Friday, July 30, 2010

Stone Brewing Weekend

Are you ready for another great brewery weekend at Abraxas?  Like all the other brewery weekends that have been held at Abraxas you know you are going to get something special.  For starters you'll be able to get the very rare Stone 14th Anniversary Emperial IPA on tap.  This is the one of only two kegs of this beer to come to South Florida.  And of course Diego, owner of Abraxas, couldn't leave it with just that, so he will also have a limited amount of Stone Double Bastard on tap as well.  Throw in specials on every bottle Stone has and this is one hell of an event.  Oh and you'll also have the new Stone Brewing Rep Bethany there to talk to you about the beers and possibly have some more special treats.  I hope to see you there.


Stone Brewing Weekend Specials:
14th Ann. Empirial IPA (draft) - $8
14th Ann. Empirial IPA (22 oz) - $13
Double Bastard Ale (draft) - $7
...Double Bastard Ale (22 oz) - $12
Old Guardian 2010 (22 oz) - $13
Arrogant Bastard (22 oz) - $8
Oaked Arrogant Bastard - $7
Cali-Belgique IPA (22 oz) - $12
Sublimely Self Righteous (22 oz) - $12
Smoked Porter (22 oz) - $9
Russian Imperial Stout (22 oz) - $12
Ruination IPA (22 oz) - $10
IPA - $5
Levitation Ale - $5

July 30th-August 1st
Abraxas
407 Meridian Ave
Miami Beach, FL
305-534-9005

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Racks Hosts Victory Beer Dinner


Racks in Boca Raton is hosting an amazing five course Victory Brewing beer dinner this coming Tuesday, August 3rd, from 8-10pm.  For only $35 you won't want to miss this.

Menu
First Course: Seared Tuna Sliders w/ Peanut Cilantro Slaw and Seasame Aioli
Beer: Victory Sunrise Weisse

Second Course: Arugula w/ Florida Blue Cheese, Walnuts, Pickled Red Onion and White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Beer: Victory Prima Pils

Third Course: Seared Salmon w/ Nueske Smoked Bacon, Whitewater Clam Vinaigrette and Crushed Potatoes
Beer: Victory Hop Devil

Fourth Course: Fried Chicken & Waffles w/ Spicy Maple Syrup and Macadamia Nut Butter
Beer: Victory Storm King

Fifth Course: Cookies and Milk
Beer: Victory Storm King

Call for reservations.

August 3rd 8-10pm
Racks
402 Plaza Real
Boca Raton, FL 33432
(561)750-3500

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Review: Rogue's Juniper Pale Ale

It has been a while since I have had a Rogue Juniper Pale Ale and every time I do I wonder why I don't drink this beer more often.  Just like the first time I had this beer, a few years ago at a beer festival, it is a beer that has once again surprised me by how good it is.

This was the first time I've had the Juniper Pale Ale in the 12oz bottle since they've stopped making the 22oz bottles.  This pours a nice golden brown with not much of a head.  The aroma lacks in the hop aroma you would find from most American pale ales and has a malty scent with some slight citrus coming through.  The lack of bitter hops in the nose carries over into the taste, making this a very smooth drink with only a bit of lingering hop in the finish.  The malt comes though with a nice sweetness without making it overwhelmingly sweet at all. The lightness in the mouthfeel and the dryness in the finish makes this a very sessionable beer, and clocking in at only 5.3% ABV this won't knock you on your butt too quickly either.

Next time I head to the store I need to remember to pick more of this up and make this my new "everyday beer".  If you are looking for something to enjoy with a great taste that isn't overwhelming I suggest you check out Rogue's Juniper Pale Ale for yourself.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Review: Bell's Consecrator Doppelbock

I've been waiting to try this beer for a while.  I had heard good things about it but for some reason Gold Coast never brought it down to this area for me to try.  When I went over to Ft. Myers last weekend I was happy to find that the Total Wine there had it.

