So, slowly but surely the congestion is clearing, and now I am just beat. Taking vacations can be tiring sometimes, but it’s been a good vacation overall. Jenn and Josh have been wonderful hosts and the lil munchkin and Skyler have done more than their part to keep me amused. For our last day, Barley Johns was on the list along with a few stops along the way. One thing I didn’t do Tuesday morning was workout, and I’m glad I didn’t. This Kristyn is tuckered out.
A lazy morning gave way to a shower and off we were. First stop was, of course, coffee from Starbucks and then off to the public library to pick up a book Jenn had on hold. I used to be a library fiend when I was younger, but since have fallen out of favor with myself and I would imagine, many others. The Vero Beach library isn’t exactly a shining example of literary inspiration, much less modern adaptability. The library that Jenn uses is completely accessible online. You can check out, return, and even list books you are waiting on and when they come back in, you get an email notification and around 3-4 days to pick it up before they put it back on the shelf. Think Netflix except for books. Pretty darn spiff, if I do say so. Now, the real question lies in whether they have beer, scotch, bourbon, whisky, and other various books on spirits for rental. If they did, I would be all over it like nori on sushi.
We stopped at Lake Minnetonka again, but the north side this time versus whatever side we were on last time. The north side of Minnetonka is accessible in a quaint little town with shops galore for browsing and exploring. While I could never deal with the cold, I love all the quaint towns scattered throughout Minneapolis. Like Jenn said, some of them look like they belong more in a mountainside town in the Carolinas. I know when Mom visits Jenn again in the spring/summer, shopping trips will be on the itinerary.
The lil munchkin didn’t mind the short walk outside as bad this time around. We’ve definitely come to the conclusion that she didn’t like the cold wind and weather we submitted her to in Hudson. There were snowmobilers and trucks out on the lake again, those crazy Minnesotans, though no ice fishing huts that I could see. It is getting about time for them to pack-up before the snow and ice really starts to melt at the onset of spring with summer looming on the horizon.
As long as we could have looked around at Lake Minnetonka and the lil town of Minnetonka, a brewpub was calling and so we hit the road once more for a short drive through downtown Minneapolis which looked like any other big city: loud, noisy, under constant construction, and covered in black snow. Yes, black snow. Anyone who thinks snow is always pretty and white has obviously never taken in snow 5 minutes or less after cars, trucks, trains, and people have walked by and through it. Yuck sometimes doesn’t even come to describe it. I’ll stick to my sandy beaches and sunshine, thankyouverymuch.
A short venture through downtown Minneapolis and a jaunt back onto the interstate found us at Barley Johns Brewpub. Coming with high RateBeer and Eric recommendations, it was a must-visit for my first time in Minneapolis. Suffice to say, they didn’t disappoint, only my head-cold did. I had their taster tray which included their Little Barley Bitter, Stockyard IPA, Wild Brunette, Old 8 Porter, and for a seasonal, their Doppelbock. Out of all of them, only the Doppelbock was unimpressive. The rest which are their flagship, otherwise known as year-round beers, were excellent. I especially enjoyed the Wild Brunette. The addition of rice in a beer usually means one thing: cheap. Not so with the Wild Brunette; flavorful and very light on the palate which I would attribute to the wild brown rice used, and complimented with a dry nutty toasty palate. Intriguingly different and delightfully tasteful. The only other beer they had on draft which I regrettably did not get to enjoy was their other seasonal, a Belgian-style Tripel. I even had them pour me a glass in anticipation of saving her for last; I do have a soft spot for Belgians, you see. But alas, my head cold took over and I had to draw the line at the gleaming glass of Belgian Tripel goodness. For whatever reason, the combination of good food and good beer in my belly along with the Benadryl-D took me into the brick wall and I wisely stepped back. I know better than to push my luck, though I came pretty close this time around. In all fairness and for all you who know what head-colds can do to beer tasting fairness, if I wasn’t able to I wouldn’t have and I was still able to. Nuf said.
Another full day in Minneapolis, we headed home to kick up the feet and relax. I had thought to take a nap, but that tanked as soon as I lay on the couch and turned the TV on. Wide awake was I, so I channel surfed, enjoying some SVU and Criminal Minds and other random tidbits of cable. I was still feeling tired physically, so I didn’t exactly exert myself which was maybe exactly what I needed after a long and busy week of fun. Finally calling it a night around 1 a.m., I wandered upstairs. Shoving my clean clothes to the other side of the bed, eyelids shut and a parade of funky dreams got me through the night.
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
Thursday, March 04, 2010
WOB Viera Beer News
St. Patty's Day Celebration
On March 17th, come celebrate St. Patrick's Day! We will be featuring beer specials with our favorite irish imports, Smithwick's, Magners, Murphy's, Harp and Guinness. $4 Irish pints, $3 Rogue Kells, $2 Irish Car Bombs, $1 Irish Beer shots. Click here for flyer.
Rock by the Sea
Saturday, March 13th, 9 pm to 12 am, World Of Beer is teaming with Rock By The Sea, a Florida Not-for-Profit organization, to present the Rock By The Sea Road Show featuring Lani Daniels, Sam Thacker and Alternate Routes front man, Tim Warren. This intimate and unique night of music includes individual sets by each of the artists culminating in a late-night jam where they will all share the stage. Rock By The Sea will be selling merchandise and hosting a Gibson guitar raffle to raise money to benefit the UF Pediatric Brain Tumor Program at Shands HealthCare and others. Additional information about the concert series can be found at www.wobviera.com and at www.RockByTheSea.org.
World of Beer Bracket Challenge
This March, play the World of Beer Bracket challenge. You could win free beer, bragging rights and a 42" Plasma HDTV. Register NOW online for free and when the teams are announced on March 14, login to pick your favorites. You will be able to track your standings and results throughout the tournament. Click here for more details.
New Bottles
New Drafts
Live Music This Week
On March 17th, come celebrate St. Patrick's Day! We will be featuring beer specials with our favorite irish imports, Smithwick's, Magners, Murphy's, Harp and Guinness. $4 Irish pints, $3 Rogue Kells, $2 Irish Car Bombs, $1 Irish Beer shots. Click here for flyer.
Rock by the Sea
Saturday, March 13th, 9 pm to 12 am, World Of Beer is teaming with Rock By The Sea, a Florida Not-for-Profit organization, to present the Rock By The Sea Road Show featuring Lani Daniels, Sam Thacker and Alternate Routes front man, Tim Warren. This intimate and unique night of music includes individual sets by each of the artists culminating in a late-night jam where they will all share the stage. Rock By The Sea will be selling merchandise and hosting a Gibson guitar raffle to raise money to benefit the UF Pediatric Brain Tumor Program at Shands HealthCare and others. Additional information about the concert series can be found at www.wobviera.com and at www.RockByTheSea.org.
World of Beer Bracket Challenge
This March, play the World of Beer Bracket challenge. You could win free beer, bragging rights and a 42" Plasma HDTV. Register NOW online for free and when the teams are announced on March 14, login to pick your favorites. You will be able to track your standings and results throughout the tournament. Click here for more details.
New Bottles
Baltika 3, 4.8% (Russia)
Baltika 4, 5.6% (Russia)
Baltika 6, 7% (Russia)
Baltika 9 Extra, 8% (Russia)
He'Brew Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A, 10% (New York)
He'Brew Genesis Ale, 5.9% (New York)
He'Brew Messiah Bold, 5.9% (New York)
Weyerbacher Fireside Ale, 7.4% (Pennsylvania)
New Drafts
Lost Coast Great White, 4.8% (California)
Highland St. Tereses Pale Ale, 5.1 (North Carolina)
Left Hand 400lb Monkey, 6.7% (Colorado)
Ommegang Hennepin, 7.4% (New York)
St. Bernardus Tripel, 8% (Belgium)
Live Music This Week
Thursday - Micah Reed
Friday - Matt Adkins & Jay DiBella
Saturday - James Johnson
Cigar City Brew News
Draft Lineup 3-3-10
Guest Tap: Swamphead Cotton Mouth Wit
Jai Alai India Pale Ale
Out of Maduro (We Apologize) have more in on Firday
Coaster's Belgian India Pale Ale
Cubano Espresso Brown Ale
Guest Tap: Swamphead Cotton Mouth Wit
Flying Fish Brew News
INTRODUCING EXIT 16 WILD RICE DOUBLE IPA
Although usually identified with landfills and pipelines, the Hackensack Meadowlands is an amazingly diverse ecosystem providing vital animal and plant habitat. In a nod to a once common food plant here, we've brewed this beer with wild rice. We also added organic brown and white rice, as well as pils and pale malts. Rice helps the beer ferment dry to better showcase the five different hops we added. Lots and lots of them. We then dry-hopped this Double IPA with even more generous additions of Chinook and Citra hops to create a nose that hints at tangerine, mango, papaya and pine. This beer pairs extremely well with spicy foods and all kinds of seafood. And of course, it is quite enjoyable all by itself. Although bottles won't start shipping until about March 15, we'll be launching the beer with a series of events, including simultaneous kickoffs at Coppermine Pub in North Arlington, NJ and McGillin's Olde Ale House in Philadelphia. Scroll down to the events listing for more info. If you want to learn more about the restoration of the Meadowlands, visit HackensackRiverkeeper.org
PHILLY BEER WEEKEND HEADING YOUR WAY
Philly Beer Week has been moved to June this year, but to help remind everyone of the madness that is PBW, there's a full weekend of events coming March 12-14. Scroll down to see what we're doing or head over to phillybeerweek.org for the full listing.
EXIT 1 FEATURED IN WASHINGTON POST
Greg Kitsock did a great feature on Oyster Stouts prominently featuring Exit 1 Bayshore Oyster Stout. Although the draft is all gone, there are still bottles to be found. If you don't see it, ask for it!
MORE MARCH MADNESS--VARGA BAR KICK THE SIXTEL
What's March without some kind of beer competition? Boring. Come to Varga to help us do battle against Victory in a "Kick the Sixtel" event for March Madness. We'll be tapping a keg of Exit 4 at 9pm. Whoever wins this event goes onto the next round.
Although usually identified with landfills and pipelines, the Hackensack Meadowlands is an amazingly diverse ecosystem providing vital animal and plant habitat. In a nod to a once common food plant here, we've brewed this beer with wild rice. We also added organic brown and white rice, as well as pils and pale malts. Rice helps the beer ferment dry to better showcase the five different hops we added. Lots and lots of them. We then dry-hopped this Double IPA with even more generous additions of Chinook and Citra hops to create a nose that hints at tangerine, mango, papaya and pine. This beer pairs extremely well with spicy foods and all kinds of seafood. And of course, it is quite enjoyable all by itself. Although bottles won't start shipping until about March 15, we'll be launching the beer with a series of events, including simultaneous kickoffs at Coppermine Pub in North Arlington, NJ and McGillin's Olde Ale House in Philadelphia. Scroll down to the events listing for more info. If you want to learn more about the restoration of the Meadowlands, visit HackensackRiverkeeper.org
PHILLY BEER WEEKEND HEADING YOUR WAY
Philly Beer Week has been moved to June this year, but to help remind everyone of the madness that is PBW, there's a full weekend of events coming March 12-14. Scroll down to see what we're doing or head over to phillybeerweek.org for the full listing.
EXIT 1 FEATURED IN WASHINGTON POST
Greg Kitsock did a great feature on Oyster Stouts prominently featuring Exit 1 Bayshore Oyster Stout. Although the draft is all gone, there are still bottles to be found. If you don't see it, ask for it!
MORE MARCH MADNESS--VARGA BAR KICK THE SIXTEL
What's March without some kind of beer competition? Boring. Come to Varga to help us do battle against Victory in a "Kick the Sixtel" event for March Madness. We'll be tapping a keg of Exit 4 at 9pm. Whoever wins this event goes onto the next round.
Weyerbacher Brew News
Latest Release:
Slam Dunkel is being shipped to your distributors who will begin delivering it by the end of this week. Look for it at your favorite retailer, bar and restaurant.
Next Scheduled Release:
Look for Blanche next month – our wonderful and very drinkable wit beer. We feel it is one of the best wit beers in the market and outclasses most of the others, including Hoegaarden. Still in the stores: Heresy and Insanity are still in some stores and with the number of sixtels we shipped last month, you should also be finding it at your favorite watering hole. There is still a little Winter Ale in the market and possibly some Fireside.
Visitor Center:
The Visitor Center has been “hopping”. Bill Bragg is revamping the tours a little and growlers are becoming more popular.
Slam Dunkel is being shipped to your distributors who will begin delivering it by the end of this week. Look for it at your favorite retailer, bar and restaurant.
Next Scheduled Release:
Look for Blanche next month – our wonderful and very drinkable wit beer. We feel it is one of the best wit beers in the market and outclasses most of the others, including Hoegaarden. Still in the stores: Heresy and Insanity are still in some stores and with the number of sixtels we shipped last month, you should also be finding it at your favorite watering hole. There is still a little Winter Ale in the market and possibly some Fireside.
Visitor Center:
The Visitor Center has been “hopping”. Bill Bragg is revamping the tours a little and growlers are becoming more popular.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
BEERtrekkin ~ Minneapolis Monday
First and foremost, let me give a much needed and happy update on my baby, Mr. D. He is coming home from the vet today. The folks are picking him up this morning so I am sure there will be a phone call sometime today along with a picture message or two. On top of this is the good news that his kidney is back down to more normal levels, but we are keeping him on his antibiotic for 5-7 days or so. Afterwards, Doc wants him to come back in sooner than later for a follow-up. He is due for his yearly round of shots so that may just work out at the right time. I miss my Mr. D for sure, but tomorrow isn't that far away. Dad is picking me up from the airport, and home I will go for much snuggles, nuzzles, kisses, and quality time. Sharon switched Friday for Thursday with me so I pretty much have two days off in a row to spend lots with my baby before the work schedule resumes.
Monday was another successful romp around Minneapolis. Even away from home, I still get to have a morning routine which involves trip updates on my blog for all you curious readers and to satisfy my muse, imbibe coffee, workout, shower and get dressed, have a beer, then hit the road. I've been enjoying the New Belgium 2*Below for my after workout beer, and today I'll make sure to take some tasting notes. My head is slowly clearing up thanks to a steady flow of drugs, so I still have confidence in my ability to smell and taste new beers.
