The Funky Buddha Brewery Grand Opening

The new Funky Buddha in Boca Raton has been open for a few months now.  As anyone that has been there will know is that attached to the lounge is full scale brew pub that will be producing a whole array of different beers.  With only a 40 gallon all grain brewing system this will help them to be able to stretch outside of the safe zone that most brewpubs have to stay in with larger operations.  They brewery will open with 10 beers on tap.  The beers included will be Hop Gun IPA, the Floridian, a hefeweizen made with Florida orange peels, honey, and vanilla, a dark ale called Piiti Porter, brewed with milk sugars. There will also be another version of the porter with espresso. Double rye IPA, light ale, and a big imperial amber ale will also be available.  The beers will only be $4-$5. The festivities kick off Saturday at 7pm.

Saturday, September 24th 7pm
The Funky Buddha Brewery and Lounge
2621 N. Federal Hwy., 
Boca Raton, FL
561-368-4643

Great American Beer Fest Winners Available In South Florida

This past weekend was the Great American Beer Festival held every year in Denver, CO.  GABF is like mecca for beer enthusiasts.  With over 49,000 attendees, 455 breweries, and over 2,200 different beers to try you can see why.  I was unable to attend but you can check what my buddy over at Mikelovesbeer.com thought of the festivities.

The GABF is more than just a showcase for breweries it is also a competition.  3,594 beers were entered into the competition in 79 different categories so coming out with a medal is quite a feat.  Most of the winners this year called the west coast their home but luckily we have a few winning beer that you can try and judge for yourself if they are medal winning beers.

Large Brewery Of The Year- Blue Moon Brewing Company
American Style Wheat Beer With Yeast- Bronze- Hefeweizen- Widmer Brothers Brewing Co.
Classic English Style Pale Ale- Silver- Summit Extra Pale Ale- Summit Brewing Co.
Field Beer- Bronze- Imperial Pumpkin Ale- Weyerbacher Brewing Co.
English Style India Pale Ale- Bronze- Samuel Adams Latitude 48
Specialty Beer- Gold- Belipago- Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
Specialty Beer- Bronze- Hazelnut Brown Nectar- Rogue Ales
Specialty Honey Beer- Gold- Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat Ale
Specialty Honey Beer- Bronze- Samuel Adams Honey Porter
Other Strong Beer- Gold- Sierra 30 Jack And Ken Ale- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Experimental Beer- Silver- Estate Homegrown Ale- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Ordinary Or Special Bitters- Bronze- Drop Top- Widmer Brothers Brewing Co.
Wood And Barrel Aged Beer- Silver- Humidor India Pale Ale- Cigar City Brewing
Wood And Barrel Aged Strong Beer- Silver- He'brew Ripa On Rye- Schmaltz Brewing Co.
American Style India Black Ale- Bronze- Sublimely Self Righteous- Stone Brewing Co.
South German Style Hefeweizen- Gold- Heifer In Wheat- Stoudt Brewing Co.
Belgian Style Witbier- Bronze- Allagash White- Allagash Brewing Co.
French And Belgian Style Saison- Silver- Colette- Great Divide Brewing Co.
Belgian And French Style Ales- Gold- Allagash Blonde- Allagash Brewing Co.
Munich Style Helles- Silver- Longboard Island Lager- Kona Brewing Co.
Belgian Style Abbey Ale- Bronze- Three Philosophers- Brewery Ommegang
Belgian Style Strong Specialty Ale- Silver- Brother David's Double- Anderson Valley Brewing Co.
American Style Lager Or Light Lager- Gold- Miller Lite- Miller Brewing Co.
American Style Lager Or Light Lager- Silver- Old Milwaukee- Pabst Brewing Co.
American Style Lager Or Light Lager- Bronze- Miller Genuine Draft- Miller Brewing Co.
American Style Specialty Lager or Cream Ale- Gold- Hamm's- Miller Brewing Co.
American Style Specialty Lager or Cream Ale- Silver- Rainier- Pabst Brewing Co.
American Style Specialty Lager or Cream Ale- Bronze- Old Style- Pabst Brewing Co.
Vienna Style Lager- Bronze- Heavy Seas Marzen- Clipper City Brewing Co.
Foreign Style Stout- Gold- Fade To Black- Left Hand Brewing Co.
American Style Stout- Bronze- Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout- Rogue Ales
American Style Dark Lager- Gold- Michelob Amber Bock
Golden Or Blonde Ale- Bronze- Heavy Seas Gold Ale- Clipper City Brewing Co.