I cracked open the bottle and poured it into a nice tall pilsner glass.  The appearance is what you would expect from a doppelbock nice mahogany brown.  The head was slight off white color that dissipated quickly.  The aroma is very sweet with a dark fruity character to it. The taste was much of the same.  Sweet but not overly sweet with a good bit of fruitiness to it.  I was even picking up hints of apple in the finish of it.  The mouthfeel wasn't as heavy and sticky as some doppelbock which was something that made this a much easier longer drinking beer then others of the same style.  Another thing that amazed me about this beer is with an ABV of 8% the alcohol taste was nowhere to be found.  A dangerous thing for a beer this smooth.

If you are looking for a good malty beer Bell's Consecrator Doppelbock is a beer that you should search out.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Dogfish Head's My Antonia Hits South Florida

Another great specialty beer will be hitting South Florida this week, Dogfish Head's My Antonia.   Like Dogfish Head's Squall this will be sold exclusively at Total Wine in South Florida.  You can expect to start seeing the 750ml bottle on shelves as soon as tomorrow.  Take a look at what the brewery has to say about the beer and a short video.

"My Antonia started out as a Collaboration beer when Sam brewed it at Birra del Borgo (hope you can read Italian) outside Rome, Italy with owner/brewer Leonardo DiVencenzo in October of 2008. In 2010, we began brewing My Antonia here at Dogfish Head brewery in Delaware for U.S. distribution.

My Antonia (named after the Willa Cather read), is a continually-hopped imperial pilsner.

This original 2008 batch was brewed and distributed by Birra del Borgo. A small quantity was sent over to the United States. The 2010 release will go to limited markets here in the U.S.. It should start hitting the shelves by mid-late June."


Monday, July 19, 2010

Winners of Internet Scavenger Hunt

Congratulations to the winners of our Internet Scavenger Hunt.

Jamie Frankel
Hector Miranda
Kristen Webber

You'll each be receiving a Hopside Down Mug from True Fabrications.

Internet Scavenger Hunt


The good people over at the online barware webstore, True Fabrications, recently reached out and wanted to offer up some of their Hopside Down Beer Mugs (see above) for me to giveaway on the site.  I decided instead of just having the first three people to write to me get the mugs that I would make it a little bit more interesting and also give you a chance to check out some other sites in the process. So what we are going to do is have a little online scavenger hunt.  Below I have listed ten questions about my blog and other sites that I enjoy reading and the first three people to send me the correct answers will win a Hopside Down Beer Mug from True Fabrications.  Hopefully this will be something fun and also turn you on to some other great sites in the process.  Good luck.

1. Name a beer that Lebron James will NOT be able to get in Miami that he was able to get in Cleveland.
2. Who won Burger Beast's Burgie Awards for Best Burger?
3. What Pike Brewery beer did Dos Beerigos give the highest rating to?
4. What is Mikelovesbeer's hometown?
5. When did I start the blog?
6. What was my "craft beer epiphany"(as told to The Beer Wench)?
7. What is the only FL pizza place on Worst Pizza's Top 8 pizza places?
8. What is the only beer from Morocco served at The DRB?
9. What Tuesday night event did Abraxas win a New Time's Best Of Award for this year?
10. What were were the four nominees for South Florida Daily Blog's Post of the Month for June?

You can send your answers to dave@southfloridabeerblog.com

Friday, July 16, 2010

The Abbey Closes...

....for two months.  The Abbey, South Beach's original beer bar, closed its doors this past Wednesday for some much needed upkeep.  The bar will not lose any of its built-in charm, it's just getting some updated electrical work done.  They promise to be back at the beginning of September with a big party to get fall kicked off right.  Be sure to check back for info about the grand reopening.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Sam Adam's Beer Lover's Choice

Have you ever wondered how Samuel Adams seems to come up with so many different flavors of beer?  Well you can find out by showing up to McSorley's Beach Pub in  Ft. Lauderdale next Tuesday, July 20th from 6:00pm-9:30pm.  You will have the chance to sample and vote on two possible new beers that will be added to Sam Adam's product line.  Sample A is a Belgian Style IPA.  Sample B is an American Rye Ale.  Both sound interesting.  Along with samples of these two beers you'll also get to try the Sam Adam's Lager and Summer.  The event is free, so be sure to get there early.  Be the first to try these new beers before anyone else and have a say in what you will see in stores in the future.


