USGBC Green Social Event

 The US Green Building Council (USGBC) is hosting a FREE social gathering at the Aardwolf Brewery on June 10th at 6pm.

The USGBC's mission is to "create a sustainable region and green buildings for all within this generation." The social event takes place in San Marco inside the Aardwolf tasting room. The event is free for everyone, and will help to highlight some of the green-focused businesses and innovations that are going on around Jacksonville.

Enjoy a local vodka, have a beer, grab a bite to eat from The Happy Grilled Cheese, network, learn more about the USGBC, and have a good time while learning about local businesses.

While there, you'll hear from a few local business leaders, including:

• Philip McDaniel (CEO) and Brendan Wheatley (Head Distiller) of St. Augustine Distillery.
• Ben F Davis (Owner) of Intuition Ale Works 
• Aaron Alexander Glick of TransForm Jax 
• Shannon Blankinship of St. John's Riverkeeper 

Also, mark your calendar for October 4th. USGBC will be hosting the Green Lion Festival, which will also take place at Aardworlf. The event was a huge success last year as it brought in over 400 people. This year, the event is sure to be one you won't want to miss. There will be samples of local craft beer, liquor, and food. And best of all, it's all FREE!! Check http://www.usgbcnf.org/greenlionfestival for more information as the date gets closer!

Sourcing Suds: Aardwolf Early Bird Special

'Sourcing Suds' is a monthly column I write for Buzz Magazine which acknowledges a locally brewed beer being served at a locally operated beer joint. The people and places pouring for us are what make the craft beer community what it is. Join me each month as I highlight some of the great places and beer found right here in Jacksonville!

Source: Aardwolf Brewing Co. (Taproom)

Aardwolf Brewing Company is located in Jacksonville's San Marco neighborhood, just minutes from the heart of downtown. The Taproom is an inviting space. There's exposed brick, plenty of seating, and a long bar that practically spans the length of the entire taproom.

It's been a full year since Aardwolf opened its taproom, and I recently sat down with co-owner, Preben Olsen, to talk about his initial vision for the space.

Beertender, Kevin, offers samples of beer to a customer

"Our taproom is a place to teach people about beer. We don't just have our beer, but we have great guest taps too. And our bar, you can see it's really long. We designed it to help people interact with others," said Olsen.

It's clear that Aardwolf's owners put a lot of thought and intentionality into the design of the taproom, and a year later, they are seeing the fruits of their efforts. The taproom is usually full of patrons, and it's not uncommon for a food truck or two to be stationed in the parking lot.  Aardwolf might be Jacksonville's youngest brewery, but it's quickly building a name for itself. 

Suds: Early Bird Special (Anniversary Breakfast Stout)

Aardwolf wanted to celebrate the one-year mark with a bold beer that has a lot going on. And Early Bird Special certainly fits the bill. This breakfast stout is brewed with generous portions of oats, vanilla, and cinnamon, and then aged on coffee beans. It's a dark beer that gives off an appetizing aroma of chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon.

After taking one sip, I looked up at my server and said, "It's like drinking French toast!" The flavor profile is loaded with cinnamon and vanilla that provide a maple-syrup like essence. The coffee bean flavor is also there, giving a nice roasted flavor that mimics burnt toast a little. The finish is slightly bitter with some heat from the alcohol.

This is a great-tasting beer with a great aroma and some very complex flavors. It's a great beer to celebrate Aardwolf's taproom anniversary, and it's a beer that we might see again. According to Olsen, Aardwolf might consider brewing Early Bird Special again. September will mark the brewery's one-year mark for the brewing side of operations, and just maybe we will get some more of this breakfast stout for that celebration. But until then, stop by the taproom and check this one out. You won't regret it!

The Taproom is open Wednesday through Saturday at 3pm. My recommendation is to go on Wednesdays for their weekly tapping of a pilot batch. These are rare and extremely limited batches (sometimes only 5 gallons of beer), that highlight the brewery's experimental and riskier side.