8oz Burger Bar Free Beer Sampling

Yes, that really does say FREE BEER.  In Miami free beer is not the easiest thing to find but on Friday night from 7:30-10:00pm you'll be able to find it at 8oz Burger Bar.  8oz will be holding their Best Micro Brew contest and you can be the judge.  You'll get samples of Shipyard Pumpkinhead, Magic Hat #9, Brooklyn Lager and Shock Top(not really a microbrew but whatever it's free) and you will be able to vote on which of these win the Best Micro Brew contest. 

If these four samples aren't enough for you'll also be able to take part in a 40+ beer sampling and chef's choice appetizers for $20.  So have some free beer, pay for a big sampling of great beers, and have a bit to eat and get your Friday night started off right.

Dogfish Head Bitches Brew ON TAP

This Friday, Abraxas will be holding the 40th Anniversary Party for Miles Davis' ground breaking jazz album Bitches Brew.  Bitches Brew will be played all night long and to make the anniversary party even more special is the beer that Dogfish Head brewed in honor of this great album.  Abraxas has one of only two kegs of the beer available of the beer in South Florida.  The beer is described as "a bold, dark beer that's a fusion of three threads imperial stout and one thread honey beer with gesho root".  This is one time only brew and your only chance to ever try it on tap.  Abraxas will also have Dogfish Head Punkin on tap with all other Dogfish bottles on special all weekend long.      You really do not want to miss a chance to try this beer.

Friday, September 24th- Sunday, September 26th
Abraxas
407 Meridian Ave
Miami Beach, FL

Yard House At Gulfstream Opens Sunday

The love of craft beer in South Florida is spreading and nothing proves that more than another monstrous Yard House opening in Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach on Sunday.  With 130 taps of beer flowing you will be sure to find a new favorite beer in no time.  Located across from Prime Bar, another craft beer tap house, it will be interesting to see how two beer bars do so close to each other.

Yard House
501 S Federal Highway
Hallandale Beach, FL

Town Kitchen & Bar Beer Dinner

Town Kitchen & Bar in South Miami has been putting out some great food for a few years now and now also has one of the best beer lists as well.  To show off the great beer list and food they will be holding a beer dinner tomorrow, Tuesday, September 21st from 7-9pm.  The five course dinner will run you $50 per person.  Check out the menu and call to reserve yourself a spot.

MENU

Course 1: Eggs and potatoes- potato crisps, potato foam, Serrano ham, fried egg, demi glace, truffle oil paired with Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre

Course 2: Ahi poke- ahi tuna, wontons, cucumber spicy Asian dressing paired with Oskar Blues Gordon,

Course 3: Duck nachos- duck confit, white corn tortillas, sour cream, avocado, and pepper jack cheese paired with Cigar City Jai Alai

Course 4: Baby Backs- beer braised baby backs, white corn bacon grits, pickled red onions paired with Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen

Course 5: Torijja- caramelized brioche, coffee ice cream, plum compote paired with Southern Tier Crème Brulee


Call 305-740-8118 and ask for Leo to RSVP.


Tuesday, September 21st 7-9pm
Town Kitchen & Bar
7301 Southwest 57th Court
South Miami, FL 33143-5375
(305) 740-8118

Barracuda Big Beer Tasting

This Thursday I will be filling in for Chris Montelius for the biweekly beer tasting at Coconut Grove's Barracuda Raw Bar & Grill.  $20 will get you a sampling of 50+ beers and wings.  It will run from 7:00pm-9:00pm so be sure to get there early to not miss out on any of the great beers we will be having.  If we get over 15 people at this weeks beer tasting I will bring something extra special that you will not want to miss out on.  Hope to see you there.

