TONIGHT Last Beer Tasting Of 2011

As you are running around finishing up your holiday shopping take sometime for yourself tonight and stop by The Mayfair Hotel in Coconut Grove from 7-9pm. I'll have a tasty mix of 40+ different craft beers and chef selected appetizers for only $20. Also for the first 15 people to arrive I will have a special holiday treat just for you. Got some special beers I'll be breaking out tonight so don't miss out on the last beer tasting of 2011. See you there.

December 21st, 7:00-9:00pm

The Mayfair Hotel
3000 Florida Ave
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
(305) 441-0000

Cervezas 2nd Anniversary Tonight

Cervezas in South Miami will be celebrating it's 2nd Anniversary tonight with a lineup that is nothing short of amazing.  With one of the best beer selections in Miami Cervezas has become one of the go to beer bars in Miami in the two years since they opened.  Head on down tonight and enjoy some great beers.

ON TAP:
- Stone La Citrueille Celeste de Citracedo
- Dogfish Head Immort Ale
- Dogfish Head Olde School
- Dogfish Head Faithful Ale
- St. Bernardus Christmas
- Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout
- N'ice Chouffe
- Oscar Blues Ten Fidy
- Left Hand Fade to Black
- Left Hand Widdershins
- Cigar City Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
- Terrapin Substance Abuse

They will also have '08 bottles of Stone Russian Imperial Stout.

December 7th 8:00-11:00pm

Cervezas

5835 Sunset Dr.

Miami, FL 

City Link Beer Fest- Ticket Giveaway

City Link Beer Fest is the other beer fest in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale that will be happening Friday, December 2nd from 6pm-11pm.  If you have been to it in past years you know what you are in for.  Lots of beer.  Lots of music.  Lots of fun. And lots of very drunk people by the end of the night.  Tickets are available right now for $20 general admission/$40 for VIP by clicking here.  Or if you would rather save your money I have eight tickets to give away.  To win a ticket you will have to answer a few questions and go on a bit of an internet scavenger hunt.  The first eight people to get me the right answers will win yourself a ticket to the City Link Beer Fest.  Good luck!!!

1) What food truck won the 2011 Burgie Award for Best Food Truck?
2) What award did Tequesta Brewing win at this years Great American Beer Festival?
3) What three beers did The Beer Cook use in her beer crepes?
4) What day is the Dogfish Head Music Series beer flight at The Filling Station happening?
5) What was the first beer I reviewed on the blog?
6) What is the name of the new book that Christine from South Florida Food And Wine has coming out?
7) How many ounces are in a half barrel keg of beer?
8) What country is The DRB doing for its Global Beer Tour on November 29th?
9) Beer is the second most popular beverage in the world. What is number one? (hint: it's not water)
10) What was the last beer you drank?

Need your answers to me at dave@southfloridabeerblog.com

Here is some more info on the actual beer fest.

Sample over 100 of the world's best brews at the only GREEN BeerFest in South Florida. Check out live stage performances by local bands and take photos with Drunk Santa and his naughty helpers.

Your fabulous hosts for the evening will be MISTY EYEZ and City Link's JOANIE COX.

Check out live performances from JACOBS LADDER, DICK KNUCKLE, LIBERTY CALL and JD DANNER BAND.

Partial proceeds from City Link BeerFest will benefit Trash to Treasure, the creative re-use center. Learn more about this charity at www.trash2treasureFL.org

We know the economy is leaving your bank account a little emptier than you'd like. Where else can you spend this little and get this much? Get in on the full 5 hour party, from 6-11pm for $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Want to take your experience to the next level? VIP is where it's at with an unlimited liquor and wine bar, delicious catered foods by Temptations Caterers and access to the entire general admission area. There is also a private bathroom area just for our VIP guests. The full access VIP ticket is $40 in advance or $50 at the door.

Tickets are limited, don't get stuck on the other side of the gate! VIP tickets sold out last year, so act fast!