Sourcing Suds: Mind Drive Imperial Porter

'Sourcing Suds' is a monthly column I write for Buzz Magazine which acknowledges a locally brewed beer being served at locally operated beer joints. The people and places pouring for us are what make the craft beer community what it is. I hope to capture some of that craft culture in this new series. Join me each month as I will highlight a different craft beer location and a local beer from their tap list!

Source: Brewer's Pizza

Steve Halford, Chief Beer Officer

Handcrafted pizza and beer, there may not be a better combination. Brewer's Pizza is Orange Park's only brewpub, providing a unique combination of locally made pies and brews. Their pizza is freshly made and starts with homemade beer-dough, flavorful sauce, and a healthy dose of ingredients and spices. The pizzas at Brewer's are hearty and satisfying, just like the beer they serve.

Speaking of the beer, Brewer's Pizza is also home to their daughter company, Pinglehead Brewing Co. Since 2011, Pinglehead has been serving Brewer's Pizza customers handcrafted beers with complex flavors and a variety of ingredients. It's "Beer with Attitude" as their slogan goes; According to Chief Beer Officer, Steve Halford, "Pinglehead beers are brewed for beer-lovers seeking aggressive beer flavors and styles." 

Simply put, there's nothing apologetic about the beers being served at Brewer's Pizza. People searching for pale yellow light lager, only drinkable at Rocky-Mountain-Cold temperatures, should just keep on looking.

Suds: Mind Drive Extreme Imperial Porter

Mind Drive is an "Extreme" Imperial Porter with an alcohol by volume level of nearly 14%. It's a two-time, medal-winning beer that has started to create a bit of a name for itself. Mind Drive has taken home a Gold and Bronze medal, respectively, in each of the past two years at the Best Florida Beer Championship. 

Mind Drive pours dark black with a thick mocha-colored head. The aroma is robust and slightly bitter on the nose. Bitter chocolates and coffee, followed by meaty spices.

Its stout-like appearance comes to life on the palate. Unlike the aroma, there is a nice malt sweetness to Mind Drive. Milk chocolate, raisins, and roasted grains are followed by coffee flavors, molasses, and vanilla. The finish is slightly bitter with a robust smokiness that is quite a surprise. This must be where the "meaty" aromas were coming from on the nose.

Mind Drive is a rich and boozy porter that provides bold and complex flavors. It's an aromatic beer that delivers on all levels. This full-bodied beer lives up to its name of being an extreme imperial porter, and is most certainly a "Beer with Attitude."

He'Brew Jewbelation Reborn (17)

Brewery: Shmaltz Brewing Co.
Location: Clifton Park, NY
Style: American Strong Ale
ABV: 17%

Jewbelation Reborn is Shmaltz's 17th anniversary ale. At a whopping 17%, Reborn is not for casual drinking. It is a beer one should be intentional with, allowing the 17 different hops and 17 different malts to dance on the palate to a slow and methodical tasting waltz.

The commercial description provides some additional context around this celebratory ale. Here's what Shmaltz has to say about Reborn:

How could we hope to top last year’s Jewbelation Sweet 16 with its cupcakes, unicorns, & Satan’s Ferrari birthday cake? massive challenge. So for Year 17, we threw in a whole new dimension to our shtick – we built our very own brewery! After 17 years of contract brewing, our first Shmaltz Clifton Park batch emerged 17 months after the first draft of the business plan. Coincidence? Renaissance means “Re-birth” in French & Italian. In Buddhism, the concept does not truly translate as “reincarnation” but instead as “becoming,” or a “stream of consciousness.” 11 syllables structure a haiku. Shakespeare penned 17 comedies. In The Simpsons episode “Duffness” Homer sings “When I was 17″ about buying his first beer with a fake I.D. “I drank some very good beer. I stayed up listening to Queen, When I was 17.” In The Office, Dwight recites Rule 17 that all Schrute boys must learn: “Don’t turn your back on bears, men you have wronged, or the dominant turkey during mating season.” Knowledge and growth come in many forms. It is taught that Nirvana is only attained when the soul transcends cycles of rebirth. Looks like Shmaftz just isn’t there yet. So with 17 malts, 17 hops, and 17% abv,JEWBEL4TIONREBORNserves as another mark of our death as a contract brewer and proof of our conversion to a new life as brewery owner…… L’Chaim!!!