Thursday, September 16th 7-9pm
Barracuda
3035 Fuller St, 
Miami, FL 33133  
(305) 448-1144

Beer Snob Pub Crawl II

After the great success of the last Beer Snob Pub Crawl earlier in the year I have been asked constantly when the next one was going to be.  Well, here it is.  This Saturday you can meet up with other like minded beer lovers and bikers for what is sure to be another memorable event.  Here is what Rydel and the good folks over at The Miami Bike Scene have to say about the event.

"Back by popular demand, this time around in celebration of Oktoberfest! The bicycle pub crawl will be very similar to the one held earlier this year, the only significant difference is that we will not be riding to S. Miami and shall remain in downtown instead.

We'll be starting off at Zeke's at 4pm where all beers are just $4! We'll then make a stop at The Abbey, The Filling Station, and finally The DRB. The pub crawl conveniently ends near the Adrienne Arsht Center Station Metromover Station in Downtown Miami for those who wish to take the train back home vs riding. 

Remember to bring a bicycle lock. A light is also recommended since it'll be dusk by the time we leave the last bar. The pub crawl should be over by 8:30pm. Cyclists ride at their own risk and assume responsibility for their own safety!

Please remember to DRINK RESPONSIBLY, obey all traffic laws and be courteous to others. This is not a Critical Mass ride and there will be no corking. We welcome you to come out have a good time, meet new cyclists and most importantly to ride safely. 21+

Limited Beer Snob Bicycle Pub Crawl t-shirts are available! Order here.

Below is a list of the bars we will be visiting (in order) : 

*We'll be meeting some riders at the Adrienne Arsht Center Station Metromover Station (formerly Omni - 15th/Biscayne) at 3:30pm for those who wish to ride over from downtown to Zeke's (Miami Beach) via Venetian Causeway with a group.

Zeke's Roadhouse

625 Lincoln Road

Miami Beach, FL 33139

4:00pm

The Abbey Brewing Co. (now open)

1115 16th Street

Miami Beach, FL 33139

5:00pm

The Filling Station

 (opening on a Saturday specifically for this event)

95 Southeast 2nd Street

Miami, FL 33131

6:00pm

The DRB

255 Northeast 14th Street

Miami, FL 33132

7:00pm

RSVP on Facebook.

The Abbey Reopens

The original craft beer bar on South Beach has finally reopened.  After much speculation about the fate of The Abbey it is finally clear that it is here to stay.  With the addition of a new exterior window and door the rest of the place is still intact just like it always was.  They reopened on Friday with little fanfare.  You can look for a full grand reopening party soon.

The Abbey
1115 16th St
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 538-8110

World Of Beer Grand Opening

The hype around the newly opened World Of Beer has been astounding.  It's great to see a place based around beer being talked about in such a positive light.  Newspapers are talking about how World Of Beer is bringing more business to the area and that people are happy to see it show that beer isn't for just drunk, ignorant people.

World Of Beer is celebrating it's grand opening this Saturday, August 28th from 12pm-2am.  Festivities kick off at 3pm as the Mayor of Coconut Creek cuts the ribbon.  Live band, Smugglin' Yo-Yo's, will be playing from 9:00pm-1:00am. There will be give-aways, free food from 160 Degrees, Fish City Grill, Lime, Scarfone's and Crepe Maker from 4:00pm-8:00pm.  Abi's Place non-profit organization will be giving away 5 free cruises too.  If you haven't been out to World Of Beer this sounds like a perfect time to check it out.