Speaking of new beers, we went to Pairings for some delicious lunch and finished with and eclectically amazing artisanal beer selection. Not that I need more beer to ship home...OK, yes I do, but now I gotta figure out the shipping part. It's all good stuff I can't get in Vero Beach, much less Florida. For example: Moylans, Lift Bridge, Goose Island, New Belgium, New Glarus, Southern Tier (available in Florida soon but doubtfully the whole portfolio to start), and many more I can't recall at the time. Before we cruised the shop side of Pairings, we munched on some lunch and mooched Raze's wifi. My lunch was a butternut squash panini, and it was delish. I'm pretty sure I have never had butternut squash before and I like it. Jenn went for the roast beef panini which was also delish. When snarfing a roast beef sandwich, the meat should be melt-in-the-mouth tender. I don't want to have to work to chew through the roast beef, and neither does Jenn. The second half of my butternut squash panini made for a great afternoon snack, and both paninis were accompanied by homemade chips. The biggest surprise of pleasant proportions was the choice of artisanal cheese, specifically Rogue Blue Cheese and Chimay Cheese. Jenn took home a wedge of the Rogue Blue Cheese to have with dinner and OMG! Wonderful. Cheese heaven. Now I absolutely have to visit the cheese shop at home to see if they have any of the artisanal cheeses produced by craft and Trappist breweries. I see some Chimay cheese and Chimay beer in my very near future. Indeed. Hopefully.
The shop side of Pairings had an amazing beer selection along with Gouden Carolus and Moinette glasses, but they were strictly for their beer tastings and not for sale.
{Insert sad Kristyn here}
That's the way the yeast ferments, I guess. It didn't keep me from bringing home about a half dozen beers or so. I also noted quite a few Bells beers I hadn't tasted yet, but they were only available as 6packs and not singles. Till next time, I guess. What I did score for my beer supping pleasure was:
A nice stash if I do say so myself. I could have bought more, but I plunked down a decent sum of change at Casanova so I had to restrain myself. It was hard, very hard.
Better later than never. During our journey north to Minneapolis, our very first night was in Macon, GA and in the downstairs bathroom by the gym, there was the most interesting sign on the inside of the door. Something for my poor lost sinful soul to ponder while dropping a load:
Yeah...don't ask. I didn't. Though it did create the desire to crack open a beer while sitting on the john. Why be agreeable when one can be contrary.
After Pairings we swung by TC Running to see if the pair of Womens Flow Five-Fingers they had on hold for me would fit. The winning answer is NO. Part of that is my initial size choice based off their online conversion chart was off by two sizes. Whereas I thought my foot was a 39, I am actually a 41 or 42. I'm putting off that purchase until I get back to Florida where I will have a better selection to choose from anyway. The options have been pretty limited around here, but it is the middle of winter...
The shoes were a no-go so we made our way to Lake Minnetonka to check out its frozen tundra wonder and girl, was it ever frozen?! After a few minutes, a curiosity caught our attention: trucks driving ON the lake. The frozen lake. The immense frozen lake with hundreds of thousands of gallons of bone-chilling water underneath. Crazy comes to mind. At one point, there was even a traffic jam with a truck, a truck with trailer, and a car. We almost had to call a cop to direct traffic, but they managed to work the jam out without any professional assistance. Besides the crazy truckers, we spotted a couple skiing with their dog, a couple out for a walk, and two snowmobiles zooming and zagging across the frozen watery tundra. Crazy. I like my ground solid, unmoving, and without disturbingly slushy ice.
After feeding the lil munchkin and amusing ourselves with the carnival on ice, we puttered to Super Target for some necessities and then on home we went. After breaching the Super Target entrance, it was immediately clear that I have been in one before. Problem is I can't remember where and when. I don't think it was in Jacksonville or Eugene. Maybe it was on one of my work trips with Borders, but that doesn't make sense either. It's a mystery.
Dinner was good. I cracked open the Lindeman's Cassis which was OK; not my favorite of the Lindeman;s fruit lambics, but still tasty. The Rogue Blue Cheese was amazingly delicious. A bit crumbly with medium pungency, it went well with the toasted pita crisps and herb & mushroom sausage. All this good food is spoiling me for when I go home. It won't take long to adjust to the usual bachelorette meals, though.
Sleep eventually came to call around midnight and all of us hit the sack. As soon as my head hit the pillow, my eyes closed and dreams moved in.
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
Monday was another successful romp around Minneapolis. Even away from home, I still get to have a morning routine which involves trip updates on my blog for all you curious readers and to satisfy my muse, imbibe coffee, workout, shower and get dressed, have a beer, then hit the road. I've been enjoying the New Belgium 2*Below for my after workout beer, and today I'll make sure to take some tasting notes. My head is slowly clearing up thanks to a steady flow of drugs, so I still have confidence in my ability to smell and taste new beers.
Speaking of new beers, we went to Pairings for some delicious lunch and finished with and eclectically amazing artisanal beer selection. Not that I need more beer to ship home...OK, yes I do, but now I gotta figure out the shipping part. It's all good stuff I can't get in Vero Beach, much less Florida. For example: Moylans, Lift Bridge, Goose Island, New Belgium, New Glarus, Southern Tier (available in Florida soon but doubtfully the whole portfolio to start), and many more I can't recall at the time. Before we cruised the shop side of Pairings, we munched on some lunch and mooched Raze's wifi. My lunch was a butternut squash panini, and it was delish. I'm pretty sure I have never had butternut squash before and I like it. Jenn went for the roast beef panini which was also delish. When snarfing a roast beef sandwich, the meat should be melt-in-the-mouth tender. I don't want to have to work to chew through the roast beef, and neither does Jenn. The second half of my butternut squash panini made for a great afternoon snack, and both paninis were accompanied by homemade chips. The biggest surprise of pleasant proportions was the choice of artisanal cheese, specifically Rogue Blue Cheese and Chimay Cheese. Jenn took home a wedge of the Rogue Blue Cheese to have with dinner and OMG! Wonderful. Cheese heaven. Now I absolutely have to visit the cheese shop at home to see if they have any of the artisanal cheeses produced by craft and Trappist breweries. I see some Chimay cheese and Chimay beer in my very near future. Indeed. Hopefully.
The shop side of Pairings had an amazing beer selection along with Gouden Carolus and Moinette glasses, but they were strictly for their beer tastings and not for sale.
{Insert sad Kristyn here}
That's the way the yeast ferments, I guess. It didn't keep me from bringing home about a half dozen beers or so. I also noted quite a few Bells beers I hadn't tasted yet, but they were only available as 6packs and not singles. Till next time, I guess. What I did score for my beer supping pleasure was:
Kasteel Rouge 2007; Aucht Schlenkerla Helles Lager; Boulevard Smokestack Series Two Jokers Double Wit; Braserie Dupont Floret; Full Sail Old Boardhead Barleywine; 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon Wheat Beer; 21st Amendment Brew Free or Die IPA
A nice stash if I do say so myself. I could have bought more, but I plunked down a decent sum of change at Casanova so I had to restrain myself. It was hard, very hard.
Better later than never. During our journey north to Minneapolis, our very first night was in Macon, GA and in the downstairs bathroom by the gym, there was the most interesting sign on the inside of the door. Something for my poor lost sinful soul to ponder while dropping a load:
Yeah...don't ask. I didn't. Though it did create the desire to crack open a beer while sitting on the john. Why be agreeable when one can be contrary.
After Pairings we swung by TC Running to see if the pair of Womens Flow Five-Fingers they had on hold for me would fit. The winning answer is NO. Part of that is my initial size choice based off their online conversion chart was off by two sizes. Whereas I thought my foot was a 39, I am actually a 41 or 42. I'm putting off that purchase until I get back to Florida where I will have a better selection to choose from anyway. The options have been pretty limited around here, but it is the middle of winter...
The shoes were a no-go so we made our way to Lake Minnetonka to check out its frozen tundra wonder and girl, was it ever frozen?! After a few minutes, a curiosity caught our attention: trucks driving ON the lake. The frozen lake. The immense frozen lake with hundreds of thousands of gallons of bone-chilling water underneath. Crazy comes to mind. At one point, there was even a traffic jam with a truck, a truck with trailer, and a car. We almost had to call a cop to direct traffic, but they managed to work the jam out without any professional assistance. Besides the crazy truckers, we spotted a couple skiing with their dog, a couple out for a walk, and two snowmobiles zooming and zagging across the frozen watery tundra. Crazy. I like my ground solid, unmoving, and without disturbingly slushy ice.
After feeding the lil munchkin and amusing ourselves with the carnival on ice, we puttered to Super Target for some necessities and then on home we went. After breaching the Super Target entrance, it was immediately clear that I have been in one before. Problem is I can't remember where and when. I don't think it was in Jacksonville or Eugene. Maybe it was on one of my work trips with Borders, but that doesn't make sense either. It's a mystery.
Dinner was good. I cracked open the Lindeman's Cassis which was OK; not my favorite of the Lindeman;s fruit lambics, but still tasty. The Rogue Blue Cheese was amazingly delicious. A bit crumbly with medium pungency, it went well with the toasted pita crisps and herb & mushroom sausage. All this good food is spoiling me for when I go home. It won't take long to adjust to the usual bachelorette meals, though.
Sleep eventually came to call around midnight and all of us hit the sack. As soon as my head hit the pillow, my eyes closed and dreams moved in.
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
Another Beer Geek Invades the Treasure Coast
Booya! And on that note, we're not all old geezers, but I can understand that first impression in coming up here from Miami. On that note, I'd be more than happy to recommend some beer places to drink and eat at in Vero and our surrounding areas.
But first, foremost, and most importantly, welcome!
But first, foremost, and most importantly, welcome!
Cigar City Brew News
Florida Breweries Need Your Help!
Just got this email from Madison Roane:
We have a potential sponsor in the Fl House to introduce legislation as a companion bill to Sentate Bill 2062, but he is hesitant to keep the provision that would allow brewpubs to sell for off-premise consumption. We need you to send an email ASAP to Rep Mike Horner, thanking him for considering sponsoring a companion bill to Senate Bill 2062, and state that you support legislation to allow brewpubs to sell for off-premise consumption. Use the following link:
The deadline for Representatives to submit bills for this years session is tomorrow, so please ACT NOW!!!!!!!!
Thanks,
Madison
Florida Brewers Guild
madisonbrews@yahoo.com
If you've ever complained about the sorry state of Florida Brewing and you don't follow up by sending an email to Rep Mike Horner, sharing with him why you think Florida's beer scene is hampered by the growler/brewpub laws, then don't ever complain again, because you have a chance, right now, to do something!
This bill does not really effect CCB in any meaningful way, save that we would be able to sell 64 oz growlers (rather than just 32 oz and 128 oz) but it can not be understated how important this would be for Florida's brewpubs (current and future). This will literally make many people on the fense about it decide to test the brewpub waters. You'll see brewpub openings that likely would not have happened under the current laws. The ability to sell off-premise for brewpubs is a game changer and will put them on equal footing with most other states as well as every freaking winery in Florida which already enjoys this pirivelege!
So take 5 minutes out of your day and follow the above link to impress upon Rep. Mike Horner why Florida-brewed craft beer is important to you.
Cheers,
Joey R
Just got this email from Madison Roane:
We have a potential sponsor in the Fl House to introduce legislation as a companion bill to Sentate Bill 2062, but he is hesitant to keep the provision that would allow brewpubs to sell for off-premise consumption. We need you to send an email ASAP to Rep Mike Horner, thanking him for considering sponsoring a companion bill to Senate Bill 2062, and state that you support legislation to allow brewpubs to sell for off-premise consumption. Use the following link:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/emailrepresentative.aspx?MemberId=4455&SessionId=64
The deadline for Representatives to submit bills for this years session is tomorrow, so please ACT NOW!!!!!!!!
Thanks,
Madison
Florida Brewers Guild
madisonbrews@yahoo.com
If you've ever complained about the sorry state of Florida Brewing and you don't follow up by sending an email to Rep Mike Horner, sharing with him why you think Florida's beer scene is hampered by the growler/brewpub laws, then don't ever complain again, because you have a chance, right now, to do something!
This bill does not really effect CCB in any meaningful way, save that we would be able to sell 64 oz growlers (rather than just 32 oz and 128 oz) but it can not be understated how important this would be for Florida's brewpubs (current and future). This will literally make many people on the fense about it decide to test the brewpub waters. You'll see brewpub openings that likely would not have happened under the current laws. The ability to sell off-premise for brewpubs is a game changer and will put them on equal footing with most other states as well as every freaking winery in Florida which already enjoys this pirivelege!
So take 5 minutes out of your day and follow the above link to impress upon Rep. Mike Horner why Florida-brewed craft beer is important to you.
Cheers,
Joey R
Monday, March 01, 2010
BEERtrekkin ~ Minneapolis Sunday
So, I woke up Sunday morning to a head bulging with congestion and a nose I am glad not to rely on wholly for breathing. Allergies have struck and hard. Not really a cold that I can tell, especially since the Benadryl-D is working much better than the Vics Cold & Allergy. Either way, my head feels THIS big and it's no fun. A little congestion or a lot, it isn't going to keep me from having fun and a lot of it.
I borrowed Josh's treadmill in his man-cave with work-out room in the basement. Even though the treadmill is my least favorite exercise mechanism, it is better than no exercise mechanism. I power-walked for 50 minutes after spending a few minutes figuring out how to work the machine. Settings finally taken care of, I walked the morning away then hit the shower to hit the road.
But first, the lil munchkin must be fed and Kristyn requires a beer; New Belgium 2* Below. I have 2 more bottles of the beer, one of which is set aside for tasting notes. Speaking of beer, our main trip was to Hudson, Wisconsin, a cool little old town right on the St. Croix. There we walked along the river and browsed the bridge which spanned all the way across. We didn't traverse the whole bridge or park area because it was cold and the lil munchkin, after 3 weeks in Florida, has decided that she really doesn't like this cold and snow stuff. Tis for the birds, she says. Our destination of destiny was the Historic Casanova Liquor and Nova Wine Bar. A historic destination with real beer caves, I am definitely going to have to go back to Casanova specifically and the town of Hudson in general. Between the pubs, shops, and overall scenery, a vacation spot to be sure. I made out like a bandit with a box of beer, though I could have made out with a U-Haul of beer. I didn't even hit the single-malt and bourbon selection. Mmm... Definitely have to go back. There was a passel of peeps gathered round the TV, Josh included, as they watched the last few minutes of the US VS Canada hockey game during overtime. Inbetween, Jenn waited patiently as me and Josh cruised the beer section, a tiny corner of the store packed to brimming with craft and import beer of all varieties. The bottles in particular that I bought for my return trip to Vero are:
On our trip to Hudson, we stopped at a Starbucks for coffee and D'Amico & Sons for lunch to go. Talk about yum! Fresh salads and sandwiches made to order. At least, ours was as they had to make the bread for Josh's sandwich since they were out. I got an artichoke hearts and tomato salad marked with red onion and red pepper slivers. Dressed in olive oil, I was afraid the salad would be drowning in oil, but instead the olive oil was a gentle accent that allowed the fresh flavors of the artichoke hearts and additional goodies to shine through. Nummers!