Appearance: Pours a very dark brown in color with an off-white head that forms along the ring of the glass.

Aroma: Bourbon, lots of bourbon, and maple, vanilla, toffee, and coffee malt.

Taste: Raisins and bourbon flavors come flying out of the gate. There's an immediate sweetness with this beer; sweet chocolate, vanilla, and toffee. The flavors are layered though, and this is a complex beer. With each sip, I pick up a new flavor and dive deeper into the many layers that come with this beer. The finish is boozy and mildly funky.

Mouthfeel: Low carbonation and a syrupy profile makes this a big and full-bodied beer. Almost creamy in texture. But definitely lots of syrup.

Overall: Jewbelation Reborn is a symphony of flavors. I guess that's what you get with 17 hops, 17 malts, and lots of booze. At times, this beer can seem a bit disjointed and all over the place, but not at the detriment of good flavor. Reborn is good with potential to be great. As with many beers of this stature, time will likely be a good thing and allow the flavors to balance and find harmony. The various malt layers and waves of sweetness will eventually settle into something more consistent on the palate. Reborn is enjoyable now, but the ceiling his high. It'll only get better.

Cheers!

4th Annual Mardi Gras Jax

Join me  at the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Jax, located at Jacksonville Beach, for the city's largest Mardi Gras Party and scavenger hunt!

Mardi Gras Jax is a Mardi Gras themed pub crawl that will take you to many of the popular “hot spots” on Jacksonville Beach.  Come dressed for Mardi Gras and win some great prizes: Best Dressed of the Night, Scavenger Hunt, and more.  Then make plans to join us for the Official After Party at Bo’s Coral Reef starting at 9 p.m. where we’ll crown the Annual King & Queen of Mardi Gras Jax!

Start at any of the following 4 locations:

• Ocean Grille
• Bo’s Club
• Lynch’s
• Zeta

Tickets are just $20 and you can purchase your tickets now by clicking the Tickets link or you can purchase tickets on-site at the participating bars/restaurants the day of the event from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Wish there was a way to earn FREE TICKETS? There is! I will be giving away free tickets up until the day of the event. Here are 3 simple ways for you and your friends to score some tickets for the event without spending a penny:

1. Post a comment at the bottom of this article and share your best Mardi Gras memory OR let  us know what you plan to wear to this year's event.
2. Follow me on Twitter and wait for me to send out a tweet with instructions on how to win.
3. Click "Like" the Beer Apostle Facebook page and wait for your opportunity to score free tickets!

This is a Mardi Gras themed pub crawl!
(only 21 and up can participate)
Wear your most outrageous Mardi Gras outfit, catch beads, and have an excitingly fun time!

For everyone who purchases a ticket, you will receive:

• A wristband for admission
• Souvenir items and party beads
• A souvenir map/Mardi Gras scavenger hunt card
• Admission in all of the festivities, contests & prize give-away
• Drink specials at each bar (specials are solely up to the venue participating)

This is a Scavenger Hunt!
So collect a stamp at each participating venue.  Those who do, will be rewarded that night and be entered to win a cruise for 2, brought to you by Bud Light.  Can you say booze cruise?!?!  You will keep track with your map (the one you get when you pay), so don’t lose your map!! The all-mighty winner will walk home with their prize that night!  For contest rules, please click here.

Visiting Tomoka Brewery

I had the pleasure of stopping by Tomoka Brewery, one of North Florida's newest craft beer breweries. Tomoka is located in Ormond Beach, FL, which is just minutes from Daytona Beach.

Tomoka is a place I had been trying to visit since the opening in 2013, but my work and family schedule made it difficult to make the 90 minute drive from Jacksonville. Nonetheless, I am glad that I was finally able to visit Tomoka and taste some of the delicious pizzas and, of course, beer.

The brewpub is conveniently located and within walking distance of the beach. Although I visited on a cold day (for Florida's standards), I made a mental note to come back in the summer and make use of the brewery's optimal proximity to the water.

The pictures are hazy because my daughter put a filter over my lens and I didn't catch it until later.