July 20th, 6:00pm-9:30pm
McSorley's Beach Pub
837 N Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 565-4446

Monday, July 12, 2010

Beers for Lebron James

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last week you have heard that Lebron James is going to be coming to Miami to play for the Heat.  Since he will be moving from Cleveland I was thinking of ways to make the transition easier for him so, I put together a list of the beers that he was able to get in Cleveland that he will still be able to get in Miami.  He isn't going to be missing out on much and will actually gain a few new brands to try.  Here is the list for you, Lebron.  Welcome to the neighborhood.

Stone
Dogfish Head
Magic Hat
Scaldis
Dupont
Brooklyn
Anderson Valley
Great Divide
Leinenkugel
Lost Coast
North Coast
Ommegang
The Bruery
Eel River
He'Brew
Mendocino
Left Hand
Boulder
Sea Dog
Shipyard
Heavy Seas
Jolly Pumpkin
Quilmes
Coopers
Stiegl
Achel
Cantillion
Delirium
Gouden Carolus
La Chouffe
St. Louis
Urthel
Unibroue
Meantime
Old Speckled Hen
Ridgeway
Aecht Schlenkerla
Julius Echter
Reissdorf
Schneider
Tucher
Weihenstephaner
Hitachino
Baltika
Nogne-O
Gordon Biersch
Harpoon
Sierra Nevada
Brooklyn
Bitburger
Chimay
Paulaner
Rogue
Sapporo
Victory
and of course all the big macro beers.

And Lebron if you need help with finding a good beer bar just let me know.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Magic Hat Totally 80's Party Weekend

This weekend the good people of Magic Hat will be throwing a couple 80's themed parties around South Florida.

Friday night will see Magic Hat rep Lauren Cifizzari throwing it down at The Lodge in Boca Raton.  They will have $4 pint specials and $12 Pitchers and when you spend $9 or more you get a free pair of Magic Hat 80's sunglasses.  They will also be throwing an 80's costume contest.  Best costume will win a Magic Hat prize pack as well as a growler of Magic Hat #9 from The Lodge.

Saturday night Lauren will take the 80's dance party to Barracuda's in Coconut Grove.  Join her there with $3.50 pints and $12 pitchers of #9 starting at 10pm.  Again show up wearing you best 80's outfit and you could win a great prize pack from Magic Hat.

DJ Ellis Dee will be spinning the best 80's hits both nights.

Friday, July 9th 8:00pm-11:00pm
The Lodge
200 S. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL

Saturday, July 10th 10:00pm-3:00am
Barracuda
3035 Fuller St.
Coconut Grove, FL

Friday, July 2, 2010

Shipyard Brewing Announces Brewing Vacation

Have you ever wanted to go a play baseball with your old heroes or go play in a jamband with some old rockstars?  No?  Well, me either.  Shipyard though has come up with something for those of us whose passion is beer.  Shipyard is offering a Maine Brewing Vacation.  The vacation offers you the chance to actually brew a beer at Shipyard's brewpub in Kennebunk and get a behind the scenes tour of the full Shipyard brewery in Portland.  Here is the full itinerary and pricing.

AVAILABILITY
January through May
(Tues-Thurs or Wed-Fri)
Must be booked a minimum of
2 weeks in advance.
 