Beers Participating:

Abita
Blue Moon
Brooklyn
Carib
Corona
Corona Light
Dale's Pale Ale
Flying Dogs
Franca
Gordon Biersch
Guinness
Heineken
Heineken Light
Magic Hat
Mama's Yellow Pils
Narragansett
Old Chub
PALM
Peroni
Pilsner Urquell
Sagres
Shiner
Sierra Nevada
Singha
Spaten
Suprema Premium
Tona
Yuengling

Friday, December 2, 2011 6:00-11:00pm

City Link Beer Fest

Huizenga Plaza, Downtown, Ft. Lauderdale 

General Admission: $20/$25
VIP: $40/$50

Buy tickets by clicking here

New Times Beer Fest- Winners

Thanks to everyone that attempted to win the tickets but the first three people to get all of the questions correct were:

Charles Garcia
Andrew Schreur
Jovanny Rogue

The correct answers for the questions were:

1. Water, Hops, Malt, and Yeast
2. Yuengling
3. d) cans
4. Alcohol By Volume
5. Tampa

Thanks for playing and hopefully we'll have more giveaways soon.


You can still purchase tickets for the New Times Beer Fest by clicking here.

New Times Beer Fest- GIVEAWAY

It's beer fest season again and for the 14th year in a row New Times will be holding their New Times Beer Fest in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale in Esplanade Park this Saturday, November 12th from 7-11pm.  This is one of the biggest beer fest in South Florida and one of the craziest.  If you are looking to drink lots of beer and have a good time this will be right up your alley.  There is a good variety of big brands and craft beers.  This isn't going to have the craft selection of the Jupiter Beer Fest but have enough to make it worth your while.  You can also enjoy the music of Sister Hazel while downing some cold ones.

Now for the fun part.  I have three pairs of tickets to give away.  Now to win these tickets I have a few beer related questions, that if you can get, will get you a pair of tickets.  So the first three people to answer these will  win.  Email me at dave@southfloridabeerblog.com with the answers.


1. What are the four main ingredients in beer?
2. What is the oldest brewery in the US?
3. What container is best for beer?- a)clear bottle b)green bottle c)brown bottle d)can
4. What does ABV stand for?
5. Where are Cigar City Breweries beers brewed?

Good luck!!!

If you don't feel like trying to win some free tickets you can just head on over and buy some tickets by clicking here.

Saturday, November, 12th 7-11pm
New Times Beer Fest
Downtown Ft. Lauderdale in Esplanade Park
Click here for tickets

The Local Hosts Brooklyn Beer Dinner

If you have been to any of the beer dinner's that The Local has done in the past you know they are quite amazing.  Sunday, October 30th at 7:30pm The Local will be holding there next one with Brooklyn Brewery.  These have been some of the best beer dinners I've ever been to and I'm sure this one will be no exception.  Not only will this be a great beer dinner but Brooklyn's very knowledgeable brewmaster Garrett Oliver will be there to guide you through the dinner and explain what goes into making these fine beers.  These aren't your normal, find every day, at your grocery store Brooklyn beers.  These are some very rare Brooklyn beers that you may never see again.  Be sure to RSVP today to assure yourself a spot. 

MENU

Salt Cured Sardines
Bread & Butter Vegetable Relish, Hot Sauce, Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette & Dill Bisquit

with Brooklyn Sorachi Ace

***

Cured Foie Gras
Country Duck Ham, Frisee, Pickled Mango, Scarlet Beet Puree & Duck Fat Vinaigrette

with Brooklyn Local 1

***

Sous Vide Bacon Fat Pork Belly
Farm Egg, Scallion Puree, Peanut Powder & Bacon Dashi

with Brooklyn Local 2

***

Crispy Lamb Sweetbreads
Peas, Lamb Sausage, Pecorino, Spearmint, Polenta Chips & Natural Lamb Jus

with The Companion (bottle-conditioned 750 ml)

***

Pan Roasted Grouper Cheeks
Butternut Squash, Sweet Peppers, Green Beans, Shitake Mushroom Chips, Meyer Lemon Puree & Basil Buerre Blanc

with Brooklyn Cuvee de la Crochet Rouge

***

Iron Skillet Seared Ribeye
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Pearl Onion Marmalade, Arugula & Bone Marrow Vinaigrette

with Brooklyn Cuvee Elijah

***

Peach Trifle
Brown Butter Cake, Basil & Buttermilk Ice Cream

with Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout 2010

$85 per person + tax + gratuity.