Tomoka just received their Federal license to brew and sell their own beer this past week. So, during the time of my visit, I wasn't able to order any beers that were solely brewed by them; although I did try a collaboration beer they brewed with Due South Brewing Co. out of Boynton Beach, FL. The collaboration was an imperial brown ale called, Ginger Snap Imperial Brown Ale.

Just like it sounds, the beer was a sweet and malty ale with subtle notes of ginger, toffee, and brown sugar. It served as an excellent dessert beer after I devoured an order of gravy and cheese covered french fries, which were the appetizer to the pizza I ordered--the Spanokopizza: a pie that's topped with spinach, garlic, onions, mozzarella, feta, and butter. YUM!

My visit was pleasant and I know I need to come back. Owners Jen and Peter are great people. They are avid supporters of the craft beer community in Florida and are just generally good people to be around. Peter even came out from the back of the kitchen to snap a quick photo with my daughter and me.

That's me in the middle, proudly wearing the "Drink Beer from Here" @hopcloth shirt.

If you're in the Daytona Beach area, be sure to stop by Tomoka for a good meal and great beer. I will definitely be back once they have their own beers flowing from the taps.

Cheers!

Firestone Walker Double Jack

Brewery: Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
Location: Paso Robles, CA
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 9.5%
Price: $6.99 22oz (Purchased from Wegman's in Buffalo, NY)

Double Jack is a double IPA from the highly acclaimed California brewery that took home a bronze medal for this beer at the Great American Beer Fest in 2012. This is the first ever Imperial IPA from Firestone Walker; it's done quite well, receiving ratings of 100/100 and 97/100 on Ratebeer  and  BeerAdvocate, respectively.

Appearance: Copper/reddish hue. Clean and filtered. Quarter inch head with nice retention that laces the glass.

Aroma: Sweet, hoppy, and herbal nose with lots of malt and caramels. This is really pleasant. The hops and floral notes are rivaled by the sweet sugary malt scents. I expect this one to have a really well-balanced malt backbone...and that gets me VERY excited!

Taste: The hops are far more prominent on the palate than they are on the nose. For a split second, I thought this was going to be a sweeter beer, but that notion was quickly denounced by the wave of earthy dryness from the hops. The taste begins with a touch of citrusy sweetness that is quickly washed away by pine and zest. The flavors are quite herbal in the middle, and the hops have a drying effect as the beer moves towards that back of the palate, where the finish is piney and dry. There is a nice malt undertone that I am able to pick up the more I drink this beer (probably has something to do with the warming of the beer as well).

Mouthfeel: This is a medium-bodied beer, maybe even on the lighter side of Imperials.

Overall: This is very enjoyable and drinkable. This is a 9.5% beer that hides the alcohol well. The flavors are vibrant and complex. Double Jack definitely lives up to the accolades it's received online and within the beer community. I'm glad to have had the chance to try this.

Also, something I failed to highlight earlier is the price-point of this "World-Class" beer (based on BeerAdvocate's standards). At $7, I doubt you'll find another bomber of beer that's as highly regarded and delicious as this one is. When was the last time you bought an imperial beer that's rated as high as this one for under $10? Yeah, didn't think so.

Cheers!

This is as pretty as an empty glass gets.

Pumking vs Warlock: A Souther Tier Showdown

Simple question: Warlock or Pumking...which is the supreme pumpkin beer?

Let's find out...

Brewery: Southern Tier Brewing Co.

Location:Lakewood, NY

Style: Pumpkin Beers
ABV: 8.6%
Price: $8.99/22oz

The Back Story: Pumking vs Warlock

According to the label, Pumking is named after a Celtic ghost, Puca, who brings both good and bad fortune to his believers. Pumking is a perfect beer for Halloween and, at 8.6% ABV, it brings its own set of tricks and treats to those who dare to consume the entire bottle solo.

Warlock is a bit more mysterious. Southern Tier doesn't provide information on who or what Warlock is. But judging by the picture on the label, one can surmise that Warlock is far more evil than his Pumking counterpart! Warlock also comes in at 8.6% ABV, so beware and tread lightly!