COST
$800 for double
$600 for single
$300 for single
not including lodging

THIS ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Two nights lodging at the King’s Port Inn in Kennebunk • Special welcome reception and dinner
the night of arrival • Two lunches • The chance to brew with award-winning professionals
• A behind the scenes tour of Shipyard Brewing Company

SCHEDULE
Day 1: Arrive in Kennebunk for a special reception and dinner at Federal Jack’s Brew Pub that evening 
Day 2: 7:00am – 3:30pm Brew at Kennebunkport Brewing Company (Lunch will be served at Federal Jack’s. Guests are free to enjoy exploring the area that evening.)
Day 3: 10:30am Behind the scenes tour of the Shipyard Brewing Company followed by lunch at the Sea Dog Brewing Company in South Portland

To Book Call 1-800-BREW-ALE

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Holy Mackerel Launches Panic Attack

Holy Mackerel will be throwing a launch party for their new beer Panic Attack this Saturday, July 3rd,  at Stage 84 in Davie. (ed. Also holding a second release party Monday, July 5th, from 7-9pm at Hurricane Grill & Wings in Plantation)  Here is the description from brewer Bob Gordash about the beer,

"Panic Attack is a Belgian - Style 10% Amber Ale with a subtle touch of spice. With a nod to my Canadian heritage this is a beer made with Canadian Malted Barley , Goldings Hops , and of course a Belgian yeast strain. We are using Honey Malt which gives the beer guess what ? A honeyish flavor."

Get your Fourth of July started early and try this great new beer.  Live music will be provided by Killing Time and Bohdi.  If you can't make this release party their will be another held soon at Hurricane Grill in Plantation. Keep your eyes open for details.

July 3rd, 7:00pm-2:00am
Stage 84
9118 W State Road 84,
Davie, FL
(954) 474-5040


July 5th, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Hurricane Grill & Wings
1905 North Pine Island Road
Plantation, FL
(954) 475-8815‎

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

THE DRB Host Downtown Summer Beer Luau

The D.R.B.(Democratic Republic of Beer) will be hosting it's first big event on July 10th.  They will be taking over the parking lot next to them and throwing a huge party.  This will be the perfect after party if you are hitting up the Red Bull Flugtag event happening over at Bayfront Park earlier in the day. Check out all the information below.

Live Music (Astari Night, People From Venus, Rebel, Radio Boxer, Azalia Snail, DJs DS and Mr. Feathers), Beer Sampling (4pm-8pm), Hawaiian Trip Giveaway, Sake Cocktails by Ty Ku, Kickass Food, Nassie's Famous Franks, surprises, giveaways!!!

Visit DRBMIAMI.COM for more information and to purchase tickets!

Use Coupon Code: 5buxdrb (to get $5.00 off, making tickets only $10)

TICKETS PURCHASED ONLINE CAN BE PICKED UP ANY DAY LEADING UP TO THE EVENT AT THE DRB WITH RECEIPT! (If tickets are not picked up before, they will be left at the will-call desk the day of the event.)

July 10th, 4:00pm-12:00am
The DRB 
245 NE 14th Street 
Miami Fl 33132

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione To Star in Discovery Channel Show

Earlier today the Discovery Channel announced that it would be adding to it's Fall programing a program focusing on Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione called BREWED.  Check out the full press release below.

EXPERIENCING THE WORLD ONE PINT AT A TIME DISCOVERY CHANNEL RAISES A GLASS FOR BREWED, NEW SERIES ON THE WORLD OF BEER ANNOUNCED FOR FALL 2010

(Silver Spring, MD) – Beer is the drink of the masses. If you look into a glass of beer you can see the past, present and future of mankind. Cicero lauded it, Genghis Khan fought for it and now Discovery Channel celebrates it with a world premiere series, BREWED, exploring the culture, history and variety of beer.


Meet Sam Calagione: maverick entrepreneur, family man and owner of Dogfish Head Brewery in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. As an ambassador to the world of craft beer, Sam travels the world to experience what every culture brings to its own special brew.

In BREWED, Sam shows viewers the other side of the bottle, sharing the stories of beer sub-cultures as well as exploring life inside The Dogfish Head Brewery. BREWED goes behind the scenes at Dogfish Head as Sam’s merry band of creative brewmasters concoct new taste varieties.