After that, it was home we went for a relaxing afternoon of lil munchkin time, beer tasting (for me at least), hanging with the family, taking care of Mr. Skyler, and quickly changing channels during the yawn-worthy Winter Olympics closing ceremonies. I crashed sooner than I would have liked, but it was probably a good thing in order to start kicking this nasty congestion. Overall, an excellent first day in Minneapolis and Monday is shaping up to be a fun-filled repeat.
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
I borrowed Josh's treadmill in his man-cave with work-out room in the basement. Even though the treadmill is my least favorite exercise mechanism, it is better than no exercise mechanism. I power-walked for 50 minutes after spending a few minutes figuring out how to work the machine. Settings finally taken care of, I walked the morning away then hit the shower to hit the road.
But first, the lil munchkin must be fed and Kristyn requires a beer; New Belgium 2* Below. I have 2 more bottles of the beer, one of which is set aside for tasting notes. Speaking of beer, our main trip was to Hudson, Wisconsin, a cool little old town right on the St. Croix. There we walked along the river and browsed the bridge which spanned all the way across. We didn't traverse the whole bridge or park area because it was cold and the lil munchkin, after 3 weeks in Florida, has decided that she really doesn't like this cold and snow stuff. Tis for the birds, she says. Our destination of destiny was the Historic Casanova Liquor and Nova Wine Bar. A historic destination with real beer caves, I am definitely going to have to go back to Casanova specifically and the town of Hudson in general. Between the pubs, shops, and overall scenery, a vacation spot to be sure. I made out like a bandit with a box of beer, though I could have made out with a U-Haul of beer. I didn't even hit the single-malt and bourbon selection. Mmm... Definitely have to go back. There was a passel of peeps gathered round the TV, Josh included, as they watched the last few minutes of the US VS Canada hockey game during overtime. Inbetween, Jenn waited patiently as me and Josh cruised the beer section, a tiny corner of the store packed to brimming with craft and import beer of all varieties. The bottles in particular that I bought for my return trip to Vero are:
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout 2009; New Glarus Raspberry Tart; New Glarus Wisconsin Red; Southern Tier Gemini; Weyerbacher Zotten; HaanBryggeriet Dark Force; Bells Best Brown Ale; Trappist Rochefort 8 & 10; New Holland Night Tripper; Jolly Pumpkin Calabaza Blanca; Bear Republic Racer 5; Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye; Victory Wild Devil; Mikkeller Jackie Brown; Brouwerij De Molen SSS; Brouwerij De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis
On our trip to Hudson, we stopped at a Starbucks for coffee and D'Amico & Sons for lunch to go. Talk about yum! Fresh salads and sandwiches made to order. At least, ours was as they had to make the bread for Josh's sandwich since they were out. I got an artichoke hearts and tomato salad marked with red onion and red pepper slivers. Dressed in olive oil, I was afraid the salad would be drowning in oil, but instead the olive oil was a gentle accent that allowed the fresh flavors of the artichoke hearts and additional goodies to shine through. Nummers!
After that, it was home we went for a relaxing afternoon of lil munchkin time, beer tasting (for me at least), hanging with the family, taking care of Mr. Skyler, and quickly changing channels during the yawn-worthy Winter Olympics closing ceremonies. I crashed sooner than I would have liked, but it was probably a good thing in order to start kicking this nasty congestion. Overall, an excellent first day in Minneapolis and Monday is shaping up to be a fun-filled repeat.
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
BEERtrekkin ~ Chicago, IL to Minneapolis, MN
Saturday was the last leg of our trip with Minneapolis being our target destination. Myself personally, I'll be here for 3 days and one plane trip set for Wednesday morning. Early Wednesday morning. I'll save the workout for when I get home. But that's OK because I can always sleep on the plane on the way back and maybe even in the car on the way home. Probably not the latter though as I'll be a little chatterbox talking about my trip and all the awesomeness that ensued.
The last lap home wasn't all that bad, but in general all of us were done with the car. The lil munchkin was more than done with her car-seat, but she gets muchos kudos for being the super trooper that she was. I'm not sure how many babies can say they made the road trip she has which is pretty darn cool. Tis better to get out and see the world then to be cooped up inside. As much healthy stimulation as possible at that age is good. But I'm rambling. I still got my workout in that morning, of course. It was fun leaving the hotel to walk outside in workout shorts and t-shirt to the astonishment of a couple gentleman chatting outside dressed in the warmest winter clothes possible. On the plus side of my outdoor excursion, I had about ten steps and voila, I was back inside and hitting the exercise bike. Not just any exercise bike, the recumbent kind which is nicer to my lower back then the high sit-down kind like I have at home. Too bad the low sit-down exercise bikes are uber expensive. A workout and shower later, I started loading up our stuff for an early departure to meet the relatives in Glenview, Illinois. Coffee first followed by a breakfast beer, New Belgium 2* Below, we hit the road once more.
The view? Snow, snow, and more snow. Everywhere as far as the eye could see. Awesomeness.
What?! But Kristyn doesn't like the cold, much less the cold AND snow?!
This is true, but I hardly ever get to play in the snow, and so I say why not have fun with it while I can. Toe-socks and flip-flops on, I tentatively tread atop the snow while Skyler bounded about, eyes flopping, nose in the air, and a huge grin plastered across his face. Apparently he was happy to be back in the snow. Go figure. Bounding here and there, he painted yellow patches of snow wherever he felt like. Whether snow, rain, or shine, the world truly is Skyler's toilet. We are just here to clean the messes when need be.
It didn't take long at all to get to Karen's house where a passel of kids awaited along with Tom, Tin, and their son, Ben. Karen and Bill have four girls so you know that is one estrogen-charged house. But for all the kids romping around, playing, and eating breakfast, they were all very well behaved. Sure, they are kids so they still acted like kids, but there's a big difference between naturally balanced happiness and silver-spoon spoiled rottenness. Sandy was there of course, and I have to give the blueberry coffee cake two thumbs up. Fantabulous. The star of the show? The lil munchkin of course. From the moment she walked through the door cradled in mommy's arms, she was the center of attention. There wasn't a single person there who didn't fall under her spell of adorability, charm, and disposition. Hey, if Gramps can get won over heads to heels, anyone can.
As noon rounded the bend, all of us had to head our own ways; Karen's girls to volleyball camp and us to home. Much to the lil munchkin's chagrin, that meant more time in the car-seat. Woe is the world. All loaded, we set our eyes on Wisconsin Dells as the next stopover for coffee, leg stretches, dog pees, and food for all.
The drive was beautiful, and though the fields weren't all covered in white, there was more than enough along with piles 4+ feet high thanks to the clearing of roads and sidewalks. And then there were those piles of snow 4+ feet high that were totally natural. Whoa comes to mind. Quiznos had a grilled chicken and guacamole sub which filled the pit in my tummy while the dopio espresso tried its best to keep me awake and alert. The rest of the drive was filled with picturesque flatland covered in snow while grass and grain and houses dotted the skyline. Even though small cities broke up the long patches of Midwest farmland, I don't think I could live that far away from civilization for months, much less years on end. For a getaway vacation though...
Before reaching the Mississippi River, we stopped in Winona (no Ryder) for gas and some playtime. Pulling in, snowboarders buzzed and varoomed past. Apparently this particular Kwik Trip is a snowboarding destination. Inside? Beautiful. If I had gone in blind, I would think it was a cozy little market. Kwik Trips are a Midwest thing unfortunately because I wouldn't mind having something like this in Florida. Our 7-Elevens and such come nowhere close to holding a candle, much less lighting it.
Near Minneapolis I noticed a Joann Fabrics sign from the road. Flashback! There hasn't been a Joann Fabrics in Vero for at least a decade. They were extremely popular with the craft-minded crowd and other randoms but fell out of favor with the arrival of newer shops. I just figured they had gone out of business as a whole, but nope, apparently not. Color me surprised.
Mom rang at some point to give me a welcome Mr. D update; still doing OK from what I had heard. Granted, he isn't wholly better yet, but still eating and drinking. Mom didn't ask if he had pooped specifically, but Doc didn't mention any problems in that regard so I would assume is having normal BMC functions. Monday morning they are going to run a few more tests to see if the antibiotic is working and his kidney is starting to heal and shrink back down to normal. I'm also going to give Sharon a ring at work to see if we can switch shifts next week. This way I have almost two whole days to spend quality time with my baby while keeping an eye on his recovery before going back to work. He is still the star of the vet's office, and I am additionally reassured by the fact that he is in good hands. Still doesn't stop a mom from worrying though.
Night arrived and we soon found ourselves at home. Bags were unloaded, the lil munchkin and Skyler fed, and pjs donned as quickly as possible. I finally get to spend some time with Josh, Jenn's hubby, which is spiff since, quite frankly, I haven't seen him since their wedding years ago. It was the same with my relatives in Glenview. I haven't seen Karen, Bill, Tom, Tina, and the kids in years...lots of years. It wouldn't be outrageous to say it has easily been ten or more years since our last sighting. I don't get to travel much right now, so I really appreciate the opportunity Jenn has given me to spend quality time with my family, immediate and not so much. The drive may be over, but the fun is nowhere near over. I have snow to play in, beer to sup, food to savor, shops to cruise, and a family of four (can't forget Skyler) to share new memories with.
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
The last lap home wasn't all that bad, but in general all of us were done with the car. The lil munchkin was more than done with her car-seat, but she gets muchos kudos for being the super trooper that she was. I'm not sure how many babies can say they made the road trip she has which is pretty darn cool. Tis better to get out and see the world then to be cooped up inside. As much healthy stimulation as possible at that age is good. But I'm rambling. I still got my workout in that morning, of course. It was fun leaving the hotel to walk outside in workout shorts and t-shirt to the astonishment of a couple gentleman chatting outside dressed in the warmest winter clothes possible. On the plus side of my outdoor excursion, I had about ten steps and voila, I was back inside and hitting the exercise bike. Not just any exercise bike, the recumbent kind which is nicer to my lower back then the high sit-down kind like I have at home. Too bad the low sit-down exercise bikes are uber expensive. A workout and shower later, I started loading up our stuff for an early departure to meet the relatives in Glenview, Illinois. Coffee first followed by a breakfast beer, New Belgium 2* Below, we hit the road once more.
The view? Snow, snow, and more snow. Everywhere as far as the eye could see. Awesomeness.
What?! But Kristyn doesn't like the cold, much less the cold AND snow?!
This is true, but I hardly ever get to play in the snow, and so I say why not have fun with it while I can. Toe-socks and flip-flops on, I tentatively tread atop the snow while Skyler bounded about, eyes flopping, nose in the air, and a huge grin plastered across his face. Apparently he was happy to be back in the snow. Go figure. Bounding here and there, he painted yellow patches of snow wherever he felt like. Whether snow, rain, or shine, the world truly is Skyler's toilet. We are just here to clean the messes when need be.
It didn't take long at all to get to Karen's house where a passel of kids awaited along with Tom, Tin, and their son, Ben. Karen and Bill have four girls so you know that is one estrogen-charged house. But for all the kids romping around, playing, and eating breakfast, they were all very well behaved. Sure, they are kids so they still acted like kids, but there's a big difference between naturally balanced happiness and silver-spoon spoiled rottenness. Sandy was there of course, and I have to give the blueberry coffee cake two thumbs up. Fantabulous. The star of the show? The lil munchkin of course. From the moment she walked through the door cradled in mommy's arms, she was the center of attention. There wasn't a single person there who didn't fall under her spell of adorability, charm, and disposition. Hey, if Gramps can get won over heads to heels, anyone can.
As noon rounded the bend, all of us had to head our own ways; Karen's girls to volleyball camp and us to home. Much to the lil munchkin's chagrin, that meant more time in the car-seat. Woe is the world. All loaded, we set our eyes on Wisconsin Dells as the next stopover for coffee, leg stretches, dog pees, and food for all.
The drive was beautiful, and though the fields weren't all covered in white, there was more than enough along with piles 4+ feet high thanks to the clearing of roads and sidewalks. And then there were those piles of snow 4+ feet high that were totally natural. Whoa comes to mind. Quiznos had a grilled chicken and guacamole sub which filled the pit in my tummy while the dopio espresso tried its best to keep me awake and alert. The rest of the drive was filled with picturesque flatland covered in snow while grass and grain and houses dotted the skyline. Even though small cities broke up the long patches of Midwest farmland, I don't think I could live that far away from civilization for months, much less years on end. For a getaway vacation though...
Before reaching the Mississippi River, we stopped in Winona (no Ryder) for gas and some playtime. Pulling in, snowboarders buzzed and varoomed past. Apparently this particular Kwik Trip is a snowboarding destination. Inside? Beautiful. If I had gone in blind, I would think it was a cozy little market. Kwik Trips are a Midwest thing unfortunately because I wouldn't mind having something like this in Florida. Our 7-Elevens and such come nowhere close to holding a candle, much less lighting it.
Near Minneapolis I noticed a Joann Fabrics sign from the road. Flashback! There hasn't been a Joann Fabrics in Vero for at least a decade. They were extremely popular with the craft-minded crowd and other randoms but fell out of favor with the arrival of newer shops. I just figured they had gone out of business as a whole, but nope, apparently not. Color me surprised.
Mom rang at some point to give me a welcome Mr. D update; still doing OK from what I had heard. Granted, he isn't wholly better yet, but still eating and drinking. Mom didn't ask if he had pooped specifically, but Doc didn't mention any problems in that regard so I would assume is having normal BMC functions. Monday morning they are going to run a few more tests to see if the antibiotic is working and his kidney is starting to heal and shrink back down to normal. I'm also going to give Sharon a ring at work to see if we can switch shifts next week. This way I have almost two whole days to spend quality time with my baby while keeping an eye on his recovery before going back to work. He is still the star of the vet's office, and I am additionally reassured by the fact that he is in good hands. Still doesn't stop a mom from worrying though.