Saturday, August 28th 12:00pm-2:00am
World Of Beer
4437 Lyons Road
Suite E-101
Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Mikkeller Brewery Weekend At Abraxas

From time to time we will get some rare beers down here in South Florida.  Usually they come from American breweries and are quite amazing.  This weekend Abraxas is taking it to another level.  Mikkeller Brewery is the #1 brewery in Denmark and #13 brewery in the world by Ratebeer.  We are lucky enough to have some of their bottles available from time to time but now we will be able to try some extremely rare brews on tap!!!  Abraxas will be tapping kegs of Mikkeller's Centennial Single Hop IPA and Bad Worse (American Style) Barleywine.  This is a chance to be not only be some of the only people in South Florida to have these beers on tap but also in the whole country.  There will also be bottles of Mikkeller's Black Hole Imperial Stout and Cascade Single Hop IPA - all on special, all weekend long.  There are other beers that have been on tap at Abraxas before that you may be able to see again but these most likely are never going to be available again so, you don't want to miss this.


Friday, August 27th-Sunday August 29th
Abraxas

407 Meridian Avenue

Miami Beach, FL

Beer Dinner With Brooklyn Brewery's Garrett Oliver

This weekend I was talking to some people about Brooklyn Brewery's Garrett Oliver coming down this week for some events and I was asked if I was going to the Brooklyn beer dinner at Mia Tardi in Miami's Design District on Wednesday.  I had heard nothing about the dinner and think I try to keep up as much as possible with these types of events, especially events that are held at a place that is only 10 blocks from my house, so you'd think I would have heard about it. Oh well.

Since it was the first time I was hearing about it I thought my loyal readers might like to know about it as well. It is a very rare occasion to have the actual brewer from breweries that are distributed in South Florida to travel down for a beer dinner. Garrett Oliver is one of the originators of beer dinners, and beer and food pairings.  His book, The Brewmaster's Table, is THE book on beer and food pairing.  I'm sure this beer dinner is going to be just amazing.  The $65 cost to attend is a bit higher than the usual beer dinners we have in the area but this may be one you want to splurge a little on.  Check out the menu below and call to reserve a spot before this is sold out.

MENU

Miatarde Ceviche (barramundi fillet, orange sections, ginger, lemongrass essence, yucca chips) w/ Brooklyn Sorachi Ace

Polpette di Bisonte (bison meat meatballs, Asiago cheese filling, spicy chili sauce) w/ Brooklyn Lager

Risotto Asparagi e Gorgonzola (carnaroli rice, Brooklyn local 1 beer, asparagus, gorgonzola dolce cheese) w/Brooklyn Local 1

Stinco di Agnello (Brooklyn brown ale braised lamb shank, juniper berries flavor, celery root mashed potatoes) w/Brooklyn Brown

Pere Alla Birra (Pears steamed in Brooklyn local 2, toasted almonds, mascarpone sauce) w/Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

$65/person
For Reservations call (305)572-1400

Wednesday, August 25th 8:00pm
Mia Tardi
163 NE 39th St.
Miami, FL 33137

Sunset Tavern Beer Tasting

Sunset Tavern has transformed from a macro beer-only bar to a reliable spot to grab great craft beer in the last few years.  This coming Wednesday, August 25th, at 7:30pm $21.95 will get you a sample of some of these great beers.  This is the 3rd beer tasting Sunset Tavern has held and all of them have been a lot of fun.  The beers are also accompanied by numerous snacks from Sunset Tavern's kitchen.  You'll probably also leave with some other goodies from the beer distributors for attending.  Here is what will be tasted:

Magic Hat #9
Sierra Nevada Tumbler
Yuengling Lager
Yuengling Light
Brooklyn Lager
Brooklyn IPA
Sierra Nevada Torpedo
Orange Blossom Pilsner
Flying Dog In Heat Wheat
Brooklyn Oktoberfest
Sam Adams Octoberfest
Magners Cider
Woodchuck Pear Cider
Woodchuck Amber Cider

Wednesday, August 25th 7:30pm
Sunset Tavern
7232 Southwest 59th Avenue
South Miami, FL 33143-5208
(305) 665-9996

Avery Brewing Weekend

Abraxas is holding another of it's world famous brewery weekends this weekend.  If you were at the last Stone Brewery weekend you know what a blast it was.  Avery Brewing is the lucky brewery you will be able to have some rare beers from this time around.  Abraxas will have the very rare 17th Anniversary Dry Hopped Black Lager and Maharaja Imperial IPA on tap and tons of Avery bottles including the summer seasonal Karma (Belgian Pale Ale), White Rascal (Belgian Wit), Salvation (Belgian Strong Golden Ale), Dugana IPA, Hog Heaven (Barleywine), The Reverend (Belgian Quad), Kaiser (Imperial Oktoberfest), Collaboration Not Litigation (Belgian Strong Dark Ale), The Czar (Russian Imperial Stout), and hard to find The Beast Grand Cru (15% Belgian Strong Dark Ale).  See you there!!!


