Brew Bus Last Stop IPA

Brewery: Brew Bus Brewing (brewed at Cigar City Brewing)
Location: Tampa Bay, FL
Style: India Pale Ale
ABV: 7.2%

Brew Bus Brewing originally started out as a Craft Beer Bus tour in Tampa. The Brew Bus was designed to be the ultimate experience for craft beer fans: a city-wide brewery tour aboard a bus fully stocked with craft beer!

The Brew Bus eventually partnered with Cigar City and now brews their own craft beer, thanks to the facilities and space provided by Cigar City.

Having never had anything from Brew Bus Brewing, I came across Last Stop IPA and, without hesitation, grabbed a six pack.

Appearance: The fun and light-hearted can design touts this as a "crushable IPA" that's "sure to be a crowd pleaser." The beer pours a clouded gold color with a thick white head.

Aroma: The citrus is bright and vibrant on the nose. Very refreshing aroma. Grapefruit, pine, and a light malt sweetness.

Taste: The citrus flavors follow the nose. There's a refreshing dose of grapefruit, tangerines, pine, and lime. The citrus flavors are followed with a mellowing dose of biscuity malts and a touch of honey on the finish.

'Crushable' is an accurate adjective to describe the drinkability of this IPA. It's incredibly easy and enjoyable. I enjoyed Last Stop IPA's approachability and refreshing qualities. The citrusy hops are balanced nicely by the malt and biscuity backbone. Last stop has a creamier body, which also works to cut some of the citrus. This isn't going to blow hop heads away, bit it's a nice IPA that brings balanced flavors and a palatable citrus profile.

Thanks for reading the Beer Apostle and for supporting craft beer! Join in on the discussion by following me on Twitter and Facebook! Cheers!

Hopped on the High Seas - Kohatu

Brewery: Cigar City Brewing
Location: Tampa, FL
Style: American IPA
ABV: 7%

Cigar City has released six different batches of this Caribbean-style IPA, each batch dry-hopped exclusively with one hop variety. This beer is brewed on site, in Puerto Rico, at the Cervezas Del Sur Brewery. After brewing is complete, the beer is canned and shipped back to Tampa, but not before it must travel across the high seas to make it to America.

It's a domestic import. Or something like that.

Appearance: Pours a foggy gold hue. White fluffy head. Solid retention and lacing.

Aroma: Sweet citrus. Grapefruit and tangerines. Earthy or grassy notes.

Taste: The flavor begins with a quick burst of lemon citrus, but quickly fades to a grassy, dry and wheat-like finish. The initial flavor is so subtle that I had to take several sips before I could fully grasp the taste enough to describe. There's a quick hit of mango or tropical spices to complement the citrus hop flavor. But the dry and piney finish really dominates most of the flavor profile here.

Mouthfeel: Good body with this beer. Slightly creamy with decent carbonation. Easily drinkable.

Overall: I like what Cigar City is doing with the Hopped on the High Seas series. It's amazing to see how much each hop changes the overall product. Anytime I can learn something from the beer I'm drinking, I see it as a plus. Going through this series is sort of like taking a dry-hopping course.

While I'm not overly wowed by this beer, I find it to be an approachable IPA that seems to capture a tropical vibe. It's lighter, mildly spiced, and drinkable. Drinks and feels more like a pale ale. It's perfect for warm weather.

Hunahpu Day: The Proper Response

After a crazy weekend filled with a symphony of emotions, comments, and responses aimed at Cigar City, I wanted to take a quick moment to share a few of my thoughts.

First, if you're just coming out from under whatever rock you've been hiding and don't know what I am referring to, you should first check out this article published in the Tampa Bay Times.

As most of you have already been reading about (and some of you experienced it yourselves on Saturday), Hunahpu Day didn't quite go the way beer fans had hoped.

Before I proceed, take a minute to watch this quick video capturing what happened when Cigar City ran out of Hunahpu. It's worth a watch.

The thing that upsets me the most about this video actually has nothing to do with Cigar City running out of beer. This video is upsetting, no, disgusting, in terms of the way people handled the situation.

As the pallets are emptied and patrons realize what has just happened, they start to "boo" the brewery. This turns into an angry "Cigar City Sucks" chant, led by some D-Bag with shades and a beard.

For years, I've  boasted about how craft beer people are good people. In fact, this whole blog revolves around the "Good News" of craft brews...including the people who create and consume it.