Night arrived and we soon found ourselves at home. Bags were unloaded, the lil munchkin and Skyler fed, and pjs donned as quickly as possible. I finally get to spend some time with Josh, Jenn's hubby, which is spiff since, quite frankly, I haven't seen him since their wedding years ago. It was the same with my relatives in Glenview. I haven't seen Karen, Bill, Tom, Tina, and the kids in years...lots of years. It wouldn't be outrageous to say it has easily been ten or more years since our last sighting. I don't get to travel much right now, so I really appreciate the opportunity Jenn has given me to spend quality time with my family, immediate and not so much. The drive may be over, but the fun is nowhere near over. I have snow to play in, beer to sup, food to savor, shops to cruise, and a family of four (can't forget Skyler) to share new memories with.
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
Saturday, February 27, 2010
BEERtrekkin ~ Louisville, KY to Chicago, IL
It was with great anticipation that we hit the road Friday because we were now truly on the last leg of our trip and we were making a stop in Munster, Indiana at the Three Floyds (FFF) Brewpub. It was fantasticular stuff as you will read about in a bit, and the sis was excited about getting to see Kathy, another lil munchkin aunt. We stopped off at Indianapolis for that, specifically at the Castleton Square Mall where we hung out in Borders. Flashback! I haven’t been in a Borders Books & Music in a long time, and this one was fairly new. My lucky find there was the newest issue of Malt Advocate. I’ve been on the hunt for this magazine since I first learned of it a few years ago. No, really. Literally. No one seems to carry it or want to, and until now I’ve been reluctant to just subscribe to it yearly. There is another magazine simply called Whisky Magazine that I also have to find, but in the meantime… Kathy had to be on her way. She was meeting with some lovely ladies of the q-tip variety for cocktails at 4:30pm and cards. Shazam! I want to be in my 80s and 90s and still enjoying cocktail hour and cards and whatever fun comes my way. And if it wasn’t coming my way, I’d get out and find it. Getting old just means getting better, in my opinion.
We were able to make the rood earlier than we had the last couple days, the main reason to meet Kathy in time. I had to go on a wild goose chase through forests and tropical jungles to find us a luggage cart, but eventually I got lucky and we were soon packed, loaded, and on our way. Tell you what, those luggage carts are a darn good thing; now if only we had thought of that at our first hotel. Oh well.
Not too long on the road, we drove past more snow on the side hills of the road while passing ever expansive fields of white and slushy lakes. Or ponds, some were pretty small. The rivers weren’t slushed over though, and I attribute that to the difference between running water and still water. The slushy lakes were cool, and as much as it looked like once could meander across it, I wouldn‘t recommend it. Thankfully we haven’t run into any snow while driving, knockonwood, and with home in sight today, we very well may not. If we do, I’ll be sure to make the most of it. I may be a sun-bunny, not a snow-bunny, but that doesn’t mean I still can’t have fun with it.
Mm… coffee…
Called Doc around 11am to check on my baby, so here is the daily update on Mr. D’s health and well-being. Still perky, eating, and in especially good news, some a couple small BMCs between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. I am letting Doc keep him over the weekend because he has to run some more tests Monday. Turns out my baby has an enlarged, infected, very sick kidney. Doc’s daughter and fellow veterinarian also checked on the D-ster and agreed on the problem. An ultrasound proved it beyond a doubt. So, they have him on antibiotics to treat the kidney problem now that we know what the specific issue is. The antibiotics may hopefully start his kidney back on the path of recovery, but it’s hard to say right now. If not, then Doc and Marjorie will proceed further. Once he is better though, my D is going to have to go on some kind of kidney medicine regiment to prevent something like this from coming back, and also engage in more follow up visits to stay on track of it. While I miss my baby terribly, I have my sis and lil munchkin and Skyler to keep me busy and smiling, along with the knowledge that he is in the best hands possible. Mom was kind enough to visit Mr. D some today at my behest, and she said that he is the star of the animal hospital. Everyone loves him. He is being super good, purring, and not fussing at all when they have to do what they do to test and give medicine. When it came to his bath there though, that was a different story. Much squirmier than when I give Mr. D his baths, all I can guess is that it just takes mommy’s magic touch. Something like that though isn’t unusual. I haven’t been as militant with his baths lately, a habit I need to get back into. He actually really does enjoy them, especially how clean and dandruff and loose hair free he feels afterwards. Before leaving the vets office, Mom took a pic with her cell phone (go Mom!) and sent it to me. Awws of cuteness ensued for minutes afterwards.
While chatting with Mom about Mr. D and other random stuff, we passed fields bursting with wind-power mills that stretched as far as our eyes could see in a slight gray haze. They weren’t just on one side of the road either. To our right and to our left, the wind-power mills were spinning in decent succession, a given with the massive wind which was blowing at that moment and had been for a while now. There were even some new ones being built and erected to harness even more of the clean power and energy that Mother Nature naturally has to offer: wind. Now that is renewable energy.
It took mere minutes to leave Louisville and find ourselves in Indiana. Greeting us across the border was a trio of extra long natural gas tanks that were painted to resemble ears of corn. Quite the hoot, actually, though it looked like on the two outer tanks were painted in detail while the middle one just a solid color.
Got up to work out again. At least I’m building good workout habits while on the road. It’s far too easy to be lazy at home, a bad habit I need to break. Yesterday’s workout was thankfully on an exercise bike so I sweated up a storm for 50 minutes and after sneaking a peak in today’s exercise room, they have a bike here, too. I’ll do the elliptical if I have to, but I prefer the bike. As I look at it; I didn’t put on the extra poundage over night, so it’s going to take a while to lose it. Slow and steady and I don’t want to be as skinny as I was. That was too skinny. Gasp! There’s no such thing as too skinny you say?! Um, actually, yes there is. But I digress.
A shorter drive, it seemed like no time at all that we met up with Kathy then hit the road to Munster, Indiana and a date with destiny: FFF Brewpub. It was actually rather easy to find, and while we cruised the exit street on our way to beer and food destiny, I kept the lil munchkin entertained by feeding her. It was time, after all, and the binky was losing effectiveness. Can’t blame here though; when you’re hungry you are hungry and babies can only tell us how they feel by crying sometimes. It’s learning how to differentiate the cries, smiles, burbles, giggles, and funny faces that test a mom’s observation mettle. Belly happily stuffed, we made our way into the brewpub to stuff our own bellies just a wee bit. With all the snow on the ground, I just had to touch it…and I did. Hard and crunchy, it reminds me of the ice in snow cones, except in this instance, you want to avoid any and all colors. I made the mistake of sneaking a peek into the bar while holding the lil munchkin for a few: No Babies Allowed. Actually, no kids allowed and I can understand that. The side we sat on was baby friendly and from there we wiled away a couple hours. The intention was to miss some of Chicago’s rush hour traffic, but that didn’t work out so well in the end. I had a Ham on Rye (the beer, not the sandwich) followed by a Scarf Patrol, a bourbon-barrel aged Oatgoop. Fanfreakingtastic. I also got a couple 22oz bombers to go: Brian Boru and Behemoth Barleywine along with a 12oz bottle of Cantillon Classic Geueze. I must always answer the call of the sour, especially when it comes from Cantillon. For munchies, I ordered a small plate of mussels steamed in Gumbalhead with chopped celery, bacon, salsa verde, and buttered herbed toasted baguettes. Yummy!! Jenn went for a small side of fries with homemade horseradish for dipping. Let’s just say the small plates were the big version of small. Other than that, the food was fanfreakingtastic and their mussels quickly grew into my favorite mussels eaten to date. Awesome! The beers were, of course, delicious, savory, and I look forward to delving into the bottles I took home. As much as the night could have waned on pleasurably at the FFF Brewpub, we had to get to the hotel in Chicago at some point. T-shirts were a no-go again (I seem to have bad luck when it comes to getting t-shirts at brewpubs I visit), but I did take home a pint glass. Most importantly, I came, I saw, I drank, I ate, and in the bestest company possible.
Our plan to miss out on Chicago traffic was a massive FAIL. Apparently everyone was not out partying despite it being a Friday night. Buggers. After crawling and creeping along, the hotel came into view amongst piles of snow which I promptly walked in with toe-socks and flip-flops. Yes, toe-socks and flip-flops. Crazy, I know, and just the way I like it. In reality, the shoes I brought suck so shall have to look for new ones. I’m actually thinking of those toe shoes, especially if they are water proof. Toe-socks + toe-shoes = incomparable coolness.
I was zonked and fell asleep around 11pm Florida time, 10pm Chicago time. The rest will do me good for the last lap of my BEERtrek and then it’s onto BEERventures, BEERports, and BEERhunts. Prosit!
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
We were able to make the rood earlier than we had the last couple days, the main reason to meet Kathy in time. I had to go on a wild goose chase through forests and tropical jungles to find us a luggage cart, but eventually I got lucky and we were soon packed, loaded, and on our way. Tell you what, those luggage carts are a darn good thing; now if only we had thought of that at our first hotel. Oh well.
Not too long on the road, we drove past more snow on the side hills of the road while passing ever expansive fields of white and slushy lakes. Or ponds, some were pretty small. The rivers weren’t slushed over though, and I attribute that to the difference between running water and still water. The slushy lakes were cool, and as much as it looked like once could meander across it, I wouldn‘t recommend it. Thankfully we haven’t run into any snow while driving, knockonwood, and with home in sight today, we very well may not. If we do, I’ll be sure to make the most of it. I may be a sun-bunny, not a snow-bunny, but that doesn’t mean I still can’t have fun with it.
Mm… coffee…
Called Doc around 11am to check on my baby, so here is the daily update on Mr. D’s health and well-being. Still perky, eating, and in especially good news, some a couple small BMCs between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. I am letting Doc keep him over the weekend because he has to run some more tests Monday. Turns out my baby has an enlarged, infected, very sick kidney. Doc’s daughter and fellow veterinarian also checked on the D-ster and agreed on the problem. An ultrasound proved it beyond a doubt. So, they have him on antibiotics to treat the kidney problem now that we know what the specific issue is. The antibiotics may hopefully start his kidney back on the path of recovery, but it’s hard to say right now. If not, then Doc and Marjorie will proceed further. Once he is better though, my D is going to have to go on some kind of kidney medicine regiment to prevent something like this from coming back, and also engage in more follow up visits to stay on track of it. While I miss my baby terribly, I have my sis and lil munchkin and Skyler to keep me busy and smiling, along with the knowledge that he is in the best hands possible. Mom was kind enough to visit Mr. D some today at my behest, and she said that he is the star of the animal hospital. Everyone loves him. He is being super good, purring, and not fussing at all when they have to do what they do to test and give medicine. When it came to his bath there though, that was a different story. Much squirmier than when I give Mr. D his baths, all I can guess is that it just takes mommy’s magic touch. Something like that though isn’t unusual. I haven’t been as militant with his baths lately, a habit I need to get back into. He actually really does enjoy them, especially how clean and dandruff and loose hair free he feels afterwards. Before leaving the vets office, Mom took a pic with her cell phone (go Mom!) and sent it to me. Awws of cuteness ensued for minutes afterwards.
While chatting with Mom about Mr. D and other random stuff, we passed fields bursting with wind-power mills that stretched as far as our eyes could see in a slight gray haze. They weren’t just on one side of the road either. To our right and to our left, the wind-power mills were spinning in decent succession, a given with the massive wind which was blowing at that moment and had been for a while now. There were even some new ones being built and erected to harness even more of the clean power and energy that Mother Nature naturally has to offer: wind. Now that is renewable energy.
It took mere minutes to leave Louisville and find ourselves in Indiana. Greeting us across the border was a trio of extra long natural gas tanks that were painted to resemble ears of corn. Quite the hoot, actually, though it looked like on the two outer tanks were painted in detail while the middle one just a solid color.
Got up to work out again. At least I’m building good workout habits while on the road. It’s far too easy to be lazy at home, a bad habit I need to break. Yesterday’s workout was thankfully on an exercise bike so I sweated up a storm for 50 minutes and after sneaking a peak in today’s exercise room, they have a bike here, too. I’ll do the elliptical if I have to, but I prefer the bike. As I look at it; I didn’t put on the extra poundage over night, so it’s going to take a while to lose it. Slow and steady and I don’t want to be as skinny as I was. That was too skinny. Gasp! There’s no such thing as too skinny you say?! Um, actually, yes there is. But I digress.
A shorter drive, it seemed like no time at all that we met up with Kathy then hit the road to Munster, Indiana and a date with destiny: FFF Brewpub. It was actually rather easy to find, and while we cruised the exit street on our way to beer and food destiny, I kept the lil munchkin entertained by feeding her. It was time, after all, and the binky was losing effectiveness. Can’t blame here though; when you’re hungry you are hungry and babies can only tell us how they feel by crying sometimes. It’s learning how to differentiate the cries, smiles, burbles, giggles, and funny faces that test a mom’s observation mettle. Belly happily stuffed, we made our way into the brewpub to stuff our own bellies just a wee bit. With all the snow on the ground, I just had to touch it…and I did. Hard and crunchy, it reminds me of the ice in snow cones, except in this instance, you want to avoid any and all colors. I made the mistake of sneaking a peek into the bar while holding the lil munchkin for a few: No Babies Allowed. Actually, no kids allowed and I can understand that. The side we sat on was baby friendly and from there we wiled away a couple hours. The intention was to miss some of Chicago’s rush hour traffic, but that didn’t work out so well in the end. I had a Ham on Rye (the beer, not the sandwich) followed by a Scarf Patrol, a bourbon-barrel aged Oatgoop. Fanfreakingtastic. I also got a couple 22oz bombers to go: Brian Boru and Behemoth Barleywine along with a 12oz bottle of Cantillon Classic Geueze. I must always answer the call of the sour, especially when it comes from Cantillon. For munchies, I ordered a small plate of mussels steamed in Gumbalhead with chopped celery, bacon, salsa verde, and buttered herbed toasted baguettes. Yummy!! Jenn went for a small side of fries with homemade horseradish for dipping. Let’s just say the small plates were the big version of small. Other than that, the food was fanfreakingtastic and their mussels quickly grew into my favorite mussels eaten to date. Awesome! The beers were, of course, delicious, savory, and I look forward to delving into the bottles I took home. As much as the night could have waned on pleasurably at the FFF Brewpub, we had to get to the hotel in Chicago at some point. T-shirts were a no-go again (I seem to have bad luck when it comes to getting t-shirts at brewpubs I visit), but I did take home a pint glass. Most importantly, I came, I saw, I drank, I ate, and in the bestest company possible.
