Beer in Florida

Will the Mayan Apocalypse come about on Friday, December 21?

Some folks believe it will; most don’t. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a few tasty craft beers, just in case, and a few more the next day if we survive.

Following is a list of various Florida craft beer venues that are hosting pre- and post-Apocalypse ceremonies. If you know of more, please leave a comment with a link to an information page.

Good luck to us all.

For a Final Toast:  Friday, December 21

• Jacksonville’s Green Room Brewery will hold the Quetzalcoatl  Release, End of the World Party beginning at 4 p.m.  It marks the release of the Mayan-themed Quetzalcoatl, described as “Brewed with a massive amount of malt this Imperial Mayan Red utilized Cassava Root in the mash, Poblano and Serrano peppers in the boil, and conditioned on Chocolate and Vanilla.” Live music from Firewater Tent Revival and food trucks.
• An End of the World Party will start at 6 p.m. at Vine & Barley Palm City. Description: “The end of the world is upon us. The “Apocalypse” as the Greeks called it aka “lifting of the veil”, is nigh! The Mayans have predicted our end for some time now. Whether that means we all burn up in a fire storm or we just vibrate at higher frequency and evolve into a more advanced race … who knows? So grab your machetes, survival gear and come on out to Vine and Barley Palm City for a whole day of giveaways, fun and celebrate the End of it all! At 6pm there will be special releases from Cigar City and Florida Beer Company along with a special FBC firkin!”
• Peg’s Cantina & Brew Pub in Gulfport will mark the potential end of the world with its release of RareR DOS, a barrel-aged imperial stout that scored a perfect 100 rating at BeerAdvocate.com. The Apocalypse Party starts at noon.
• BX Beer Depot in Palm Springs will be the place to hoist a pint of Unibroue La Fin du Monde before the world ends at its Zut Non! La Fin Du Monde! End of the World Party! Here’s what to expect: “12-21-12. The planets align, we raise our glasses, and the world promptly ends! Prepare yourself for the end with the BX by raising a glass of Unibroue La Fin Du Monde in a toast to the end of the world. Where better to spend your last day than in at the BX with some of the best beer in Florida? If that isn’t enough, don’t forget that we will be hosting BOMB’s Pub Night (Brotherhood of Mustaches and Beards). There will be 50/50 raffles, schwag prizes, and a beard contest. Beer tastes better with a beard, so bring your amazing facial hair to the BX for a great night!” Festivities run from 7 to 11 p.m.
• Burkes of Ireland in Crystal River will let you “Party Like a Crazy Mayan” at its Mayan End of the World Party from 7 p.m.  to closing. For $2 a spin, attendees can spin the Wheel of Destiny for “feats of courage and prizes.”  Those proceeds go to charity. Expect special beers on tap such as Great Divide’s Oak Aged Yeti.
• Pensacola Bay Brewery is hosting its End of the World Blowout!!! (yes, that’s three exclamation points!!!) beginning at 8 p.m. As they say on the event’s Facebook page, “There is no better way to face impending doom than with good friends, great beer, and face meltingly awesome music!!!!” (Four!!!)

For the Survivors, Saturday, Dec. 22

• Apocalypse Survivors Gathering will be held at Rapp Brewing Co. in Pinellas Park from 4 to 8 p.m.   Here’s what they say about it: “Join us and fellow survivors to celebrate a new beginning, or if nothing happens … just to get together and have a beer! Beer specials and probably some food – need to get rid of that doomsday stockpile.”
• Mayan Schmayans will take place at 8 p.m. at the Cock & Bull in Sarasota. The Facebook page confidently states, “The world ain’t ending and neither is the great music, delicious beers and good times! Come out and celebrate. Doors open @ 8:00 p.m. $5 21 & up; $7 20 & under. Special Performances by: Seven Years Past, A Gentlemen Army and Sugar Phix.”
• “Vierge” Day!  at Saint Somewhere Brewing Co.  in Tarpon Springs is always a blast during their “Occupy” events and a great place to celebrate the end of the word not happening.  Here’s what to look forward to:  “Celebrating the time, last year, when the keg of “Vierge” lasted longer than we thought it should have. You got a better reason to celebrate? I didn’t think so. We have an assortment of Vierge kegs from last year along with a few Vierge “Reloads”. Maybe a food truck. If you survive the end of the Mayan calendar the day before, this gives you cause to celebrate “Vierge”! As with all our events, bring a nice dusty bottle from your cellar to share! Vierge Day is $10 and gets you one of our NEW Saint Somewhere glasses along with three tickets for 10 oz. each of our Farmhouse ales with the tour.” According to the Facebook page, festivities start at 6 p.m.  and end at … 5 a.m.? That must’ve been a helluva party last year.

But, of course, all times are dependent on whether the Mayan Apocalypse actually happens.

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