“BREWED taps more than just kegs and barrels, it unlocks a fascinating history of beer making, showcasing the ingenuity and passion behind our love affair with those alluring suds and how it played a role in building civilizations,” said Clark Bunting, President and General Manager of Discovery Channel.

Running a successful business also requires inspiration, so BREWED hits the road for the ultimate beer tasting road trip. Along with archeologist and beer expert Pat McGovern, Sam sets out to recreate “ancient ales” that have been discovered at sites around the world from Egypt to Peru. He travels to Rome to research old world Italian beers as inspiration for a new site in New York with Mario Batali. A visit to New Zealand introduces the idea of making the “first tomato based beer.” And back home, Sam is tasked to come up with a commemorative beer called “Bitches Brew” to celebrate the 40th anniversary release of Miles Davis’ famous recording.

“Beer has always been my passion. It is so much more than what you see in the glass. I’m excited to share the diligence, daring and creativity that we pour into our work,” said Calagione.

BREWED is produced for Discovery Channel by Zero Point Zero Productions. Chris Collins and Lydia Tenaglia are executive producers. Tim Pastore is executive producer for Discovery Channel.

About Zero Point Zero

Zero Point Zero is a television and film production company founded in 2003 by Executive Producers Chris Collins and Lydia Tenaglia. Since its inception the company has produced over 300 hours of nationally and internationally airing television programs, including the critically acclaimed and award winning series: Anthony Bourdain No Reservations and Diary of a Foodie. In 2009 Zero Point Zero received five EMMY nominations, including a primetime nomination for Best Non-fiction Series for Anthony Bourdain No Reservations series and a win for Best Cinematography. Other recent productions include the 2009 EMMY-winning Diary of a Foodie and 2010 EMMY nominated, Adventure’s with Ruth for PBS; the 2010 series, Brewed, for Discovery and Frontierman for History Channel. This year the company will produce a landmark 100th episode of No Reservations, which features celebrity chef and New York Times best-selling author Anthony Bourdain’s travels and explorations of food and culture around the world. Specializing in distinct storytelling with a handcrafted look and feel Zero Point Zero has produced television shows in over 100 countries around the world.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Brooklyn Brewery Beer Dinner

Lou's Beer Garden in Miami Beach is hosting the beers of Brooklyn Brewery in a rare beer dinner on July 28th. This should be a not to be missed night.  Check out this menu.

MENU

Reception- Brooklyn Sorachi Ace
First Course- Summer Salad with sweet & spicy toasted pecans and Danish Blue Cheese
Brooklyn Summer Ale
Second Course- Grilled Shrimp with Poblano Mole Sauce
Brooklyn East India Pale Ale
Third Course- Grilled Achiote Pork Shish-kabobs
Brooklyn Brown Ale
Dessert- Kahlua Mousse Parfait
Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

$45 per person including tax and gratuity
Must make reservations by July 21st

July 28th 6:30pm
Lou's Beer Garden
7337 Harding Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 704-7879

Friday, June 25, 2010

Himmarshee Bar & Grill Hosts Belgian Beer Dinner

The first beer dinner held at  Himmarshee Bar & Grill was a huge success with over 80 people attending.  The food was great and the beer was plentiful.  This next beer dinner will focus on Belgian beers.  Make sure to call ahead to make reservations.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

8oz Burger Bar Hosts South Beach Microbrew Competition

This Thursday, June 24th, at 7:30pm 8oz. Burger Bar will host a competition to find the top craft beer in South Beach.  I have been invited to be one of the judges.  There will be FREE beer and food and is open to the public.  Invite everyone you know because it is not everyday you get free beer and food.  The Beach Channel will be there filming the event so make sure to look your best.  Or just wear jeans and a t-shirt like I probably will be.  The beers that I know they will have so far are Shipyard Export, Seadog Blueberry, Magic Hat #9, and Sam Adams Summer.  If you show up because of this post, come introduce yourself.  I'll be the handsome one.  Hope to see you there.