Let's start with Pumking:

The discussion around the best pumpkin beer at least has to begin with Southern Tier's Pumking. For years, Pumking has made an impact on the market during the fall months. Few pumpkin beers have built a national allegiance like the one Pumking has. Whether you like the beer or not, you can't deny that Pumking, in many ways, has earned the title that's implied by its name.

Appearance: Bright orange, slightly hazy. I swear the beer is glowing in my glass. Has a pure-white head with decent retention. Fades after about 5 minutes in the glass.

Aroma: I don't think you can ask for more. The aromas perfectly capture what you would anticipate coming from a pumpkin beer. This is your traditional pumpkin pie in scent form. Lots of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and sugar. The aroma is so strong and clear, you'd swear someone is baking a pumpkin pie in your kitchen.

Taste: It's pumpkin pie with a bite! Flavors follow the nose precisely and finish with a spiced dryness. This is your grandma's pie all the way. Lot's of pumpkin, cinnamon, and I swear I can even taste some buttery graham cracker crust! The finish is probably the most surprising part of the beer.

With the aroma being what it is, I pretty much knew what I was going to get on the front of the palate. All the spice and sweetness I could want from a pumpkin beer. But the finish is spicy and slightly bitter and boozed. I think it puts an abrupt finish to the pie-sweetness that really makes this beer drinkable. Without that bite at the end of the sip, this beer would just be too sweet to handle. Southern Tier does a nice job of bringing the flavors full-circle and finishing with just enough dryness to make you want to take another sip.

Mouthfeel: This is a medium bodied beer. There's a creamy/buttery texture at times, but the carbonation and finish is a bit more grainy.

I'll comment on my overall impression after I have tasted both beers...

Next up, Warlock:

Appearance: A Pitch black pour with an off-white head that leaves a generous lacing on the glass.

Aroma: Smells like Pumking, only richer (I didn't think it was possible until now). I get a ton of pumpkin pie and a heavy dosage of cinnamon and nutmeg. If a pumpkin pie and a gingerbread cookie hooked up and had kids, Warlock is what they would smell like.

Taste: And here's where the two beers begin to separate. At first, Warlock is pumpkin pie all the way, but the middle of the palate picks up more roast and cream. I get a lot of vanilla and chocolate, which is much different than Pumking. This beer finishes with a nice floral bitterness and leaves a pleasant aftertaste of pumpkin, coffee, and chocolate.


Mouthfeel: This is one full-bodied and viscous beer. It's mildly carbonated and thick as milk. Perfect for cold weather!

Warlock is the stout version of Pumking. There's nothing really fancy about it. The aromas are clones of one another and the flavors are extremely similar, except for the fact that Warlock takes Pumking to the next level with all of the stout characteristics that one would expect from a Southern Tier Imperial.

So, which is better?

Obviously, there isn't really an answer to that question because it's all a matter of personal preference and one's palate. Pumking is probably a bit more drinkable, but Warlock's body and flavors bring the house! Both beers can only be purchased in 22oz bombers, and I think this makes Pumking a bit more appealing to me. Given the ABV and high gravity of these beers, 12oz bottles would be a welcomed option.

Although Pumking is slightly more drinkable, if I had to pick a winner, I would go with Warlock over Pumking, based on the depth of flavors and complexity it added to an already delicious Pumking-like profile. Warlock is an Imperial stout that truly delivers on the roasted malts and chocolate richness. When you add that to the vibrant flavors that are included in Pumking, Warlock runs away with the victory.

Southern Tier, in my humble opinion, is absolutely the king-brewery when it comes to this time of the year. Are they a little on the sweet side? Sure. Do I wish they were in 12oz bottles? Absolutely. But, at $8.99 per bomber, Southern Tier delivers deliciously popular seasonal releases without jacking up the prices like so many other breweries do. Ya gotta love 'em for that!

Oh, but there is just one thing that I think would make Pumking and Warlock better. Two very simple words: Bourbon barrels.

Cheers!

Grasslands Big Cypress IPA (Batch #4)

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. 

Brewery:  Grasslands Brewery
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Style: IPA
ABV: 7.5%

Yesterday, I posted my review of Batch #1 of Big Cypress IPA, and now I turn my attention to Batch #4. Nothing has changed with what Grasslands wants to accomplish with Big Cypress (they want a smack-you-in-the-face) IPA that is "unique and compelling." Batch #4 used a different combination of hops to create a whole new flavor. So, here we go!

