See! I really WAS there!
Sorry, but I was at the 2011 Beer Bloggers Conference in Portland, Oregon, last weekend and just did not have a chance to write a Beer Bites column.
What I DID have time for was talking up the Florida craft beer scene in the midst of “Beervana,” with the help of my good friend Rick Andrews of Ales From the Crypt and Firkin Around.
By the way, Rick has already written some great pieces from the conference, here, here and here. I have not been so productive yet, but keep an eye on my Road Trips for Beer site for posts, videos and photos.
We hope that BBC12 will be on the East Coast next year, so we’re hoping for a LOT more representation from Florida beer writers, bloggers, brewers and distributors. Start saving your pennies now; it will be well worth it.
Shout It Out!
You know the Florida craft beer scene is making its mark when the national media takes notice. I was thrilled to see this Associated Press story by Brendan Farrington get picked up by many national newspapers, including The Washington Post. Farrington leads the piece with Cigar City Brewing in Tampa, but mentions a lot of the other players on the state’s beer scene.
Also, a little more locally, the St. Petersburg Times took a look at “Five Tampa Bay bars that brew their own beer.” Though Tampa Bay is a body of water, let’s hope this one gets picked up by some national outlets, too.
Northeast Matchup
Our friends in Jacksonville are in for a real treat Monday: Cigar City AND St. Somewhere Brewing at a beer dinner at Kickbacks Gastropub. St. Somewhere owner/brewer Bob “Saint” Sylvester himself will be in attendance, as will Joey Redner and Justin Clark from Cigar City. More here.
Festive Occasion
The second annual Sarasota Beer Fest Festival will be Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Robarts Arena. Here’s a preview by Sarasota “Beer Geek” columnist Alan Shaw.
Heaven and Hell on Earth
Speaking of Sarasota, fans of Dogfish Head’s expensive and exotic limited releases should pencil in a trip to Mr. Beery’s for “Heaven & Hell” on Tuesday night. But what does that mean? Let Mr. Beery himself explain: “It’s called a Heaven & Hell and people freak out when it’s available…Take one part Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA – a very limited, 18%abv American Strong Ale… And, one part Dogfish Head World Wide Stout – a very limited, 18%abv Imperial American Stout… And, Yes, it layers!” At $30 per person, it’s not cheap, but could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And you get to keep the DFH snifter glass. More here.
Firkin Up
Dunedin Brewery will be bringing a firkin of its I.P.A. Chronicle 3: ABC to Keep the Pint Night on Saturday at Willard’s Tap House in Largo. I was hoping to make it to this one, but real life has intruded once again. Regardless, should be a great time with some great folks. Oh, and a big “Happy Birthday” to Dunedin’s Mike Bryant today! More here.
That’s it for this week’s Beer Bites. As tempting as it is, don’t make too much fun of the northerners freaking out over Hurricane Irene. The hurricane season still has a long way to go, and karma is a bitch.
Please email trips4beer@gmail.com with any ideas or story tips. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Until next time, Florida, remember: We are Here! We are Beer!
Thanks for the back links, Gerard. Good reading on this page, too!
Cheers!