To lash out in anger at Cigar City shows a complete lack of maturity and ability to see the broader context of a given situation. Obviously, Cigar City did not mean to mislead people. I believe they fully intended to ensure everyone was able to get the beer they came for. To lash out in a belittling way is just childish.

Now listen, I understand that in the moment, Cigar City looked really bad and irresponsible. I get it. They screwed up. But don't sit there and chant "Cigar City sucks" when you know that's probably not a true statement. In fact, the only reason you went to Hunahpu Day is because they are worth every penny and minute of the time you spent to be there.

One mistake doesn't discredit everything the brewery has done prior. The YouTube video shows an ignorant and arrogant mob of selfish beer-goers. That's not the craft beer community with which I identify. And I have a feeling it's not the one you identify with either.

And after all of the criticism, booing, hateful press Cigar City has received, they responded honorably by refunding every single ticket that was sold. And then provided free beer in their taproom for anyone with a Hunahpu Day wristband.

Cigar City does not suck. But, to the guy in the video with the sunglasses and beard: You, sir, surely do.

Cigar City/Terrapin Southern Slice

Brewery: Cigar City Brewing and Terrapin Beer Co.
Style: Doppelbock
ABV: 10%

Cigar City and Terrapin teamed up to collaborate on this dessert-in-a-glass. According to the commercial description, the breweries wanted to create an innovative beer that would also be familiar to folks from the South; thus, Southern Slice is a pecan pie themed lager.

There were limited bottles of Southern Slice distributed outside of the Tampa area, so when I got my hands on a bottle, I wasn't too sure whether I was going to cellar the beer or crack it open. As a rule of thumb, I really only cellar a beer if I have at least two bottles--one to drink and one to save for later. The decision was easy.

Knowing the bottle was a 750ml, I called in the reinforcements (a very willing @RadelRA), and began an impromptu tasting.

Southern Slice pours a dark brown in color with amber highlights. Actually, the beer looks a lot like cola. Dark brown with red hues when shown against a light.

The aroma was forgettable. I smelled molasses, malt, and an undetectable sweetness. I could sit here and tell you that I picked up caramel and vanilla notes, but that would just be me trying to impress you. And let's face it, that's hard enough to do when I'm being truthful.

The taste made up for the nose. Southern Slice is full of flavors. I first tasted vanilla (honestly, I did), butter, and caramel malts. Lots and lots of malt, As the beer traveled the palate, I picked up on chocolate and even more butter. This beer is sweet from beginning to end. Just like a slice of homemade pecan pie.

The mouthfeel is heavy. The butteriness of this beer leaves a slick and oily coating on the tongue. Little carbonation. Southern Slice is big and bold.

Overall, I enjoyed this beer, but I'm glad I had someone to share it with.It drinks more like a stout than a lager and I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn't a stout.

The best quality of this beer has nothing to do with the beer and everything to do with what it represent: Southern hospitality. This beer is heavy and filling. It belongs at in a dining room filled with family and friends and lots of food. Southern Slice is a comfort beer. I would love to pair this with a holiday meal next year.

Cigar City Invasion Pale Ale

Brewery: Cigar City Brewing Co.
Location: Tampa, FL
Style: Pale Ale
ABV: 5%

Cigar City had some fun with this one. The back of the can tells the story of a city that's been invaded and under siege for the last century. Out of options, CCB joins forces with the blasted buccaneers and brews up a tropical pale ale that's sure to please patron and pirate alike!

Invasion is a session ale that pours a cloudy yellow with a decent sized fluffy head.

The aromas are all hops: pine and citrus. This smells like a hop bomb...much hoppier than I would expect from a pale.

Taste: The first sip is full of grapefruit. It's tart at first, but then I get the tropical sweetness from various fruits. The finish includes more citrus notes--I get a lot of lemon zest that's balanced with a piney bitterness.

The headline around this beer is hops. The hops literally invade every aspect of the palate as this beer is consumed. However, there is complexity here. I noticed a yeasty-wheat aftertaste with the lemon zest. And call me crazy, but I pick up some fresh cilantro too.

I appreciate the folks at CCB calling out that this beer should be consumed fresh. The hop flavors literally make this beer and time does not treat hoppy beers well. However, I have one piece of critical feedback: if I am expected to drink this fresh, make sure I can read the date that's printed on the can. I think this one says it was bottled on Nov. 25th, but I can't be too sure.