Our plan to miss out on Chicago traffic was a massive FAIL. Apparently everyone was not out partying despite it being a Friday night. Buggers. After crawling and creeping along, the hotel came into view amongst piles of snow which I promptly walked in with toe-socks and flip-flops. Yes, toe-socks and flip-flops. Crazy, I know, and just the way I like it. In reality, the shoes I brought suck so shall have to look for new ones. I’m actually thinking of those toe shoes, especially if they are water proof. Toe-socks + toe-shoes = incomparable coolness.
I was zonked and fell asleep around 11pm Florida time, 10pm Chicago time. The rest will do me good for the last lap of my BEERtrek and then it’s onto BEERventures, BEERports, and BEERhunts. Prosit!
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
Friday, February 26, 2010
BEERtrekkin ~ Macon, GA to Louisville, KY
So day two of my beer road trip and vacation and due to extreme exhaustion, I didn’t bother with getting this out last night. Oh well. I am here now with rambles and pics so all is good.
Let us dispense with the bad news first. Mr. D is still at the IRAH under the care of Doc and his assistants. We spoke some more today, and while Mr. D is more perky and alert today, he isn’t really having any significant BMC. He’s eating and drinking which is good, but something along the intestinal area is interfering with the natural steady flow of his food. Doc is worried about a lump/mass he feels around in that area, so he has some of that x-rayable ink working its way through. Hopefully the x-ray this morning will give us some more information so we can go from there. No matter what, I told Doc to do what he needs to find the problem and make my baby all better. Doc and IRAH is old-fashioned in that it isn’t excessively greedy; I know they won’t go test crazy and do a bunch of stuff and charge a bunch of stuff that isn’t necessary. Doc’s been our family veterinarian almost as long as I’ve been walking this Earth, maybe even longer.
Putting worries for my baby aside, I enjoyed our venture today out of Georgia, through a little bit of Tennessee, and finally making it to Kentucky. Of note, the Kentucky Bourbon Ale billboard prominently lit and on display. Righteous.
I may be a bourbon phreak, but I unfortunately have yet to cruise the Bourbon Trail. Not officially at least, though I did live that adventure vicariously through all the road signs noting Jack Daniels, Makers Mark, Bulleit, and Knob Creek to name a few. Mm… gonna have to get me some when I return home later next week.
My lil munchkin was a bit more restless in the care today, though understandably slow. She’s not getting as much exercise and outsides-boutsies as she normally gets. Exhaustion doesn’t set in as well, and the tired squirmies begin. We made it obviously, and today she’ll get more play-time thanks to a stop-off to visit an aunt on her pappy’s side.
During our drive through Atlanta, Jenn showed me more of her haunts while living there, and during our drive north beyond Atlanta, I was introduced to the hotels she n mom stayed at on their drive down. We’re taking pretty much the same route back with a couple small detours: one to Three Floyds Brewery in Indiana and the other to Glenview, IL to visit some relatives. Brunch is in order, which sounds fine and dandy to me. I have a splattering of beer so if it does turn into brunch, a small quaff may be in order.
Speaking of beer, we also stopped off in Dalton at the same Kroger Mom n Jenn stopped at previously. Their stop though coincided with Sunday, and Sunday in Georgia isn’t friendly to my beery and spirituous beverages. Seeing as yesterday was Thursday, we were in the green. Jenn had mentioned an impressive beer selection for a grocery store, and I can now wholeheartedly agree. I was also impressed by the mini selection of Asian and Asian-themed beers over by the Southern Tsunami sushi bar. Mm… baby octopus. Yes folks, Southern Tsunami apparently offers baby octopus up here. Great for me then, though not so great back home where I am baby octopus deprived. Sure there is Hiokis, but that’s a planned drive for dinner, not a quick healthy munchy from the grocery local.
I have been very good when it comes to the beer of this trip so far. Granted there is no room in the car for a cartload or two of beer, but so too is there no room in my budget. Besides, I have come to terms with (quite amicably too) that pretty much no matter where I am, beer I don’t get to taste will be right there with me. C’est la vie. So is the world. What I did bring home was the Lindeman’s Cassis Lambic, the last of the fruit lambics from Lindemans which I have yet to try, along with Moonshot and Edison of Beer Wars fame, Samuel Adams Coastal Wheat, and three beers from the Tap Room 21 Brewery; Pale Ale, Amber Ale, and Lager. Out of all the beers I picked out, I am most excited for the Tap Room beers.
We didn’t spend much time in Tennessee while cruising the interstate, but in passing through Chattanooga I took in the very cool Chattanooga River. Getting more in general rocky mountain territory, it was fun to note the sheered cliffs along the road sides which were decorated in ice sheets and icicle. Some had even crumbled to the ground where they lay in a slightly sloppy mess of ice chunks and slosh. I tried to snap a pic or two of them, but my camera didn’t like the idea for whatever reason so you’ll just have to use the imagination.
Keeping myself awake in the mornings, I find that four cups of coffee for this road trip does the trick. The morning workouts help revitalize and work out any stiffies, but the coffee is essential for bright eyes on my part.
The further north we go, the colder we get. Inside Jenn’s car is a dashboard trip monitor which marks the temperature outside. Somewhere around Georgia/Tennessee border area, the 40s surrendered and the 30s took over. In parking the car at our hotel in Louisville last night, we closed out at 33* Fahrenheit. A tittly bit nipply if I do say so myself. I’m definitely glad I took accepted Mom’s generosity in lending me her black winter coat which is thankfully not girlie. Besides being water resistant, it blocks out almost all the wind and cold for a toasty embrace. The jean-covered legs are a different story. My knee-length toe socks help, and as much as I hate wearing toe closed shoes, I’m going to have to surrender the flip-flops from this day onward for my black Sketchers.
Cracker Barrel came to the rescue again in one of our walkie-feedie stops, and hopping around outside where the cutest lil birds. I meant to snap a pic, but when we came back out of Cracker, they had gone. Don’t blame 'em. They were trying to get away from the cold and someplace else much warmer, I am sure.
With Louisville close in site we were ready to just be there. Mr. Skyler was just as ready as we were to be there, and poof! Then we were. Watched some Olympics, ate, supped a couple more New Belgium 1554 beers, and called it a night. I slept on the living room couch as last time, and Jenn, munchkin, and Skyler snuggled in the bedroom. After all, privacy is good and the last thing I want is to disturb them at five in the morning as I do my online stuff, imbibe another sweet nectar of life – coffee, and head downstairs to the gym for a workout.
Just for the record: It is currently 25*Fahrenheit outside.
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
Let us dispense with the bad news first. Mr. D is still at the IRAH under the care of Doc and his assistants. We spoke some more today, and while Mr. D is more perky and alert today, he isn’t really having any significant BMC. He’s eating and drinking which is good, but something along the intestinal area is interfering with the natural steady flow of his food. Doc is worried about a lump/mass he feels around in that area, so he has some of that x-rayable ink working its way through. Hopefully the x-ray this morning will give us some more information so we can go from there. No matter what, I told Doc to do what he needs to find the problem and make my baby all better. Doc and IRAH is old-fashioned in that it isn’t excessively greedy; I know they won’t go test crazy and do a bunch of stuff and charge a bunch of stuff that isn’t necessary. Doc’s been our family veterinarian almost as long as I’ve been walking this Earth, maybe even longer.
Putting worries for my baby aside, I enjoyed our venture today out of Georgia, through a little bit of Tennessee, and finally making it to Kentucky. Of note, the Kentucky Bourbon Ale billboard prominently lit and on display. Righteous.
I may be a bourbon phreak, but I unfortunately have yet to cruise the Bourbon Trail. Not officially at least, though I did live that adventure vicariously through all the road signs noting Jack Daniels, Makers Mark, Bulleit, and Knob Creek to name a few. Mm… gonna have to get me some when I return home later next week.
My lil munchkin was a bit more restless in the care today, though understandably slow. She’s not getting as much exercise and outsides-boutsies as she normally gets. Exhaustion doesn’t set in as well, and the tired squirmies begin. We made it obviously, and today she’ll get more play-time thanks to a stop-off to visit an aunt on her pappy’s side.
During our drive through Atlanta, Jenn showed me more of her haunts while living there, and during our drive north beyond Atlanta, I was introduced to the hotels she n mom stayed at on their drive down. We’re taking pretty much the same route back with a couple small detours: one to Three Floyds Brewery in Indiana and the other to Glenview, IL to visit some relatives. Brunch is in order, which sounds fine and dandy to me. I have a splattering of beer so if it does turn into brunch, a small quaff may be in order.
Speaking of beer, we also stopped off in Dalton at the same Kroger Mom n Jenn stopped at previously. Their stop though coincided with Sunday, and Sunday in Georgia isn’t friendly to my beery and spirituous beverages. Seeing as yesterday was Thursday, we were in the green. Jenn had mentioned an impressive beer selection for a grocery store, and I can now wholeheartedly agree. I was also impressed by the mini selection of Asian and Asian-themed beers over by the Southern Tsunami sushi bar. Mm… baby octopus. Yes folks, Southern Tsunami apparently offers baby octopus up here. Great for me then, though not so great back home where I am baby octopus deprived. Sure there is Hiokis, but that’s a planned drive for dinner, not a quick healthy munchy from the grocery local.
I have been very good when it comes to the beer of this trip so far. Granted there is no room in the car for a cartload or two of beer, but so too is there no room in my budget. Besides, I have come to terms with (quite amicably too) that pretty much no matter where I am, beer I don’t get to taste will be right there with me. C’est la vie. So is the world. What I did bring home was the Lindeman’s Cassis Lambic, the last of the fruit lambics from Lindemans which I have yet to try, along with Moonshot and Edison of Beer Wars fame, Samuel Adams Coastal Wheat, and three beers from the Tap Room 21 Brewery; Pale Ale, Amber Ale, and Lager. Out of all the beers I picked out, I am most excited for the Tap Room beers.
We didn’t spend much time in Tennessee while cruising the interstate, but in passing through Chattanooga I took in the very cool Chattanooga River. Getting more in general rocky mountain territory, it was fun to note the sheered cliffs along the road sides which were decorated in ice sheets and icicle. Some had even crumbled to the ground where they lay in a slightly sloppy mess of ice chunks and slosh. I tried to snap a pic or two of them, but my camera didn’t like the idea for whatever reason so you’ll just have to use the imagination.
Keeping myself awake in the mornings, I find that four cups of coffee for this road trip does the trick. The morning workouts help revitalize and work out any stiffies, but the coffee is essential for bright eyes on my part.
The further north we go, the colder we get. Inside Jenn’s car is a dashboard trip monitor which marks the temperature outside. Somewhere around Georgia/Tennessee border area, the 40s surrendered and the 30s took over. In parking the car at our hotel in Louisville last night, we closed out at 33* Fahrenheit. A tittly bit nipply if I do say so myself. I’m definitely glad I took accepted Mom’s generosity in lending me her black winter coat which is thankfully not girlie. Besides being water resistant, it blocks out almost all the wind and cold for a toasty embrace. The jean-covered legs are a different story. My knee-length toe socks help, and as much as I hate wearing toe closed shoes, I’m going to have to surrender the flip-flops from this day onward for my black Sketchers.
Cracker Barrel came to the rescue again in one of our walkie-feedie stops, and hopping around outside where the cutest lil birds. I meant to snap a pic, but when we came back out of Cracker, they had gone. Don’t blame 'em. They were trying to get away from the cold and someplace else much warmer, I am sure.
With Louisville close in site we were ready to just be there. Mr. Skyler was just as ready as we were to be there, and poof! Then we were. Watched some Olympics, ate, supped a couple more New Belgium 1554 beers, and called it a night. I slept on the living room couch as last time, and Jenn, munchkin, and Skyler snuggled in the bedroom. After all, privacy is good and the last thing I want is to disturb them at five in the morning as I do my online stuff, imbibe another sweet nectar of life – coffee, and head downstairs to the gym for a workout.
Just for the record: It is currently 25*Fahrenheit outside.
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Cigar City Brew News
Official Hunahpu Release Party Info Post
With March 12th quickly approaching I would like to update everyone about how the Hunahpu Release will be going down. It will be going down thusly:
The Beer:
- Hunahpus will be sold in 25.4 ounce bottles (750ml).
- There is a strict limit of 6 bottles per person during the first go around.
- The beer will cost $20 per bottle which includes all taxes.
- The beer will go on sale promptly at 7PM
- The beer will be sold by sequential ticket number. meaning when your number is called (via the PA system) you should make your way to the bottle booth as expeditiously as possible.
Tickets for Hunahpus are attainable at the brewery starting at 11 AM on March 12th and will be handed out until 7PM or they are all gone, whichever comes first. Once you have your ticket you do not have to stay at the brewery. You may leave and come back at 7PM. We want to eliminate standing in line as much as possible.
We will take credit cards for Hunahpus BUT only after all cash sales have been processed. So if you are ticket #1 and your number is called and you attempt topay with a credit card, you will be skipped over and have to wait until all cash buyers have purchased their beer. If your only method of payment is credit card we do apologize and we didn't want to flat refuse credit cards, but we also have to acknowledge the fact that credit card transactions just take longer in this setting. You will be able to use credit cards for all other purchases including pints, merchandise and growlers.
The Draft Lineup for the 12th:
We field this question literally everyday and we hate having to say "we can't say yet," but the fact is we can't. There are some beers that might be ready by the 12th, but once you hint at them the expectation becomes that it will be a sure thing and sometimes the beer doesn't want to cooperate with our schedule.
So on March 8th we will post to the blog a final, 100% locked down, no backing out, you can bank on it beer listfor the Hunahpu Release. That being said we plan to have many of the things in our barrel room available on the 12th, at least on draft, if not for growler sales. The March 8th update will specifiy which beers will be available in growlers and which are draft only.
If you ask what will be on draft prior to the 8th we are happy to conjecture,but all you are getting is a guess. And along those conjecture lines we are trying to acquire kegs from other Florida breweries.
