio and Caviar

There was a very nice aperitif to follow of a Hefeweizen Hop and Mint Sorbet to cleanse the palate.  It was interesting to notice how the mint completely negated the hops in the IPA, revealing almost exclusively the malt.  A fun experiment.

Hefeweizen Hop & Mint Sorbet

Then we moved on to the fourth course: Coffee “Rubbed” Pan Roasted Quail with a Sweet Potato Tamale and a Spanish Mole Sauce paired with Cigar City’s Cubano Espresso Brown Ale.  This may have been my favorite of the night.  The mole sauce was intense and delicious and was expertly paired with the Cubano Espresso.  The tamale was a nice surprise, soft and sweet and full of great flavor.

Coffee "Rubbed" Pan Roasted Quail with a Sweet Potato Tamale and a Spanish Mole Sauce

Then came the course everyone had been talking about: Pepper Crusted Grilled Kangaroo Loin with Truffled Celery Root and a Star Anise Iron Rat Reduction.  This exotic plate was paired with TBBC’s Iron Rat Stout, the dark malty brew balancing well with the gamey, rich marsupial.  The meat was tender, and reminded me of a good venison.  The star anise reduction, made with the Iron Rat stout, enhanced the richness significantly.

Pepper Crusted Grilled Kangaroo Loin with Truffled Celery Root and a Star Anise Iron Rat Reduction

Finally, the dessert.  Chocolate Ganache Tart with a Graham Cracker Pretzel Crust and a Bourbon Orange Caramel.  The decadent tart was paired with the equally sinful TBBC Vanilla Bourbon Moose Killer Barleywine.  Sweetness, potency, flavor, richness… all together.  This was the perfect completion to a truly stunning culinary effort.

Chocolate Ganache Tart with a Graham Cracker Pretzel Crust and a Bourbon Orange Caramel

Throughout the evening, we were treated to thanks and brief comments from Joey Redner and Wayne Wambles of Cigar City and Florida Brewers Guild Founder Ed Canty.

This was an event to be remembered, and I hope merely the first of many special beer pairing dinners to come.  Chef Ryan Kelly is probably the best kept culinary secret in Tampa Bay, and I would love to see what else he has up his sleeve.  His ability to match and balance flavors between the beer and the food is nothing short of genius.  The Dobles and the Tampa Bay Brewing Company have put together an amazing staff of people, from the front of the house to the back, and I hope the get the recognition they deserve for it.

If you have not had the pleasure of visiting TBBC, put it on your to-do list.  You will not be disappointed.  The beer is great, the food is fantastic, and they just keep getting better.

Cheers!

Beer Week Continues/My Favorite Places – Tampa Bay Brewing Company

Tampa Bay Beer Week, I am in you.  The week is in full swing, and the events so far have been amazing.

Tonight there will be several events of note, including Hops in the Cauldron at the Ale & the Witch.  This is a Dunedin Brewery night at the Witch, with a one-of-a-kind firkin: Pipers Pale dry hopped with Nelson Sauvin, cascade, summit, centennial, and whole leaf Amarillo hops.  Also on tap from Dunedin will be Black Cherry IPA, HopNom, Sauvin IPA, Dropkick Murphy Erin Red, and Celtic Gold. As always, live music at 8:30.

Also tonight, at Peg’s Cantina in Gulfport, they are hosting Pink Pints & Pairings, a beer and food pairing for ladies (gentlemen are not excluded). They will be tasting 4 or 5 different beer styles and then pairing them with small plates (starter, salad, entrée, dessert). It’s open to people who are new to the craft beer scene as well as those who have been drinking craft beer for years. Good discussion, beer and food education, and a chance to try new things. There is limited seating, so reservations are required.  The cost is $25 per person.