Appearance: Sandy Brown, almost muddy in color. Lots of carbonation and sediment on the bottom of the glass. Unfiltered, without a doubt!

Aroma: Orange and Lemon zest. Grapefruit, and Pine. Caramel/malt comes through with warming.

Taste: This is a citrus-hop bomb! Grapefruit, lemon, and orange stand out. Hopped up finish. Bitterness lingers on the aftertaste. After the beer warmed for about 15 minutes, I was definitely able to pick up on the malt more. It was subtle, and more present on the nose, but it was there. The malt adds a sticky, caramel, flavor to the bitterness of the hops, which helps to calm this beer down a bit. But make no mistake, this beer is exactly what Grasslands said they wanted it to be: it smacks-ya-in-the-mouth and then some!

Mouthfeel: Medium body. Lots of carbonation.

Overall: This is up there with some of the "palate-wrecking" IPAs on the shelves and is, by far, the hoppiest beer I have had from Grasslands (and maybe all of Florida). This is a one-two-punch IPA with a very strong citrus and hop profile that'll give IPA-lovers what they ask for.

Batch #1 vs Batch #4: This, in no way, was a competition. I appreciate that Grasslands experiments with recipes and solicits feedback from the Grasshoppers to help them land on the best beers possible. However, because I was fortunate enough to try these two batches side-by-side, it's impossible not to compare them.

When it comes to IPAs, I prefer a balanced approach. I like my hops to be accompanied by a strong malt backbone. Batch #1 did this perfectly. In fact, it's probably one of the best East Coast IPAs I've had; I think it could even give Jai Alai a run for its money.

Batch #4, to me was a completely different beer. While it's probably not the IPA I would choose, I think there's a HUGE market for this beer among hopheads who enjoy beers with a hop presence strong enough to tear into the lining of their stomachs. I also think Batch #4 is a bit more bold and unique. If released, it would quickly build a reputation for itself, similar to what Green Flash has done with some of their IPAs.

This was an incredibly fun two-part review! I want to thank Gabe Grass for sharing his batches with a schmuck like me.

Interested in becoming a Grasshopper?

If you're interested in getting your hands on any of Grasslands' brews before they open, register for their Grasshoppers Club which is your ticket in to getting exclusive releases from the brewery before they open. As a Grasshopper, you'll be eligible to enter the monthly lottery drawings to sample beer and provide critical feedback that may contribute to the final product. You can also check out Grasslands on Twitter and Facebook for more information.

Cheers!

Brooklyn Dry Irish Stout

Brewery: Brooklyn Brewery
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Style: Dry Irish Stout
ABV: 4.7%
Price: $9.99/6pk

Brooklyn's Dry Irish Stout is brewed using a traditional recipe that is meant to render a sessionable beer that is light in both alcohol content and calories. Brooklyn has done a solid job in that respect as this is one of the lightest beers the New York brewery produces seasonally.

Brooklyn Brewery has always been one of my favorite micro-breweries because I've been a fan of what they've been able to do in the market. I believe Brooklyn is one of the more recognizable labels out there and they've done a respectable job creating a national presence for themselves. Plus, they are the creators of Black Ops, which may or may not exist.

This review, however, turns the spotlight to one of Brooklyn's less notable brews--Dry Irish Stout. There's nothing gimmicky or fancy about this one. It's a light(er) craft beer trying to appeal to folks with an appetite for roasted malts, chocolate, and espresso in their beer.

Appearance: Pitch black with a rusted-cream head.

Aroma: Sweet malts and bitter chocolate. Not a very appetizing smell, to be honest. Saying I smell chocolate might even be misleading. The nose is faint and stale.

Taste: There's a blend of bitter-sweet tartness that hits the palate first. I faintly pick up on the roasted malt, coffee, and hazelnut flavors before the beer transitions into something very unexpected. The finish is overwhelmingly tart and fruity (raisins and dates). I say this is unexpected because I was waiting for the bitterness from the chocolate and coffee to take over, but it never does.

