Happy Seis de Mayo. Too bad Cinco de Mayo fell on a school night. I’m sure everyone behaved themselves and you’re all feeling chipper this morning.
Speaking of Mexico and beer, here’s a Los Angeles Times article about the struggling craft beer industry in that country. After reading this, it sure puts into perspective how lucky we are to be living north of the border. I hope these brewers of cerveza buena keep up the good fight against the big boys until they gain a greater voice in their market.
Without further ado, here’s what’s happening in the Florida craft beer scene these days.
Big Brew
Saturday is National Homebrew Day and it will be celebrated across the country at AHA Big Brew events. Here’s what the American Homebrewers Association has to say about it:
In 1988, May 7th was announced before Congress as National Homebrew Day. The American Homebrewers Association created AHA Big Brew as an annual event to celebrate National Homebrew Day around the world. AHA Big Brew is held each year on the first Saturday in May.
Homebrewing has been practiced in America since the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Today there are an estimated 750,000 homebrewers in the United States. Homebrewers are passionate about brewing beer and love to share that passion with others.
AHA Big Brew is about homebrewers getting together all over the world to share their love for the hobby.
There are plenty of Big Brew events happening across The Sunshine State, but rather than list them all, here’s a link where you can find a list of Florida homebrewing groups.
Contact the closest one to you and ask what it has going on. (Feel free to list any events in the comments section for this post). Coincidentally, I bottled my first homebrew two weeks ago, which means it will be ready to drink on Saturday. Prost!
Local tastings
The Total Wine & More store at 4880 Park St. N., St. Petersburg, will have a Cigar City Brewery tasting event today from 5 to 7 p.m. Another event featuring Tarpon Springs’ Saint Somewhere Brewery will be May 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. Call the store for details: 727-544-6018.
Designs on Beer
Cigar City Brewery recently announced that it is redesigning the labels for all of its 750 ml bottles, including its fourth edition of 110k+OT, being released later this month. You can get a sneak peek here.
A Whole Week of This?
May 16-22 will mark American Craft Beer Week. There will be plenty of events to celebrate it across Florida, and next week’s Beer Bites will include a roundup of them. If your venue or group is having an event, please send me an email trips4beer@gmail.com so I can include it.
Beer Store Discovery
Naples is one of those pockets of Florida that seems to remain a craft beer wasteland, though I just found out about a store there for the craft beer fan. Other than the vino touted in its title, Decanted Wines advertises a pretty decent beer and cider list. I don’t see any beer tastings on its online schedule, but it’s worth keeping an eye on it. By the way, I have wind of some more exciting craft beer news coming down in Naples. Stay tuned.
Gator Chompin’
Finally, though I can’t attest to the type of beer they serve these days, Linger Lodge in Manatee County will hold the Gator Creek Bluegrass Festival & Gumbo on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. Plenty of bluegrass bands will be picking on stage, and you’re sure to get your fill of gators – on the menu, on the walls and maybe even in the Braden River. If the idea of hundreds of taxidermied animals watching you while you eat makes you nervous … well, this probably isn’t the place for you. Find more details here.
That’s it for this week’s Beer Bites.
Reminder: Please use our free interactive calendar to promote your upcoming craft beer events. The link’s at the top of this page.
Please email trips4beer@gmail.com with any ideas or story tips.
Until next time, Florida, remember: We are here! We are Beer!