The Venue/Outside Beer/Where Can I Go Pee-pee:
Outside beer is ok and indeed encouraged, but if you intend to share with everyone, bring extra tasting glasses or disposable cups. We won't beable to provide 12 glasses every time someone opens a new bottle. Even if they are sharing it with us and even if it is really good!
Both the old and new tasting rooms will be open as well as most of the brewery floor space. There are 8 taps in the new area, 8 taps in the old tasting area and an additional 6 faucets on the brewery side willbe exclusively for growler fills. The growler line will be clearly marked.
There are 2 restrooms inside the brewery and they are clearly marked. There will also be three Port-o-Potty stations set upoutside.
We do not have a kitchen so it is probably best to eat before you come. We will put on some light snacks at 6PM which will consist of Empanadas and mini-Cuban Sandwiches. They will be tasty. Ohhh so tasty and you will relish each tiny, delectable bite. But alas you will not be wholly sated and will likely still feel peckish, so eat a good lunch/dinner before you come. Seriously you are looking a little thin anyway. Mangia!
Do not take your beer outside of the brewery/tasting room. We are not zoned for alcohol consumption outside of the brewery. If you take an open container outside of the brewery you hate the rule of law and are clearly working to undermine the bedrock of our civilization. Don't destroy a thousand years of societal structure founded on the rule of law because you want to drink your beer while you smoke, urinate or do both. Someone likes you enough to watch your beer while you step outside for a moment. I suppose.
If you have other questions we have not addressed please email info@cigarcitybrewing.com
Cheers!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
BEERtrekkin ~ Vero Beach, FL to Macon, GA
Today marks the first day of my road trip/vacation with the sis, my new niece, and the pooch of the house, Skyler. Leaving a bit later than planned, we still made it to Macon, GA by 7:30pmish without any hang-ups. We even had time for lunch, walkies, and some playtime along the way; all good and important things in the life of a dog and a baby.
We swung by the Indian River Animal Hospital to check on my baby, Mr. D, who decided to get sick just days before my road trip/mini vacation. Thankfully Doc Johnson and his fantabulous staff have always taken good care of our family's four-legged babies. This time was no exception. Mr. D looked good though a little worse for wear; the antibiotic was leaving him feeling a little groggy. Not too groggy though to glomp onto his mommy, me, and nuzzle for as long as I held him. My memento for the visit was an impressive layer of kitty hair on my shirt. After all, I won't be seeing him again until next Wednesday. In the meantime, the folks are cat-sitting so I know he is in good hands.
Taking the FL Turnpike to I75, it was a smooth drive despite the best efforts of rain and the typical Georgia road construction. It’s been a while since I have made the I75 drive north through Georgia, and yes, there was construction then as there is now. I could swear it hasn’t progressed any at all either. Thank goodness it’s not my taxpayer money…at least, not to the best of my knowledge. You never know these days with the gajillion taxes me pay, big, small, and indescribably.
Skyler was all eyes, ears, and nose for the first part of the trip, despite the fact that he was exhausted from at least two weeks of rustling around with Puppy Joe and Old Man Baron. My lil niece was cute as a button and a total good girl for this first day of our trip. Sleep was the name of the game and she was a certified winner. I even snuck in a nap or two along the way, despite best efforts otherwise. I am riding in back with the lil button, after all, so I need to be awake for any needs that arise. That and to make funny faces at her cute baby self.
Along the way a few billboards of amusement popped into my view. During the merger of the FL Turnpike into I75 there was a line of billboards as far as the eye can see. Literally. At over two dozen billboards I just stopped counting. After all, I can only acknowledge so many kitschy warehouses, sleazy stripper, and creative if not industrious porno shops in one sitting. As for Georgia billboards, seeing their decrepit faded state determined their obviously low stature on the state priority poll. It should also be known that upon crossing that Georgia border I ran into the dreaded temperature drop and funky smell that never fails to turn the nose. I can’t explain why. I don’t know why. And I don’t know if care to. Just understand that if you are driving north through Florida, once you enter Georgia, strange and unusual changes take place most significantly of which is no liquor sales on Sunday. Period.
Thank goodness it isn't Sunday.
Once upon our Macon exit, we stopped at a Publix so I could bop in and grab a couple 6packs of beer. I figure even if they didn’t have something good that I can’t get in Florida, they’d at least have the good ol' boys like Sierra Nevada, Dogfish, Flying Dog, or Brooklyn. Instead, I had the extreme fortune of bringing back to the hotel two sixers of New Belgium: 1554 and 2*Below. Mm… nummers! I’ve had the 1554 before so I’m supping on that tonight. I haven’t had the 2* Below before so tasting notes must be observed before blissful quaffing can ensue. I know my beertrek has officially started when in the midst of travelling away from home, I locate, buy, and drink of tasteful brews of a diversity I can't find back home. Let the beer hunting begin. Before beer and hotel relaxation, food was a must. A bacon cheese burger from the Outback across the street filled the black hole in my tummy, and pjs were donned for final relaxation.
I must say in conclusion that if you’re thinking of road trekking in February and operate under the delusion that it’s only from Florida to Georgia so shorts are A-OK…know that you are so wrong. Suffice to say, the jeans and long sleeve shirts will be going on tomorrow after waking up early to work out. Gots to keep my exercise routine rolling even if I am on vacation. No rest for the weary, or in my case, the giddy excitement.
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
We swung by the Indian River Animal Hospital to check on my baby, Mr. D, who decided to get sick just days before my road trip/mini vacation. Thankfully Doc Johnson and his fantabulous staff have always taken good care of our family's four-legged babies. This time was no exception. Mr. D looked good though a little worse for wear; the antibiotic was leaving him feeling a little groggy. Not too groggy though to glomp onto his mommy, me, and nuzzle for as long as I held him. My memento for the visit was an impressive layer of kitty hair on my shirt. After all, I won't be seeing him again until next Wednesday. In the meantime, the folks are cat-sitting so I know he is in good hands.
Taking the FL Turnpike to I75, it was a smooth drive despite the best efforts of rain and the typical Georgia road construction. It’s been a while since I have made the I75 drive north through Georgia, and yes, there was construction then as there is now. I could swear it hasn’t progressed any at all either. Thank goodness it’s not my taxpayer money…at least, not to the best of my knowledge. You never know these days with the gajillion taxes me pay, big, small, and indescribably.
Skyler was all eyes, ears, and nose for the first part of the trip, despite the fact that he was exhausted from at least two weeks of rustling around with Puppy Joe and Old Man Baron. My lil niece was cute as a button and a total good girl for this first day of our trip. Sleep was the name of the game and she was a certified winner. I even snuck in a nap or two along the way, despite best efforts otherwise. I am riding in back with the lil button, after all, so I need to be awake for any needs that arise. That and to make funny faces at her cute baby self.
Along the way a few billboards of amusement popped into my view. During the merger of the FL Turnpike into I75 there was a line of billboards as far as the eye can see. Literally. At over two dozen billboards I just stopped counting. After all, I can only acknowledge so many kitschy warehouses, sleazy stripper, and creative if not industrious porno shops in one sitting. As for Georgia billboards, seeing their decrepit faded state determined their obviously low stature on the state priority poll. It should also be known that upon crossing that Georgia border I ran into the dreaded temperature drop and funky smell that never fails to turn the nose. I can’t explain why. I don’t know why. And I don’t know if care to. Just understand that if you are driving north through Florida, once you enter Georgia, strange and unusual changes take place most significantly of which is no liquor sales on Sunday. Period.
Thank goodness it isn't Sunday.
Once upon our Macon exit, we stopped at a Publix so I could bop in and grab a couple 6packs of beer. I figure even if they didn’t have something good that I can’t get in Florida, they’d at least have the good ol' boys like Sierra Nevada, Dogfish, Flying Dog, or Brooklyn. Instead, I had the extreme fortune of bringing back to the hotel two sixers of New Belgium: 1554 and 2*Below. Mm… nummers! I’ve had the 1554 before so I’m supping on that tonight. I haven’t had the 2* Below before so tasting notes must be observed before blissful quaffing can ensue. I know my beertrek has officially started when in the midst of travelling away from home, I locate, buy, and drink of tasteful brews of a diversity I can't find back home. Let the beer hunting begin. Before beer and hotel relaxation, food was a must. A bacon cheese burger from the Outback across the street filled the black hole in my tummy, and pjs were donned for final relaxation.
I must say in conclusion that if you’re thinking of road trekking in February and operate under the delusion that it’s only from Florida to Georgia so shorts are A-OK…know that you are so wrong. Suffice to say, the jeans and long sleeve shirts will be going on tomorrow after waking up early to work out. Gots to keep my exercise routine rolling even if I am on vacation. No rest for the weary, or in my case, the giddy excitement.
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
Vine & Barley News
What do a yard sale, pizza and wine tasting have in common?
Vine & Barley, Port St. Lucie's "Very Unique Wine & Craft Beer Lounge", is proudly supporting the American Cancer Society's lifesaving mission. And to help do just that, we are inviting the public to take part in any of the following upcoming events. All are opportunities to help battle cancer.
Yard Sale
Saturday, Feb. 27 8 a.m. until noon
Come to 1913 Wren Avenue, Fort Pierce and shop 'til you drop.
March Friday Fest
March 5th, 5pm - 8pm
Celebrate the Luck O' the Irish early at March's Friday Fest in downtown Fort Pierce from 5 to 8 p.m. on March 5. While there, look for the Vine & Barley table, which will have baked goods, Dominos 'slice the price' cards and raffle tickets to win a cruise. 'Slice the price' cards are $10 per card. Cruise raffle tickets are 1 for $10 or 3 for $25. This event is weather permitting.
Wine Tasting and Silent Auction
Wednesday, March 31, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Mark your calendar now for this special engagement. Sample wines from around the world from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and bid on some wonderful gifts at 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31. Wine tasting admission will be $10.00 and receive a engraved Vine & Barley wine glass and many wines to taste.
Vine & Barley is located at 1680 SW St. Lucie West Blvd. in St Lucie West. All proceeds from these events will go to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. For more information on any of the above fundraisers, call Joann Carbone at (772) 446-7550.
The Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. It is an opportunity for everyone in communities across the globe to celebrate those surviving cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease.
Port St. Lucie's Relay kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 30 and continue overnight until noon Saturday at Tradition Field. There, teams camp out and take turns walking, running or even dancing around the track. Those teams will also host a variety of games and activities, prize giveaways and more, ensuring plenty of ways to have fun. Tradition Field is located at 525 NW Peacock Blvd. in Port St. Lucie.
For more information on how you can become a part of this life-changing event, contact Keri Hughes at 772-562-2272, ext. 119 or via email at Keri.hughes@cancer.org.
'A Very Unique Wine & Craft Beer Lounge'
1680 SW St Lucie West Blvd
Port St Lucie, FL 34986
772-446-7550
www.VineAndBarley.com
Vine & Barley, Port St. Lucie's "Very Unique Wine & Craft Beer Lounge", is proudly supporting the American Cancer Society's lifesaving mission. And to help do just that, we are inviting the public to take part in any of the following upcoming events. All are opportunities to help battle cancer.
Yard Sale
Saturday, Feb. 27 8 a.m. until noon
Come to 1913 Wren Avenue, Fort Pierce and shop 'til you drop.
March Friday Fest
March 5th, 5pm - 8pm
Celebrate the Luck O' the Irish early at March's Friday Fest in downtown Fort Pierce from 5 to 8 p.m. on March 5. While there, look for the Vine & Barley table, which will have baked goods, Dominos 'slice the price' cards and raffle tickets to win a cruise. 'Slice the price' cards are $10 per card. Cruise raffle tickets are 1 for $10 or 3 for $25. This event is weather permitting.
Wine Tasting and Silent Auction
Wednesday, March 31, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Mark your calendar now for this special engagement. Sample wines from around the world from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and bid on some wonderful gifts at 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31. Wine tasting admission will be $10.00 and receive a engraved Vine & Barley wine glass and many wines to taste.
Vine & Barley is located at 1680 SW St. Lucie West Blvd. in St Lucie West. All proceeds from these events will go to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. For more information on any of the above fundraisers, call Joann Carbone at (772) 446-7550.
The Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. It is an opportunity for everyone in communities across the globe to celebrate those surviving cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease.
Port St. Lucie's Relay kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 30 and continue overnight until noon Saturday at Tradition Field. There, teams camp out and take turns walking, running or even dancing around the track. Those teams will also host a variety of games and activities, prize giveaways and more, ensuring plenty of ways to have fun. Tradition Field is located at 525 NW Peacock Blvd. in Port St. Lucie.
For more information on how you can become a part of this life-changing event, contact Keri Hughes at 772-562-2272, ext. 119 or via email at Keri.hughes@cancer.org.
'A Very Unique Wine & Craft Beer Lounge'
1680 SW St Lucie West Blvd
Port St Lucie, FL 34986
772-446-7550
www.VineAndBarley.com
WOB Viera Beer News
St. Patty's Day Celebration
On March 17th, we are celebrating St. Patrick's Day featuring beer specials with our favorite irish imports. Don't forget to wear green that day. $4 Irish pints, $3 Rogue Kells, $2 Irish Car Bombs, $1 Irish Beer shots. Click here for flyer.
Rock by the Sea
World Of Beer is teaming with Rock By The Sea, a Florida Not-for-Profit organization, to present the Rock By The Sea Road Show featuring Lani Daniels, Sam Thacker and Alternate Routes front man, Tim Warren. This intimate and unique night of music includes individual sets by each of the artists culminating in a late-night jam where they will all share the stage. Rock By The Sea will be selling merchandise and hosting a Gibson guitar raffle to raise money to benefit the UF Pediatric Brain Tumor Program at Shands HealthCare and others.. Additional information about the concert series can be found at www.wobusa.com and at www.RockByTheSea.org.
Who's ready for Mojo Risin Nitro
Once again the World of Beer scores! We have Mojo Risin Nitro on draft. There are only 2 kegs available in central Florida and we have both of them. A limited release beer brewed with more than a half ton of extra malts and twice the hops, poured on the nitros tap for added body. Don't miss this awesome beer.
New Bottles
New Drafts
Live Music This Week
On March 17th, we are celebrating St. Patrick's Day featuring beer specials with our favorite irish imports. Don't forget to wear green that day. $4 Irish pints, $3 Rogue Kells, $2 Irish Car Bombs, $1 Irish Beer shots. Click here for flyer.