Sunday, October 30th 7:30pm

The Local

150 Giralda Ave
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 648-5687

Filling Station's Dogfish Head Night

This Saturday, October 22nd, at The Filling Station in Downtown Miami starting at 6:00pm will be one of your first chances to try the next batch of the world famous and greatly limited Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA.

If you want to be guaranteed a taste, buy your ticket now for their Dogfish Flight Night- just $15 for 6oz of Dogfish 60, 90, and 120 Minute IPA.

Email Adam@TheFillingStationMiami.com with your credit card info, or call them at 786.425.1990, or come in person. Seating is limited, so that they can allow those who purchase flights to order additional draughts, before this rare offering is made available to the public.

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy one of the most elusive craft beers out there!

Saturday, October 22nd 6:00pm

The Filling Station

95 SE 2nd St

Miami, FL 33131

(786)425-1990

WLRN's "Prohibition And The South Florida Connection"

Public Television station WLRN will be premiering it's look at the local connection between prohibition and the lengths people would go to quench their thirst for alcohol. Next Tuesday, October 18th, you can head over to Cinema Paradiso in Ft. Lauderdale for a complimentary screening and Q&A with the films producers.  You need to RSVP by this Friday by either emailing WLRNPM@gmail.com or by calling (305)995-1717 to reserve your seat.  Check out a short preview below.

Meet The Brewer From Well's and Young's Brewery

This Wednesday, October 5th at 7pm The Local in Coral Gables will be hosting a meet the brewer night with English brewer Jim Robertson, head brewer for Well's and Young's Brewing Company.  Their beers of Bombardier, Double Chocolate Stout, and Banana Bread will be paired up with a special small plate menu for the night.  Stop on by and find out first hand what goes into making these fine beers.

Wednesday, October 5th 7pm
The Local
150 Giralda Ave
Coral Gables, FL

Last Day For Discount Grovetoberfest Tickets

Tomorrow, October 1st will be the last day to buy your reduced rate Grovetoberfest ticket for only $25 with all fees included.  Click here and enter the discount code SFBB11 to buy tickets now.  Don't miss out on what will be the best beer fest Miami has seen in a while.

And the good people from Grovertoberfest will be hosting their last free tasting next Tuesday, October 4th at Cervezas.  Not only will they have a ridiculous selection of IPA’s and Double IPA’s, but it will be professionally catered by one of thr Kitchen Lab chefs, Chef Pastor Sequera. Free beer, free food, great bar – what else could you want? This is the final free pre-tasting so do not miss it. There is one catch though, they are limiting it to the first 60 people who arrive at Cervezas. The tasting is from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday October 4. Make sure you RSVP and be sure you arrive early.

Limited Edition Beer Tasting At Abraxas

Join Certified Cicerone Chris Montelius and the Abraxas staff for this event on September 28th, 2011.

Time:
8 pm sharp!

Format:
They'll pop open at least 12 different bottles from their Limited Edition list and pour 3 oz samples for everyone. Chris will explain what to expect from the beer style being poured and answer questions.

Cost:
$20 per person

Why is it a "summit"? - They encourage participants to bring in bottles from their private "cellars" to share with other participants. Abraxas always keep some interesting bottles in the back that are not available for sale in FL. We will pull some out for this event. I know Chris M will bring some of his, etc. - sounds like fun and a great way to try some of limited edition beers without cleaning out your wallet!!!