June 24th 7:30pm
8oz Burger Bar
1080 Alton Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139-4706
(305) 397-8246

Dogfish Head Takes Over South Florida

Dogfish Head is showing quite a presence in South Florida this week.  Take a look and enjoy some great beers from one of my favorite breweries.

THURSDAY


The Pub, Pembroke Pines-  The Pub will be tapping a keg of the very rare Immort Ale.  I don't know of another keg of Immort Ale being tapped anytime soon so this might be your only chance to try this beer on tap.

The Pub
237 Southwest 145th Terrace
Pembroke Pines, FL 33027-1442
(954) 430-4230


Howley's Dinner, West Palm Beach- Howley's will be hosting a Dogfish Head beer dinner this Thursday from 7:00pm-9:30pm.  If you've been to Howley's past beer dinners you know that you don't want this one either.

Menu:

Midas Touch
Crawfish Etouffee
served in delicate puff pastry

Festina Peche
Tuna Carpaccio finished with a light wasabi drizzle

90 minute IPA
Iceberg Wedge finished with crumbled bleu cheese vinaigrette

Raison D'etre
Steamed Seafood Bucket lobster, clams and mussels
accompanied by pasta

Palo Santo Marron Cupcakes!

*vegetarian menu available (must request at time of reservation)
*reservations required

Howley's Restaurant 
4700 S. Dixie Hwy. 
West Palm Beach, FL
561-833-5691 
howleysbeerdinner@gmail.com


FRIDAY


Riverside Market, Fort Lauderdale-  We'll let some other breweries in on this one as well.  Riverside Market will be holding a beer and food pairing Friday from 5:00pm-7:00pm.  It will run you only $10.  You can also check out the 150 craft beers they have available.

Menu:
-Pulled Pork with Shiner Black

-Caprese with Flying Dog Woody Creek

-Carpicio with Southern Tier 422

-Ceviche with Dogfish Head Festina Peche.

Riverside Market
608 Southwest 12th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312-2421
(954) 358-8333



SATURDAY


McCormick & Schmicks, West Palm Beach- McCormick & Schmicks in City Place will be hosting a Dogfish Head beer dinner. $40.00 a person and seats are limited. Menu and more details to follow.

McCormick & Schmicks
1400 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431-6487
(561) 208-5673

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

New Times Best Of... Winners


As it happens every year the New Times announces its Best Of... issue.  Every year I tend to disagree with a good portion of their choices.  I must admit that their are a few places on the list that I haven't been to so I may have to visit them and make an informed decision.  Take a look at the winners and let me know if you agree or disagree with New Times' choices.

New Times Best Of Miami Winners

Best Neighborhood Bar/North: Nite Cap Lounge
Best New Bar/South: Brickell Irish Pub
Best Campus Watering Hole: Wetlab
Best Dive Bar: Seven Seas
Best Pub Trivia: Trivial Tuesdays at Abraxas Lounge
Best Bar For A Bender: Cervezas
Best Happy Hour: Jada Coles
Best Bottled Beer Selection: The DRB
Best Draft Beer Selection: Yardhouse
Best Place To Drink German Beer: Royal Bavarian Schnitzel Haus
Best New Bar/North: Lou's Beer Garden
Best Hidden Bar: Buck15
Best Sports Bar: Burger & Beer Joint
Best Neighborhood Bar/West: Kaffe Krystal
Best Neighborhood Bar/Central: Bardot
Best Neighborhood Bar/Miami Beach: The Room
Best Neighborhood Bar/South: Black Point Ocean Grill
Best Activity While Intoxicated: Beer Snob MIA-Bicycle Pub Crawl
Best Trend: Beer Comes To Miami

New Times Best Of Broward/Palm Beach Winners

Best New Bar In Palm Beach County: The Lodge Beer & Grill
Best New Bar In Broward County: The Monterey Club
Best Beer: Double Diablo Amber Ale from Big Bear Brewing Company
Best Liquor Store: Cellars Wine & Spirits Warehouse
Best Place To Get Drunk: Bierbrunnen Beer Garden
Best Beer Selection: Brother Tuckers