Rock by the Sea
World Of Beer is teaming with Rock By The Sea, a Florida Not-for-Profit organization, to present the Rock By The Sea Road Show featuring Lani Daniels, Sam Thacker and Alternate Routes front man, Tim Warren. This intimate and unique night of music includes individual sets by each of the artists culminating in a late-night jam where they will all share the stage. Rock By The Sea will be selling merchandise and hosting a Gibson guitar raffle to raise money to benefit the UF Pediatric Brain Tumor Program at Shands HealthCare and others.. Additional information about the concert series can be found at www.wobusa.com and at www.RockByTheSea.org.
Who's ready for Mojo Risin Nitro
Once again the World of Beer scores! We have Mojo Risin Nitro on draft. There are only 2 kegs available in central Florida and we have both of them. A limited release beer brewed with more than a half ton of extra malts and twice the hops, poured on the nitros tap for added body. Don't miss this awesome beer.
New Bottles
Hoppin Frog bodacious Black N Tan, 7.6% (Ohio)
OPB Squared, 11% (Florida)
New Drafts
Cigar City Maduro Espresso, 5.5% (Florida)
Smithwick's, 4.4% (Netherlands)
Southern Tier Unearthly, 9.8% (New York)
Gordon Biersch Maibock, 6.4% (California)
Harp, 4.2% (Ireland)
Dogfish Head Red&White, 10% (Delaware)
Live Music This Week
Thursday - Micah Reed
Friday - Wilcor
Saturday - C-Lane & Beav
Cigar City Brew News
******
Tasting Room Lineup Week of 2-24-10
Jai Alai India Pale Ale
Maduro Brown Ale
Double Cream Ale
Cubano Espresso Brown Ale
Humidor Series: IPA
Humidor Series: Double Cream Ale
******
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Lost Abbey Brew News
Around the Brewhouse
Greetings from Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey. Our beloved Director of Brewery Operations is taking this issue off from his column as he’s on the East Coast this week doing several special appearances (or, as we call it: “Being Tomme Arthur”). Not to worry, however, as we’ve still got a lot of news for you. Read on.
Expansion Updates
First off, our tasting room expansion is nearly complete. As you’ve probably read in previous newsletters, via the website, Facebook, etc., back in late November we began a major expansion of our tasting room and warehouse / barrel room / cold storage. We’re please to report that the expansion – save a few minor details – is complete. With the construction of the new warehouse and barrel room across the lot from the brewhouse and tasting room, we’ve not only been able to bump our barrel library to 800-plus barrels, but also nearly double the size of our tasting bar to 42 feet, add 14 more taps for fresh beers, and create a vintage bottle list for visitors who would like to sample some our rarer delights. Combine that with our swanky lighting, new bottle cabinetry and hip bistro-style barrel tables, and you’ve got a tasting room experience quite unlike anything else. You can learn more about our tasting room on our website here:
http://www.lostabbey.com/tasting-room/
A New (Old) Face
Along with our with our new tasting room, we’re also pleased to announce our new tasting room and special events manager, Terri Osterfeld. Those of you familiar with Port Brewing / The Lost Abbey know that Terri (aka: “Beer Molly”) has been a staple behind the bar on weekends since late 2006. But with our fancy new digs and the ever-expanding crowds, we started needing her here a lot more than just weekends. So as of January 1 Terri became a full-time employee in charge of the tasting room, merchandise, special events, and online sales. Now she’s here Wednesdays through Sundays, serving beers, filling orders, coordinating tours and basically keeping the public side of our operation running smoothly. If you ever have a chance to drop by the brewery or purchase anything from our online store, Terri’s the girl who handles it for you, so make sure to say hi. She can be reached at terri@lostabbey.com or through our website at:
http://www.portbrewing.com/visit-us/contact-the-tasting-room/
Extended Tasting Room Hours
Oh, and speaking of Terri, now that she’s on board fulltime, we have newly extended tasting room days and hours. They are as follows:
You can all the info on our tasting room (beers on tap, vintage bottles, special events, etc.) by visitng our website at:
http://www.lostabbey.com/tasting-room/
Barrels for Sale
As you’re probably aware, we have quite an extensive collection of barrels in which we age beers. What you might not know, however, is that many of those barrels — especially our spirit barrels (bourbon, brandy, sherry) — we only use once. Oh, they still impart lots of flavor and character, but the style of beer combined with the volume we’re producing really dictates that we used fresh distilled spirit barrels. As a result, we have a regular supply of whole (empty) barrels that we’re willing to part with for very little. Not only do these barrels have great flavor, but there color and character are something to behold too. So if you’re a homebrewer, a gardener (yes, they make great planters), a craftsman, or any one of hundreds of other people who has use for gently-used spirit barrels, these are just $25 each (whole 33gal barrel) when you pick up it up. If you’re interested, visit our website here:
http://www.portbrewing.com/buy-our-beers/buy-a-barrel/
Upcoming Events ~ Carnevale di Lost Abbey
Saturday, February 27th is our 3rd Carnevale di Lost Abbey Masquerade party. An annual bash held in honor of the release of our 2009 GABF Gold Medal-winning Carnevale Ale, we’ll be serving up food by our house chef Vince, live music by the Professors, and a huge tap and bottle list of great Port Brewing and Lost Abbey beers. The masquerade is from 7pm to 11pm and food and music are free for everyone who shows up in costume and mask. It’s $10 for those without a costume (we will, however, provide you with a mask). Beers are all regular price. More information, visit the Lost Abbey website at:
http://www.lostabbey.com/3rd-annual-carnevale-di-lost-abbey-masquerade-party/
Greetings from Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey. Our beloved Director of Brewery Operations is taking this issue off from his column as he’s on the East Coast this week doing several special appearances (or, as we call it: “Being Tomme Arthur”). Not to worry, however, as we’ve still got a lot of news for you. Read on.
Expansion Updates
First off, our tasting room expansion is nearly complete. As you’ve probably read in previous newsletters, via the website, Facebook, etc., back in late November we began a major expansion of our tasting room and warehouse / barrel room / cold storage. We’re please to report that the expansion – save a few minor details – is complete. With the construction of the new warehouse and barrel room across the lot from the brewhouse and tasting room, we’ve not only been able to bump our barrel library to 800-plus barrels, but also nearly double the size of our tasting bar to 42 feet, add 14 more taps for fresh beers, and create a vintage bottle list for visitors who would like to sample some our rarer delights. Combine that with our swanky lighting, new bottle cabinetry and hip bistro-style barrel tables, and you’ve got a tasting room experience quite unlike anything else. You can learn more about our tasting room on our website here:
http://www.lostabbey.com/tasting-room/
A New (Old) Face
Along with our with our new tasting room, we’re also pleased to announce our new tasting room and special events manager, Terri Osterfeld. Those of you familiar with Port Brewing / The Lost Abbey know that Terri (aka: “Beer Molly”) has been a staple behind the bar on weekends since late 2006. But with our fancy new digs and the ever-expanding crowds, we started needing her here a lot more than just weekends. So as of January 1 Terri became a full-time employee in charge of the tasting room, merchandise, special events, and online sales. Now she’s here Wednesdays through Sundays, serving beers, filling orders, coordinating tours and basically keeping the public side of our operation running smoothly. If you ever have a chance to drop by the brewery or purchase anything from our online store, Terri’s the girl who handles it for you, so make sure to say hi. She can be reached at terri@lostabbey.com or through our website at:
http://www.portbrewing.com/visit-us/contact-the-tasting-room/
Extended Tasting Room Hours
Oh, and speaking of Terri, now that she’s on board fulltime, we have newly extended tasting room days and hours. They are as follows:
Wednesday: 1pm to 5pm – Growler Fills & Bottles Sales only
Thursday: 12pm to 5pm – Growler Fills & Bottles Sales only
Friday: 2pm to 8pm – Full Tasting Room (Tasters, Pints, Growlers & Bottles)
Saturday: 12pm to 5pm – Full Tasting Room (Tasters, Pints, Growlers & Bottles)
Sunday: 12pm to 4pm – Full Tasting Room (Tasters, Pints, Growlers & Bottles)
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
You can all the info on our tasting room (beers on tap, vintage bottles, special events, etc.) by visitng our website at:
http://www.lostabbey.com/tasting-room/
Barrels for Sale
As you’re probably aware, we have quite an extensive collection of barrels in which we age beers. What you might not know, however, is that many of those barrels — especially our spirit barrels (bourbon, brandy, sherry) — we only use once. Oh, they still impart lots of flavor and character, but the style of beer combined with the volume we’re producing really dictates that we used fresh distilled spirit barrels. As a result, we have a regular supply of whole (empty) barrels that we’re willing to part with for very little. Not only do these barrels have great flavor, but there color and character are something to behold too. So if you’re a homebrewer, a gardener (yes, they make great planters), a craftsman, or any one of hundreds of other people who has use for gently-used spirit barrels, these are just $25 each (whole 33gal barrel) when you pick up it up. If you’re interested, visit our website here:
http://www.portbrewing.com/buy-our-beers/buy-a-barrel/
Upcoming Events ~ Carnevale di Lost Abbey
Saturday, February 27th is our 3rd Carnevale di Lost Abbey Masquerade party. An annual bash held in honor of the release of our 2009 GABF Gold Medal-winning Carnevale Ale, we’ll be serving up food by our house chef Vince, live music by the Professors, and a huge tap and bottle list of great Port Brewing and Lost Abbey beers. The masquerade is from 7pm to 11pm and food and music are free for everyone who shows up in costume and mask. It’s $10 for those without a costume (we will, however, provide you with a mask). Beers are all regular price. More information, visit the Lost Abbey website at:
http://www.lostabbey.com/3rd-annual-carnevale-di-lost-abbey-masquerade-party/
Eataly ~ New York
Personally, I'm already drooling in excitement and my tummy is rumbling in anticipatory hunger. Eataly ~ New York just became my #1 reason to visit NY sooner than later.
Eataly - Birreria (NYC Brewery) Announcement from BeerAdvocate on Vimeo.
Monday, February 22, 2010
TONIGHT: Stouts 'n' Stogies @ Town Crier Pub
Place: Town Crier Pub
Location: Tradition Square of St. Lucie
Time: 7:30pm to close
Stogies: La Reina Maduro ~ torpedo tip & round tip
Beer: Anchor Porter
*technically not a porter, but she is dry, roasty, and rich with notes of chocolate and wood making for an excellent match to any cigar*
Cigars are courtesy of (Sylvio) Palomino Premium Cigars & Gourmet Coffee of Palm Springs, FL.
Location: Tradition Square of St. Lucie
Time: 7:30pm to close
Stogies: La Reina Maduro ~ torpedo tip & round tip
Beer: Anchor Porter
*technically not a porter, but she is dry, roasty, and rich with notes of chocolate and wood making for an excellent match to any cigar*
Cigars are courtesy of (Sylvio) Palomino Premium Cigars & Gourmet Coffee of Palm Springs, FL.
Belgian Beer Fest @ Coasters of Melbourne, FL
Belgian Beer Fest 2010
Friday, Feb 26 - 11am - Midnight
Saturday, Feb 27 - 11am - Midnight
Sunday, Feb 28 - Noon - 9pm
Coasters Pub
971A East Eau Gallie Blvd
Melbourne, FL 32937
(Corner of A1A and Eau Gallie in Beachside Melbourne, in the Wal Mart/Winn Dixie plaza)
Clear your calendar, book a hotel room, find a pet-sitter, and arrange for a liver transplant, because Coasters Pub will be the Belgian Beer Headquarters of Florida from Friday February 26 - Sunday February 28, 2010. This three-day beer event will feature 35 taps of Belgian Beer and lots of Belgian brews in bottles. We're patting down the distributors and importers and putting them through full body scanners, searching for rare and eccentric kegs of Belgian Beer. Don't worry; their faces and privates are pixilated. Even still, the list is growing every day and looking fantastic! Since most of the beers are rare and high octane, the plan right now is to serve the most of the draught beer in 8oz wine glasses rather than full servings to allow you to try more different beers and styles. The more sessionable and lower alcohol brews will be served in pints. We were originally planning on selling all the beers for one flat price to make things easy, but as kegs arrived, we were flabbergasted as to the huge cost variant from one beer to another. As a result, all beers will be prices individually, and the price range will be anywhere from $4.5 for an Affligem Abbey Ale or Ommegang Hennepin to $9 per wine glass for a Cantillon Rose de Gambrinus. For Belgian-inspired food specials, we've arranged to procure fresh mussels, the national food of Belgium, as well as worked with a Belgian chocolatier to make Belgian Chocolate goodies just for the event. Trappist-made Chimay cheeses are also in house. Of course, our entire regular food menu will be offered as well, so there will be plenty of grub available.
Now, some clarification; especially to those of you who have never been to Coasters. When the words 'Beer Fest' are uttered, it seems that some folks imagine parking lots full of beer trucks, hot dog stands, bouncy houses, local arts & crafts, cigar shops, beer bongs and numerous speakers blaring out some sort of repetitive drum-machine back-beat pretending to be music. No. That's not what we're doing. We're simply taking our pub & restaurant, equipped with 35 taps, a capable kitchen, and room for an acoustic guitarist and offering you beer geeks the most extensive 35 taps of the Belgian Beers that Florida has ever seen. For three days.
Come Thirsty. Leave Safely.
So anyways, THIS is what you're looking for, isn't it?
The Beer List:
- Affligem Blonde Ale
- Allagash Curieux
- Alvinne Gaspar
- Alvinne Melchior
- Alvinne Podge
- Avec les Bons Dupont
- Cantillon Rose de Gambrinus
- Chimay Triple
- Cigar City Belgian Coaster Ale - made special for this event - A Belgian-style IPA brewed with Trappist Ale yeast and infused with Guava.