Overall: This is a sessionable beer at just 5%, but I question whether it's something I could continuously drink by the pool. While it's light in alcohol and calories (estimated at only 150), the citrus, pine, and zest make this beer a bit too abrasive for a session beer. But if you're looking for a beer that packs a punch in the mouth but not on the waistline, you've found your match!

Mapping the Rise of Florida's Beer Market

I recently came across this article by The Jax Beer Guy about the rise of craft beer in America. His blog mentions a post originally published by The New Yorker which includes an interactive online map illustrating the rise of the craft beer industry in America. The map is pretty cool, and I recommend you taking a look at it via the link below.

Mapping the Rise of Craft Beer.

But what was most exciting to me was how the map shows the growth of the beer industry in Florida and possibly even foreshadows what is to come for the Sunshine State. Take a look at the screen shots below.

This first map shows what most craft-loving-Floridian-beer-nerds already know: Florida is a bit of a desert when it comes to claiming big-production craft breweries. None of the top 50 breweries (in terms of size) call Florida their home.

In my opinion, that isn't nearly as important as the next two images I am going to show you. This next picture shows the fastest growing breweries in the US. Floridians will be happy to see one of their own among the list:

As you can see, Cigar City ranks 16th among the fastest growing breweries in America. Anyone who has been to the brewery knows how impressive this is. The brewery just recently expanded its facility and production capabilities. CCB's growth, I believe, is largely prompted by demand, demand created by the deliciously satisfying beer that the brewery produces on a consistent basis. 

I think Cigar City has paved the way for future Florida breweries. They have proven that even in a region of the country that has been a bit reluctant to accept craft beer, you do not have to compromise the quality of your product to be successful. 

Speaking of future Florida breweries, check out this next image:

The image above shows that Florida is doing its best to level the playing field. This map, which was taken from 2012, shows 9 new breweries. If the map was updated, there would be a dozen more for 2013. Just this year, I have witnessed two breweries open their doors in North Florida: Aardwolf Brewing and Tomoka Brewery.

I also think it's worth noting where this map shows a high concentration of new breweries being built. The greater Tampa area is exploding onto the beer scene, probably thanks to Cigar City's success on a State and National scale.

As 2013 closes, let's raise our glass to the growth of craft beer in America and hope 2014 continues the trend. And it will.

What's Your Favorite Summer Beer?

Brewery:  Cigar City Brewing Co.

Location: Tampa, FL
Style: Helles
ABV: 5%

 

Sadly, there aren't a ton of beers that I enjoy drinking in the heat of summer when I am looking for a good refreshingly crisp craft beer. In fact, I used to think that "refreshingly crisp craft beer" was an oxymoronic phrase.  However, as I have expanded my horizons, I have found certain beers that are quite appropriate to consume after mowing the lawn or some other summer activity. Maui's Bikini Blonde and Saint Arnold's Fancy Lawnmower are just two examples.

Add Cigar City's Hotter Than Helles to that list.

 

Now, let me be truthful and say that I don't think there's anything particularly compelling about this beer. The aroma is a bit musty, the flavor is full of of malt and bready yeast notes, and the body is light. All of this adds up to a fairly indistinct and forgettable beer. But that's my point: if I am laying by the pool or floating down a lazy river, I don't want a full-bodied beer; I want something that's light, easy to drink (in quantity), and refreshing. Hotter than Helles Lager is all of these things and more.

So, you might ask: "Why not just buy a 6-pack of Natty Ice, save a few bucks, and call it a day?"

Answer: Because my mouth deserves more respect than that. And so do you.

As summer is quickly approaching, I would love to know what are some of your favorite summer beers? Let's get a good list going!

Grasslands LeeRoy the Red Imperial Amber #5

This is a recurring monthly series in which I taste and share my thoughts on a different beer from Grasslands Brewing Co. as they progress on their journey to open their doors to thirsty craft beer lovers (2014).  Grasslands is an up-and-coming brewery out of Tallahassee, Fl. that centers their philosophy on making quality "earth first ales." I will taste pilot batches and share my thoughts with the BeerApostle community. You can read past posts about Grasslands beer in the archive section of this blog.

Style: Imperial red/amber ale
ABV: 9%

Appearance: Dark amber, thick and cloudy. Tan head with long retention.

Aroma: Floral, pine, malt, sweet bread

Taste: Great flavors! Sweetened grapefruit, spicy bitterness from the hops which makes this surprisingly floral for a red amber. The finish has a well-balanced malt profile with notes of caramel and toasted grain. There's a slight dryness on the end with a spicy/sweet blanket that coats the lips.