Tentative Beer List:

Weyerbacher Sixteen (Braggot)
Baird Shizouka Natzumikan Ale (Fruit Infused Ale)
Jolly Pumpkin Calabaza Blanca (Belgian Wit)
Stone/Troegs Cherry Chocolate Stout (Milk Stout)
Steenbrugge Tripel (Belgian Tripel)
Avery The Reverend (Belgian Quad)
Dogfish Head Burton Baton (French Oak aged Imperial IPA)
Birra del Borgo Re Ale Extra (IPA)
Blue Point Old Howlin' Bastard (Barleywine)
Redhook Limited Eisbock (Eisbock)
Rodenbach Red (Flemish Red)
Southern Tier Oat (Imperial Oatmeal Stout)
Unibroue Terrible (Belgian Strong Dark Ale)

Cigar City Weekend At Abraxas

It was only a few weeks ago that Cigar City made it's assault on South Florida with six events in three days.  But oh how fondly we look back on those great beers and wonder when will I be able to have such a wide array of great Florida made beers in one place at one time?  Well the answer is at Abraxas on South Beach this weekend.

At 5 pm on Friday, they will be tapping the following Cigar City kegs and putting them on special ALL weekend!

Minaret (Extra Special Bitter) $5
Florida Cracker (Belgian White Ale) $5
Table Saison (Belgian Farmhouse Ale) $5
Marshall Zukhov (Russian Imperial Stout) $8
Big Dummy (Belgian Strong Ale) $7

12 oz bottles $1 OFF
750 ml bottles $2 OFF

These are some of the lowest prices I've seen for these awesome beers.  Don't missout.

Stella Artois World Draft Master Competition Giveaway

Stella Artois will be holding their Draught Masters Regional Semi-Finals this Friday, September 9th from 8:00pm-12:00am at Brickell Irish Pub.  Come out and check out some of the best bartenders from the area pouring Stella's 9 step Pouring Ritual(their term, not mine).  The winner of the semi-finals will move on to the US Finals in Washington DC on October 7th and from there the winner will move on to the global competition on Buenos Aires.

If you are unable to make it to the Miami Regional on the 9th you can visit www.facebook.com/stellaartoisusa now through Noon CDT on Thursday, Sept. 15. The wild-card winner will be randomly chosen from the top national scorers in the virtual 9-Step Pouring Ritual game on the Stella Artois Facebook page.

I have two VIP passes for the Draught Masters Regional Semi-Finals to giveaway.  The first person to write to me at dave@southfloridabeerblog.com will get the two VIP tickets.  See you there.

40+ Beer Tasting At El Carajo

Join me Wednesday, August 31st from 7-9pm at El Carajo/LA Food for a 40+ Craft Beer Tasting and chef selected appetizers for only $20. Not only will you get to taste a wide variety of great craft beers but you'll also be able to buy any of the beers they have in the store for 10% off as well as be entered into a raffle for a mixed six pack of some of the beers we will be tasting. Hope to see you there.

August 31st 7-9pm

El Carajo

2465 SW 17th Ave
Miami, FL 33145
(305) 856-2424

Left Hand/Victory Beer Dinner At 8oz

Join 8oz Burger Bar with Cameron from Victory Brewery and Jason from Left Hand Brewery for a feast of a beer dinner.  The five course menu is looking pretty tasty.  Check it out the menu below and hope to see you there.

MENU:
Introduction: Left Hand Sawtooth

First Course: Heirloom gazpacho
paired with Victory Prima Pils

Second Course: Free range chicken fricasee and linguini
paired with Left Hand Stranger Pale Ale

Third Course: Bacon Cheeseburger with blue cheese crumble and truffle fries
paired with Victory Hop Devil

Fourth Course: Meatloaf with heirloom ketchup and balsamic glaze, mash potatoes, and gravy
paired with Victory Baltic Porter

Dessert: Aged rum Left Hand Milk Stout float
with roasted nuts served table side

The cost is $39 plus tax and gratuity. Dinner starts at 7:30 p.m. Call 305-397-8246 for reservations.