- Corsendonk Abbey Ale
- Corsendonk Brown Ale
- Corsendonk Christmas Ale 2008
- Delirium Noel
- Delirium Tremens
- DeRanke XX Bitter
- Duchesse De Bourgogne
- Gouden Carolus Noel
- Grimbergen Dubble
- Gulden Draak
- Ichtegem's Grand Cru
- Kerkom Bink Blonde
- Kwak
- LaChouffe Golden Ale
- Leffe Blonde
- Lindeman's Framboise
- Maredsous 8
- Moinette Blonde
- Noel des Geants
- Nostradomus Brown Ale
- Ommegang Hennepin
- Piraat
- Saison Dupont
- Saxo Blonde Ale
- Scaldis
- Slaapmutske Triple Nightcap
- Smisje Vuuve
- St Bernardus Abt 12
- St Bernardus Prior 8
- St Bernardus Triple
- St Bernardus Xmas Ale
- Stella Artois
- Teras Boulba
- Terrapin Belgian Stout
- Tripel Karmeliet
- Tsmisje Speciale
- Unibroue Ephemre
- Unibroue Maudite
- Unibroue La Terrible
- Unibroue Trois Pistoles
- Wittekerke
Many Belgian bottles will be available as well, including Westmalle, Rochefort, Orval and Chimay. FYI: Yes, that's more than 35 beers. Thirty five brews will be tapped at any given time, and then other Belgian or Belgian-style beers will be rotated in as kegs empty. Please note that many of these beers will be limited to a single 5-gallon keg, so supplies are limited. Each slim keg should serve about 70 8-oz wine glasses-worth of beer, so if there's something you're particularly interested in trying, you may want to show up on Friday or Saturday, rather than Sunday. When the kegs are gone, they're gone! We'll be ordering backups based on pure guesses as to what the turnout will be. We don't want to run out of beer, but then we don't want to have dozens of leftover kegs, either. This first go-round will be a learning experience, but don't let that fool you into thinking it will be anything less than absolutely KICK ASS!!!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Cigar City Brew News
Pays du Soleil Florida Launch Party
One of my Florida brewing heroes, Bob Sylvester, is having a launch party for his straight up awesome beer, Pays du Soleil at Mr. Dunderbak's on February 25th (4 days from now!) at 7PM. If you know what is good for your palate you'll be there!
******
You definitely want to watch this in hi-def and preferably with a $45,000 Bose stereo system (they make those right?), but if you want to just settle and watch it on your crappy computer then feel free to revel in your inferior second choice:
One of my Florida brewing heroes, Bob Sylvester, is having a launch party for his straight up awesome beer, Pays du Soleil at Mr. Dunderbak's on February 25th (4 days from now!) at 7PM. If you know what is good for your palate you'll be there!
******
You definitely want to watch this in hi-def and preferably with a $45,000 Bose stereo system (they make those right?), but if you want to just settle and watch it on your crappy computer then feel free to revel in your inferior second choice:
Thursday, February 18, 2010
VB: USO Rocks America TOMORROW!!!
I'll be there making merry, snapping pics, pouring craft beer (Rogue American Amber, Sierra Nevada Torpedo, Brooklyn Brown Ale, Anchor Liberty Ale, and Avery Ale to the Chief), eating food, and in general enjoying myself way too much...ok, there's no such thing as way to much so just enough.
It's going to be a blast, and for those who can't/don't/won't make it, look for a write-up sooner than later.
It's going to be a blast, and for those who can't/don't/won't make it, look for a write-up sooner than later.
Cigar City Brew News
Draft List
- Jai Alai IPA
- Maduro Brown Ale
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
- Cubano Espresso Brown Ale
- Batch #69 Double Cream Ale
WOB Viera Beer News
Blue Point Brewery Night
Tuesday, February 23rd, Blue Point Brewery from South Hampton, New York will be at WOB. A representative from the brewery will introduce Blueberry Ale, so be the first to try it. Also on draft will be Toasted Lager, Hoptical Illusion, Rasta Far Rye Oatmeal Stout and Winter Ale. Click here for the flyer.
Terrapin Oaked Wake N Bake
Come in this weekend to try Terrapin Oaked Wake N Bake. Only 2 kegs have been released in the area and we have it! This imperial stout is a full bodied beer loaded with coffee taste and aroma aged over a month with vanilla oak chips. You won't be disappointed.
St. Patty's Day Celebration
On March 17th, we are celebrating St. Patrick's Day featuring beer specials with our favorite irish imports. Don't forget to wear green that day. For more information click here.
Beer and Cheese Pairing Party
The next time you reach for a piece of cheese, save the wine and try an ale or lager. The two together seem odd but they might be better than wine and cheese. In March, Florida Beer and World of Beer is having a beer and cheese pairing party. Keep reading your newsletters to get the date and time.
New Bottles
New Drafts
Live Music This Week
Tuesday, February 23rd, Blue Point Brewery from South Hampton, New York will be at WOB. A representative from the brewery will introduce Blueberry Ale, so be the first to try it. Also on draft will be Toasted Lager, Hoptical Illusion, Rasta Far Rye Oatmeal Stout and Winter Ale. Click here for the flyer.
Terrapin Oaked Wake N Bake
Come in this weekend to try Terrapin Oaked Wake N Bake. Only 2 kegs have been released in the area and we have it! This imperial stout is a full bodied beer loaded with coffee taste and aroma aged over a month with vanilla oak chips. You won't be disappointed.
St. Patty's Day Celebration
On March 17th, we are celebrating St. Patrick's Day featuring beer specials with our favorite irish imports. Don't forget to wear green that day. For more information click here.
Beer and Cheese Pairing Party
The next time you reach for a piece of cheese, save the wine and try an ale or lager. The two together seem odd but they might be better than wine and cheese. In March, Florida Beer and World of Beer is having a beer and cheese pairing party. Keep reading your newsletters to get the date and time.
New Bottles
- The Bruery Mischief, 8.5% (California)
- The Bruery Orchard White, 5.7% (California)
- The Bruery Rugbrød, 8% (California)
- The Bruery Saison Rue, 8.5% (California)
- Flying Dog Horn Dog, 10.2% (Maryland)
- Rochefort Trappistes 8, 9.1% (Belgium)
New Drafts
- Abita Andygator, 8% (Louisiana)
- Abita Mardi Gras Bock, 6.5% (Louisiana)
- Cigar City Double Cream Ale, 9% (Florida)
- Terrapin Rye Pale Ale, 5.2% (Georgia)
- Terrapin Oaked Wake N Bake, 7.6% (Georgia)
Live Music This Week
- Thursday - James Johnson
- Friday - Matt Adkins & Jay DiBella
- Saturday Nite - Micah Reed
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
BEERflections ~ Bells Brewery Tasting @ Hurricanes VB
Good beer and good times ensued Wednesday, February 10th from 7pm to 9pm at the Hurricane Grille & Wings of Vero Beach, FL. The good beer? Bells Brewing out of Comstock, Michigan.
I had known about the tasting weeks in advance which ensured a steady build of anticipation and excitement. Each day that passed brought me ever closer to Bells beer bliss and Hurricane wing snarfing indulgence. Out of all the wing joints in town, Hurricanes is still my personal favorite for quality, consistency, flavor choices, and the chunkiest blue cheese dressing this side of Florida.
Even better than succulent finger-friendly chicken wings is a glass of beer to pair them with. I’m not talking your average macro swill but craft beer with the occasional artisanal import tossed in for good measure. Details past, after a months long dry spell of lackluster beer choices and dismal tap rotation, Hurricanes VB is back in the game and playing strong. I was there that evening to drink Bells beer and lots of it, but my wandering eye couldn’t help but notice the long row of gleaming tap handles that included the likes of:
Diversity of choice is the spice of life, and it’s good to see it back home at Hurricanes where it belongs.
Beer is always better when shared with fellow beer geeks. With a Bells tasting on the front page this time, I immediately set about assembling a posse of beer peeps and wing nuts to make merry and drink the night away. Looking back, we accomplished that mission and then some, further proof that Vero Beach is home to a growing group of mature fun loving adults who know how to appreciate good beer and good food.
But I digress.
My thirsty peeps and I descended upon Hurricanes and promptly commandeered the bar. To my left, to my right, and even behind me were familiar faces aglow with cheer, glasses and tasting cups in-hand. Bells Amber and Two Hearted flowed from the tap in a steady stream while Tim generously shared tasting cups of Bells Hopslam, Oberon, and Kalamazoo Stout to my thirsty posse and to patrons on the floor. The night flew by with nary a hitch that I can recall, and it was a raucous celebration when the Bells Two-Hearted keg blew. No worries though. A back-up was ready and waiting for its turn in the cooler of beer fame.
I was having so much fun that final call blew on by without ruffling a single hair on my head (not that it’s hard to do). Inbetween, I savored a glass or three of Amber and Two-Hearted along with tasting whatever Hopslam, Oberon, and Kalamazoo pours came my way. Not sure how, but somehow a mostly full bottle of Kalamazoo made it to my hands…and never left. Sorry folks, she is too good of a beer to just say no.
While performing his duties as Bell Brewery Ambassador, Tim dropped by to say hello and shoot the breeze for a few. Looking around me, and not just at my killer posse of beer peeps, every single person I saw tasting the beers had a smile on their face. Tim’s mission was successfully accomplished and then some: open people’s eyes, nose, mouth, and mind to the beauty that is good beer with flavor.
A moment please to honor the Bourbon Apple Glaze adorned wings which were lipsmackingtastic. Just the right amount of brown sugar and apple married with bourbon and set to finish with a solid kick of spice. Remember the chunkiest blue cheese dressing this side of Florida? It was there until I ate all of it, and I do believe a fork was involved.
All good times must end so that others may begin. Slowly but surely I bid rosy-cheeked farewells to Rob and Cathie, Mike and Paula, David and friends, and certainly not least, Patrick. In rare form, I even out-stayed Tim who bid farewell along with his cohort in tasting, Ron. Fun was had by all, and though beer is to be taken seriously at times, that doesn’t mean we have to always take ourselves seriously. I’m starting to find that a friendly communion between the two works best.
With the bar to ourselves, Nicole and I caught up on girl talk since the last time we saw each other. Nicole is THE bartender for me, and I have no qualms calling in advance to see if she is working. No matter how good the beer, it is the person behind the bar who ultimately creates the atmosphere of enjoyable liquid libation. For me, it’s all Nicole. Girl talk over and the evening fading fast…or was that me…Nicole set about closing and I headed home to my kitty, PJs, and some Glenlivet 21yr Archive. Apparently my apartment threshold has the magical ability to instill energy once lost. A movie later, the bed finally called and I indubitably answered.
Something that sticks with me even now is their newly adopted motto: live with flavor. I must say that Hurricanes is certainly putting the flavor back into life and the life back into flavor. I look forward to an enduring future of pint diversity and generous wings.
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
I had known about the tasting weeks in advance which ensured a steady build of anticipation and excitement. Each day that passed brought me ever closer to Bells beer bliss and Hurricane wing snarfing indulgence. Out of all the wing joints in town, Hurricanes is still my personal favorite for quality, consistency, flavor choices, and the chunkiest blue cheese dressing this side of Florida.
Even better than succulent finger-friendly chicken wings is a glass of beer to pair them with. I’m not talking your average macro swill but craft beer with the occasional artisanal import tossed in for good measure. Details past, after a months long dry spell of lackluster beer choices and dismal tap rotation, Hurricanes VB is back in the game and playing strong. I was there that evening to drink Bells beer and lots of it, but my wandering eye couldn’t help but notice the long row of gleaming tap handles that included the likes of:
SN Glissade. Brooklyn Lager. Anchor Porter. Arrogant Bastard. Cigar City Maduro. UFO Hefeweizen. Sam Adams Noble Pils. Abita Purple Haze.
Diversity of choice is the spice of life, and it’s good to see it back home at Hurricanes where it belongs.
Beer is always better when shared with fellow beer geeks. With a Bells tasting on the front page this time, I immediately set about assembling a posse of beer peeps and wing nuts to make merry and drink the night away. Looking back, we accomplished that mission and then some, further proof that Vero Beach is home to a growing group of mature fun loving adults who know how to appreciate good beer and good food.
But I digress.
My thirsty peeps and I descended upon Hurricanes and promptly commandeered the bar. To my left, to my right, and even behind me were familiar faces aglow with cheer, glasses and tasting cups in-hand. Bells Amber and Two Hearted flowed from the tap in a steady stream while Tim generously shared tasting cups of Bells Hopslam, Oberon, and Kalamazoo Stout to my thirsty posse and to patrons on the floor. The night flew by with nary a hitch that I can recall, and it was a raucous celebration when the Bells Two-Hearted keg blew. No worries though. A back-up was ready and waiting for its turn in the cooler of beer fame.
I was having so much fun that final call blew on by without ruffling a single hair on my head (not that it’s hard to do). Inbetween, I savored a glass or three of Amber and Two-Hearted along with tasting whatever Hopslam, Oberon, and Kalamazoo pours came my way. Not sure how, but somehow a mostly full bottle of Kalamazoo made it to my hands…and never left. Sorry folks, she is too good of a beer to just say no.
While performing his duties as Bell Brewery Ambassador, Tim dropped by to say hello and shoot the breeze for a few. Looking around me, and not just at my killer posse of beer peeps, every single person I saw tasting the beers had a smile on their face. Tim’s mission was successfully accomplished and then some: open people’s eyes, nose, mouth, and mind to the beauty that is good beer with flavor.
A moment please to honor the Bourbon Apple Glaze adorned wings which were lipsmackingtastic. Just the right amount of brown sugar and apple married with bourbon and set to finish with a solid kick of spice. Remember the chunkiest blue cheese dressing this side of Florida? It was there until I ate all of it, and I do believe a fork was involved.
All good times must end so that others may begin. Slowly but surely I bid rosy-cheeked farewells to Rob and Cathie, Mike and Paula, David and friends, and certainly not least, Patrick. In rare form, I even out-stayed Tim who bid farewell along with his cohort in tasting, Ron. Fun was had by all, and though beer is to be taken seriously at times, that doesn’t mean we have to always take ourselves seriously. I’m starting to find that a friendly communion between the two works best.
With the bar to ourselves, Nicole and I caught up on girl talk since the last time we saw each other. Nicole is THE bartender for me, and I have no qualms calling in advance to see if she is working. No matter how good the beer, it is the person behind the bar who ultimately creates the atmosphere of enjoyable liquid libation. For me, it’s all Nicole. Girl talk over and the evening fading fast…or was that me…Nicole set about closing and I headed home to my kitty, PJs, and some Glenlivet 21yr Archive. Apparently my apartment threshold has the magical ability to instill energy once lost. A movie later, the bed finally called and I indubitably answered.
Something that sticks with me even now is their newly adopted motto: live with flavor. I must say that Hurricanes is certainly putting the flavor back into life and the life back into flavor. I look forward to an enduring future of pint diversity and generous wings.
(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)
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