When I first moved to Tampa Bay from California, finding good beer at all was a challenge.  A few years after I got here, though, I was introduced to what has become a cornerstone of the beer culture in the Bay Area.  So what better place to wrap up my series of Favorites, than at the place where Tampa Bay Beer Week kicked things off: the Tampa Bay Brewing Company.  Located now in the Centro Ybor complex in Ybor City, this brewpub has been a driving force and a beacon of great beer long before most people in Tampa Bay were even aware craft beer was out there.  The Doble family has worked tirelessly to turn out great beer, educate a beer-neophyte citizenry, and continue to fight the powers-that-be to make craft beer available for the thirsty beers lovers of Tampa Bay.

After ten years at their original location on 15th Street in Ybor City, Tampa Bay Brewing Company moved to their current location in the Centro Ybor complex in 2006.  The move allowed for more production, more seating, as well as an outside bar and patio for patrons to enjoy the Florida sunshine while drinking some of the state’s finest beers.  In addition to a great lineup of brews, the Brewing Company has also earned a reputation for excellent food.  From their pub fare like cheese and ale dip and stout-battered pickle spears (both of which are ridiculously good), to their dinner entrées like barleywine meatloaf with wild mushroom demi or the incredible weizen Thai-style curry spicy mussels,m everything on their menu is delicious.  And more often than not, they use their own beer in the recipes.

So it should come as no surprise that tonight’s event will be a special one: Tampa Bay Brewing Company & Cigar City Brewing Beer Dinner.  A six-course, multi-national event pairing the beers of Tampa’s two most prominent breweries with an inspired menu.  I seriously cannot wait for this.  The menu looks amazing, and I am excited to try the beer and food combinations.  The last I heard, there were only a handful of tickets left, but even those might be gone by now.  If you can get one, this will be an event to remember.

Cheers!

Tampa Bay Beer Week – Brewer’s Ball

Day two of Tampa Bay Beer Week was another smashing success, as the best of the best in Florida were represented at the Brewer’s Ball at Skipper’s Smokehouse in Tampa.  The Best Florida Beer Championship is a “not for profit organization founded by craft beer lovers, homebrewers, and commercial brewers in the Tampa Bay area. Our goal is to promote the celebration and consumption of locally made craft-brewed beer in the state of Florida.”  Every year, they hold two competitions: one for the best commercial beer in the state and the other for best homebrew.  The competitions culminate at the Brewer’s Ball, a free-pouring, live music playing, celebration of all that is good about Florida beer.

This year, the following breweries were represented:

• A1A Ale Works – St. Augustine
• Alligator Brewing Company – Gainesville
• Charlie & Jake’s Brewery Grille – Melbourne
• Cigar City Brewing – Tampa
• Orlando Brewing – Orlando
• Pensacola Bay Brewery – Pensacola
• Saint Somewhere Brewing Company – Tarpon Springs
• Seventh Sun Brewing Company – Dunedin
• Shipyard Emporium – Winter Park
• Swamp Head Brewery – Gainesville
• Tampa Bay Brewing Company – Tampa
• Yuengling Brewery – Tampa

Thirty different gold-medal winning beers flows from the taps, and we were treated to a great show by the Damon Fowler Band.  A lunch of chicken or fish and beans and rice and coleslaw was a nice addition.

In addition to the medals that the breweries received, there is also a “best in show” competition where the top three commercial beers, the top homebrewer, and the homebrew club with the most points get trophies.  This year, the commercial winners were:

• First Place – Shipyard Emporium Wee Heavy, a peated Scotch ale.
• Second Place – Pensacola Brewing Light House Porter, a robust porter.
• Third Place – Cigar City Brewing Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout, an imperial stout

In addition to these amazing beers, some of the standouts (that I had never had before) for me were:

• Swamp Head Scieanhops, an imperial red
• Tampa Bay Brewing Company Smokin Mullet, a smoked IPA
• Charlie & Jake’s Harbor City Gold Lager, an American lager

This is one of those events you do not want to miss if you can help it.  The people are great, the beers are fantastic, and the atmosphere is second to none.  Kudos to all the brewers who were there, and a special congratulations to the winners of the Best Florida Beer Championships!

Cheers!