August 20th-August 22nd
Abraxas
407 Meridian Avenue
Miami Beach, FL

Global Beer News

Turns out, I may have to move to China soon to spread the prophecy. A craft beer enthusiasts' work is never done.

Check out what I'm talking about. NPR's Sarah McBride writes...

Beer-Drinking Trends In Emerging Markets Bode Well for Big Brewers
Categories: Developing Economies

People in developing economies just aren't drinking enough beer.

That's the argument analysts at Credit Suisse have laid out in a series of reports touting the beer and the alcoholic beverage sector. But there's hope for thirsty Brazilians and Chinese, the analysts say: It's just a matter of time before they start guzzling almost as much beer as Americans and Europeans.

The analysts looked at average beer consumption per capita— 80 liters per year on average in developed countries (it would have been higher, but wine-loving French dragged down the average). That compares to just 56 liters in Brazil, 32 in China, and 1 in India.

CreditSuisse went through this exercise so it could advise its clients on which beermakers to invest in (of the beverage companies the bank follows, SABMiller has the most emerging-markets exposure, and PernodRicard the least). Its reports, available to clients only, are chock full of charts tracking variables like global beer prices versus consumer confidence.

Despite relatively low per-capita consumption, China surpassed the U.S. as the world's biggest beer market by volume sales in 2002.

Raising prices there and in other emerging markets will be key to helping beer companies gain an extra $4 billion in profits over the next few years that the analysts reckon is there for the taking. Of course, the ability to raise prices depends on how much relatively low household incomes rise in those countries. Beer in Asia-Pacific costs around $2.20 a liter, CreditSuisse reports, compared to $3.70 in North America and $4.90 in Western Europe.

But suppose people turn to spirits instead? No worries, CreditSuisse concludes. Developing economies are expanding at a decent pace, and sometimes well over decent— China's GDP growth is still north of 10%. "Beer consumption is more closely tied to economic growth than spirits," the analysts write.

Archie's Pizza Hosts Beer Tasting

Key Biscayne has gained a few new craft beer spots in the last couple of months.  Archie's Pizza was one of the first places on the key to have any craft beer.  This Thursday, August 12th, from 7-9pm, I will be holding a 40+ beer tasting with pizza for $20.  I will be bringing some special bottles that you won't want to miss out on.  Hope to see you there.

Thursday, August 12th 7-9pm
Archie's Pizza
600 Crandon Boulevard
Key Biscayne, FL 33149-2008
(305) 361-3141

Angelique Euro Cafe Host Beer & Tasting Menu

Tomorrow night, Thursday, August 5th, from 5pm-10pm Angelique Euro Cafe will be hosting a beer and tasting menu.  This is going to be a bit different then other beer type dinners you may have been to before.  For $29 you will choose from a selection of "types of beers" (dark, brown ales, Belgian and Belgian-style lights or pale lagers) and you'll be poured four 5 ounce glasses of beers in that style.  Then you will pick from two different sections for what you want for your meal.  Here is what the menu consists of.

Choose one from:
Gambas Angelique, Beef Tourneados, Moules Mariniere, Lamb Lollies, Branzino

Choose two from:
Truffle Potato Gnocchi, Tortilla Espanola, Marinated Olives, Chorizo in Wine, Escabeche de Mariscos, Pomme Frites with Aioli, Garbanzos Frito, Calamari Fritti

Thursday, August 5th 5:00pm-10:00pm
Angelique Euro Café
117 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, Fla.
For reservations call (305) 529-9922

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

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

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.