Abraxas Five Year Anniversary Party

One of the forerunners in the craft beer movement in South Florida, Abraxas, will be celebrating it's five year anniversary this Saturday, April 28th.  They will be featuring some special kegs just for the night that you won't want to miss.

Great Divide 18th Anniversary Ale (Imperial Black IPA) 

Avery Maharaja (Imperial IPA - latest batch!) 

Sierra Nevada Hoptimum (Imperial IPA) 

Southern Tier Oaked Un-Earthly (Imperial Oaked IPA) 

Blue Point Toxic Sludge (Black IPA) 

Dogifsh Head Burton Baton (Oak aged blend of Olde Ale + Imperial IPA)
Stop by and help Diego and his crew start off year six right.

Saturday, April 28th
Abraxas Lounge
407 Meridian Ave
Miami Beach, FL

United Way's Brew & Bites Ticket Giveaway

The annual United Way Wine & Food Festival is upon us once again.  I was able to go to a couple of the events last year and they were all amazing.  The highlight for a lot of people I talked to was the Brews & Bites event and it looks like the United Way thought so as well by now making it it's kick off event.  Brews & Bites will take place next Wednesday, April 18th at Mary Brickell Village.  You can check out the full list of participating restaurants by clicking here and breweries by clicking here.  You can also buy tickets for this worthwhile event by going here.

The good people over at the United Way have given me a pair of tickets to giveaway for the event.  If you would like a chance to win the tickets all you have to is have a friend like our Facebook page.  Once your friend likes the page they just need to leave a comment with your name.  You can do this with as many friends as you want and be entered into the giveaway each time.  They must be new people liking the page leaving the comments not people that already like the page.  Then on Monday I will put each entry into a hat and pull out a winner.  The more people you get to like our page and leave a comment with your name the more entries you will have and a better chance you have to win.  Good luck!!!

Wednesday, April 18th 7-9pm
Brews & Bites
Mary Brickell Village
Miami, FL
$55

New Times Beerfest Ticket Giveaway

The time has come yet again to giveaway some tickets to the New Times Beerfest taking place this Saturday, March 31st, from 6-11pm at Huizenga Plaza in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale.  I only have one pair of tickets to give away and I'm having a hard time thinking of how to give away the tickets so I'm letting you decide.  The winner of the tickets will be whomever comes up with the best giveaway idea.  I have to have a winner by tomorrow afternoon so I will be accepting ideas until noon tomorrow, March 27th, then I will pick the best idea and give the winner a pair of tickets.  You can email me your idea at dave@southfloridabeerblog.com.  Think of some good stuff and I will probably use it for a future giveaway.

If you don't feel like putting the brain power into coming up with an idea, tickets for the New Times “Original” Beerfest cost $30 each (prepaid online at NewTimesBeerfest.com), or $40 at the door. Attendees may also choose to enjoy the VIP Experience in the VIP lounge, an area where guests will have access to the premium Beerfest adventure, including unlimited liquor samples, food samples from some of Fort Lauderdale’s best restaurants, unique craft beers available only in VIP, premium stage views, and giveaways. A 15th-anniversary specially-brewed beer will be created by BX Beer Depot and available to VIP guests exclusively. A limited amount of VIP tickets are available for $65 prepaid online or $75 at the door.  You can also check out a list of beers by clicking here.

Saturday, March 31st 6-11pm
New Times Beerfest
Huizenga Plaza
32 E. Las Olas Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Sparky's Roadside BBQ Holds First Beer Tasting

This Thursday night from 7-9pm I'll be hosting the first, of hopefully many, 40+ beer tastings at every ones favorite downtown Miami BBQ spot, Sparky's Roadside BBQ. For $20 you'll get to try a sampling of over 40 different beers plus some chef selected appetizers.  Some of the beers will be some you won't even find in Florida.  Get there early to ensure yourself a spot.

Thursday, March 15th 7-9pm
Sparky's Roadside BBQ
204 NE 1st St
Miami, FL 33132
(305)377-2877

Dogfish Head "Not Quite A Tap Takeover" UPDATED

This weekend Abraxas will be holding their Dogfish Head "Not Quite A Tap Takeover".  Head on over to try drafts of some of their rarest beers.

120 Minute IPA
Faithful Ale
Hellhound Ale
Burton Baton
Immort Ale
Olde School Barleywine
Namaste
Red N White

Head on over to Abraxas and enjoy some of the biggest beer Dogfish Head has to offer.

March 2-4, 2012

Abraxas Lounge

747 4th Street
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 534-9005

Do You Drink Beer? Can You Write?

The first question is probably pretty stupid since you are already reading a beer blog.  It's more the second question that I am interested in.  I am looking to add more content on the site and I am looking for a few good individuals that have their fingers on the pulse of beer in South Florida.  Are you the type of person that always talks to your friends and family about the deep complexities of your favorite brew?  Do you like to check out new bars and restaurants right when they open?  Then you may be the person I'm looking for.  I'm looking for people to write reviews on beers as well as bars/restaurants/events.  I make no money doing the blog so unfortunately I have none to pay anyone to write but I may be able to pay you in a beer or two from time to time.  If you are interested please send me some examples of your writing (don't need your college thesis paper just something short and sweet).  How often do you go out a week?  What places do you frequent?  What are your favorite types of beer?  Anything else you think might help you get the job.  You can send your submission to dave@southfloridabeerblog.com.  I look forward to hearing from you.

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