Mouth: As I suspected from the appearance, this is a full bodied beer. It's perfectly carbonated which helps to open up some of the floral notes without compromising the malt backbone. This is a beer I could drink regularly (though in moderation--at 9%, this one will sneak up on you quickly!).

As the beer warmed, the bite seemed to grow in intensity. The alcohol content became more evident, as did the spices in the beer. Although it was still good, I think this one is better served and enjoyed at colder temperatures. It became less sessionable the longer it sat in my glass--apparently, I am slow typer...

Overall: This is the fifth variation of this recipe and I am crossing my fingers for #5 to be a close representation of the final product. I was fortunate enough to also sample LeeRoy #4 and I definitely prefer this recipe over its predecessor. The balance of citrus and sweet makes this one stand out in a pretty crowded genre of beers. If you follow me on Twitter, you know that Tocobaga has been my go-to red ale. LeeRoy certainly gives Tocobaga a run for the money.

Price: Because Grasslands is up-and-coming, they have asked me to share my thoughts on a recommended price-points for their brews. LeeRoy packs in a lot of flavor, alcohol, and is on the heavier side as far as body is concerned. I would expect to pay somewhere in the range of $5-$6 for a pint of this at a local pub. And I would pay it gladly.

Another great job by Gabe at Grasslands Brewing Co.!

Cigar City Jai Alai vs White Oak-Aged Jai Alai

 Brewery: Cigar City Brewing
Location: Tampa, FL
Style: IPA
ABV: 7.5%
Price: $10.99/6pk (Jai Alai) $9.99/4pk (White Oak Aged Jai Alai)

With the recent release of White Oak Aged Jai Alai, I have been itching to pair it with the regular release and share my notes and critiques of each. Also, this was just a good excuse for me to pour myself two beers simultaneously without looking like I have a drinking problem.

Most importantly, I am excited to record my thoughts on how much Jai Alai changes after being aged on the white oak. I have always loved Jai Alai by itself and am curious to see how the white oak variation compares.

We'll start with the regular release of Jai Alai.

Jai Alai pours an orangish-red hue with a strong head that remains in the glass and puts out a pretty good lacing.


The aroma is beautiful. Lots of grapefruit and lemon with a malt sweetness underneath. This is exactly what I imagine a citrus farm smelling like as you walk through the rows of fruit-bearing trees (I've never been to a citrus farms, but that's how I imagine them).

The flavor comes at you with a stinging sharpness from the hops. There's no doubting this is an IPA and Cigar City doesn't shy away from the bitterness. Once Jai Alai passes the front of the palate, there is a subtle yet distinct malt-sweetness that quickly fades in a dry and bitter finish. After a couple sips, I noticed that the beer started to taste sweeter. It's almost as if my taste-buds adjusted.

Now we move to the White Oak Jai Alai:

The White Oak-Aged Jai Alai pours a cloudy yellow with hints of amber.

The aroma is dominated by the oak. The citrus notes still come forward, but they are mellowed in comparison and a bit more complex. There's a nice scent of vanilla that comes through on this as well. There's a lot going on, but I really like how this one smells.

What a great flavor! The body is much creamier than the regular version of Jai Alai. Like most IPAs after they've been aged, the citrus/hops are mild and balanced by a malted sweetness. The hops are not nearly as prolific as the regular release, but the flavors are balanced and enjoyable. The vanilla finish is nice. Smooth. And unlike other beers that have been oaked, there's not a smokiness that comes through prevalently with other beers (see Oaked Arrogant Bastard).

Which Do I Prefer?

Tasting these together really presents a nice opportunity to pick up on the different complexities in each beer, and analyze the affect of aging Jai Alai on the white oak. Cigar City pulls both off excellently. Each variation offers something unique to patrons looking for something bitter, hoppy, and complex to satisfy the palate.

Although I think it's probably a bit silly to name one a "winner" over the other, if I had to choose, I would go with the regular Jai Alai over the aged version. When fresh, Jai Alai is a superb IPA with a wonderful citrus profile that's simply exceptional.

But as I said, it's silly to name one a winner because they are both great beers; each presents a unique beer-tasting experience for the consumer. If you have a chance to taste both, I recommend you trying these together and see for yourself how the oak changes the flavor profile of the original.