Wednesday, August 31st 7:30pm

8 oz. Burger Bar
1080 Alton Road, 

Miami Beach, 33139

The Abbey's Before And After Party

To celebrate the coming expansion of The Abbey Brewing Company, they will be running $4.50 pint & chalice specials, on select drafts. The Abbey will be closing for a bit, so come send them off in style.  The party kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, August 27th, and goes on for 12 hours, till 3AM!.  These beers are no jokes either.  Check out the list below and make your way over there on Saturday.

1. BROTHER AARON'S QUADRUPLE
2. FATHER THEODORE'S IMPERIAL STOUT
3. BROOKLYN BLAST
4. BROOKLYN PILSNER
5. LOST COAST APRICOT WHEAT
6. SPATEN OCTOBERFEST
7. HOPTICAL ILLUSION IPA
8. DELIRIUM TREMENS
9. TUCHER HEFEWIZEN

Limited Edition Beer Tasting And Summit TONIGHT

After a very successful and fun first Limited Edition Tasting and Summit, Abraxas return this month with another great lineup of beers from their Limited Edition List and with many more surprises!

Join Certified Cicerone Chris Montelius and the Abraxas staff for this event on August 25th, 2011 and on the LAST Thursday of every month!

Time:
8 pm sharp!

Format:
They'll pop open at least 12 different bottles from their Limited Edition list and pour 3 oz samples for everyone. Chris will explain what to expect from the beer style being poured and answer questions.

Cost:
$20 per person

Why is it a "summit"? - they encourage participants to bring in bottles from their private "cellars" to share with other participants. Abraxas always keep some interesting bottles in the back that are not available for sale in FL. We will pull some out for this event. I know Chris M will bring some of his, etc. - sounds like fun and a great way to try some of limited edition beers without cleaning our your wallet!!!

Tentative Beer List:

Wayerbacher Sixteen (Braggot)
Jolly Pumpkin Calabaza Blanca (Belgian Wit)
Stone Japanese Green Tea IPA (IPA)
Steenbrugge Tripel (Belgian Tripel)
Avery The Reverend (Belgian Quad)
Dogfish Head Burton Baton (French Oak aged Imperial IPA)
Birra del Borgo Re Ale Extra (IPA)
Blue Point Old Howlin' Bastard (Barleywine)
Redhook Limited Eisbock (Eisbock)
Rodenbach Red (Flemish Red)
Southern Tier Oat (Imperial Oatmeal Stout)
Unibroue Terrible (Belgian Strong Dark Ale)

See you tonight!!!

Cigar City Takes Over South Florida

From time to time you'll see me post about a brewery taking over a bar for the night with their beers.  Cigar City will be bring it to a different level next week when it doesn't just take over one bar but SIX over three days.  The beers flowing will be the rarest of the rare and also some brand new beers that they will be debuting at these events.  All these events look so amazing that I don't know how to choose which to go to.  Check them out below and get to planing for next week.


August 23
Tap Takeover @ Laser Wolf  
(901 Progresso Dr., ste. #101, Fort Lauderdale, 33304)

From 8 p.m. on, enjoy nine Cigar City drafts, including
Jai Alai IPA
Maduro Brown
Peach IPA
Vanilla Maduro
The Hills have Coffee
Guava Grove
Florida Cracker White Ale
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
White Oak Aged Jai Alai

 
Unsual Wood Aged Beers @ BX Beer Depot
(2964 Second Ave., Lake Worth, 33461)

Get ready to get wood: Justin Clark of Cigar City Brewing will be giving a presentation on aging quality beer on different kinds of wood at BX Beer Depot. During the presentation, BX will be offering a ridiculous selection of Cigar City ales aged on wood, including:
White Oak Jai Alai IPA
White Oak-aged Florida Cracker (wheat)
Humidor IPA
Heavy Toast Oak (jai alai) IPA
Soft Maple Brown Ale (Maduro)
Hickory IPA (jai alai)
Humidor Zhukov's (zhukov)
Starts at 6 p.m., cost is $5 and includes lecture and samples. Beers will be available by the glass after 7 p.m.


August 24
Cigar City Beer Dinner @ Sustain
(3252 NE First Ave., ste. #107, Miami, 33137)

It's a night of outstanding pairings as Sustain Miami teams up with Cigar City Brewing for a six-course pairing dinner. Both the beer and the menu look outrageous:

First course: homemade corndogs
paired with Jai Alai IPA

Second course: Taylor Bay scallops
with preserved lemon, mustard oil, and cucumber
paired with Cucumber Saison (draft)

Third course: chille-rubbed quail
with fava bean, mint, and horseradish
paired with Tocobaga Red Ale (draft)

Fourth course: braised pork shank
with sweet-and-sour cabbage and corn bread
paired with Maduro Brown Ale

Cheese course: beer-washed cheese with guava marmalade
paired with Guava Groove Saison

Dessert: homemade truffles
paired with Cubano Espresso (draft)

Seats cost $50, plus tax and gratuity. To make a reservation, call 305-424-9079, or write to info@sustainmiami.com. Reception starts at 5:30 p.m. and dinner starts at 6.

 
Tap Takeover @ Cervezas
(5835 Sunset Dr., Miami, 33143)

Join the gang at Cervezas for another Cigar City blowout! On offer this night: Jai Alai IPA
Maduro Brown
Peach IPA
Humidor IPA
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
Puppy's Breath Porter
Florida Cracker White Ale
Minarett ESB
Misseur Zhukov's Biere De Stout (zhukov)
Big Dummy
Carmel Graham Cracker Brown Ale (maduro)
Jose Marti
The kegs get tapped at 8 p.m. sharp!


August 25
Tap Takeover @ World of Beer
(4437 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek, 33073)

Cigar City Week continues with a massive tap takeover at WoB CoCo. Here's the list (deep breath):
Jai Alai IPA
Maduro Brown
Peach IPA
Humidor IPA
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
Puppy's Breath Porter
Tocobaga Red Ale
Florida Cracker White Ale
Minaret ESB
Table Saison
Vanilla Maduro
Cubano Espresso
Hot Blooded Foriegn Stout
It all starts at 5 p.m. -- bring a designated driver!

 
Tap Takeover @ Funky Buddha
(2621 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, 33431)

For you Palm Beach County Cigar City fans, the Funky Buddha Lounge is hosting another Cigar City tap takeover night. Including:
Hot Blooded Foreign Stout
Cucumber Saison

Plus THREE super secret brews!
Doors at 5 p.m.

Total Wine Pinecrest Opens Thursday

The newest addition to the Total Wine family will be opening its doors this Thursday.  The new location at 8851 SW 136th St, Miami is located right across from The Falls Mall in the Pinecrest area of Miami.  This has been a long time coming and a welcomed addition to the area.  Stop by all week and check out their massive selection and sample some of their wares as they will have lots of tasting going on through out the week. Tell them South Florida Beer Blog sent you!

Grovetoberfest 2011

Miami will be getting another beerfest this October and this one looks to be doing it right.  Grovetoberfest will be taking place October 15th in Peacock Park in Coconut Grove.  The good people putting it together have been building quite the hype for it with free beer tastings around town of some of the varied styles they will be featuring at the fest.  Tony Albelo, organizer of Grovetoberfest, and I have spoken many times as he has been looking for input from local people in the beer community on how to make this the best beer fest in Miami.  He hopes to make Grovetoberfest as respected as the Jupiter Beerfest in the years to come.  The fest will be providing information sheets on all the beers as well as letting people vote on their favorite beers to win best of Grovetoberfest in three different categories.  There will be chefs there doing food and beer pairings as well as a homebrewers section showing you how to brew your own beer. Live music from The Spam Allstars and a few others will also be going on.

As a special treat for our readers Grovetoberfest has provided us with a code to get your tickets, with all fees included, for only $25.  Click here to buy your tickets and enter SFBB11 in the Discount Code section and you are good to go.

We will be keeping you up to date with what breweries will be attending as soon as more are confirmed but from what I've seen so far it won't be Corona, Bud, or Miller Light to give you a heads up.

October 15th
Grovetoberfest
Peacock Park
Coconut Grove
www.grovetoberfest.com