Mouthfeel: The body of this beer is medium to heavy. There's more carbonation than one might assume and, like the flavors, I don't think it completely works.

Overall: Something just seems "off" with this beer. The beer smells flat. The flavors don't mesh well. And the amount of carbonation doesn't fit with the heaviness of the body. It's as if this beer is going through an identity crisis. And honestly, I have enough problems of my own to be dealing with its drama right now.

Sorry, Brooklyn. I love ya, but this one just didn't do it for me.

Slainte!

Beer Review: Shiner Bock

Brewery: Spoetzl Brewery 
Location: Shiner, TX
Style: Bock Bier  
ABV: 4.4%

Price: $8.99/6pk

Texas. Pride. These are the two words I think of when I see Shiner. As someone who lived and worked in Texas, I can whole-heartedly say there is no other state that takes pride in its own like Texas does. Shiner beer is very much a part of this pride. The Spoetzl Brewery is located in Shiner, TX, a tiny town "no bigger than a postage stamp in the heart of Texas" as described on Shiner's site. This small Texas town has been producing lagers with German influence for over 100 years. Every drop of Shiner comes from Shiner. That's they way it is and always has been. And there's something about that even an outsider can appreciate.

Shiner Bock is their flagship lager. I see Shiner popping up more and more around the country, and it sort of reminds me of Yuengling in terms of how relatable it can be to non-craft-beer-drinkers.

Appearance: Sweet tea color with a quickly fading head. The beer is obviously filtered and appears lighter than one might expect from a Bock beer (note: this is brewed in the tradition of an American lager, and not necessarily a German bock).

Aroma: Mild aromas and there's not a lot to pick up on. I do get hints of malt, but nothing to write home about.

Taste: As one might gather from my comparison to Yuengling, this is a mildly smooth and unoffensive beer. It has a strong malt base with some nutty characteristics and a caramel sweetness on the finish. The beer has an overall clean feel, as there is little-to-no aftertaste, dryness, or bitterness. Something that I have noticed in several Shiner brews, and it's most noticeable in this one, is a subtle but troubling copper or metallic taste that I get towards the back of the palate. I have had Shiner Bock on draught, from a can, and in a bottle, and the copper flavor is always there. I am not sure what causes this, but it's definitely not pleasing.

Overall: I love the history of this beer and what Spoetzl represents to Texas, but the beer itself is mild and forgettable. It's a cheap beer (if you live in Texas), but not worth the price you'll pay if you're outside the Lonestar State. 

Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale - Bold City Brewing

Brewery: Bold City Brewery
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Style: Imperial Cream Ale
ABV: 6%
Price: $16.99/12pk

A year ago, when I was scoping out Jacksonville as my potential next place of residence, Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale was the first local beer I tried. I was at dinner and asked my waiter what he recommended that was local. Without hesitation, he brought me a Dukes and shared a little bit about Bold City Brewing. I was intrigued and glad to see so much pride for a local brew.

A year later, I have finally decided it's time to post a review. This is my second review of a Bold City Beer. I encourage you to also read my review of Killer Whale, as I give additional context of Bold City's influence on the Jax beer scene.

Appearance: Brown with red tints. Cloudy body with a quarter-inch head that perseveres as you drink the beer.

Aroma: Chocolate malt is first and foremost present on the nose. There's also a nuttiness that's expected with this style. Toasted grain as well.

Taste: Nuts and caramel are the two most predominant flavors. As the beer passed through the palate, I taste a watered-down coffee flavor with a sweet and chocolaty finish.The flavors are overall pretty mild and could be a great gateway craft beer for someone who's used to drinking Bud, Miller, Coors, or piss.

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with a light gateway craft beer. There's nothing extreme or overly remarkable about Dukes, but that's not a bad thing. I suspect Bold City has been able to "convert" a lot of beer drinkers over the past few years, and no doubt Dukes has played a huge role in that.

Mouth feel: Creamy body, medium carbonation. Leaves a slight coating and subtle tartness on the tongue.

Overall, Dukes has found its niche in Jacksonville and has a pretty large following. Personally, I am not a huge fan, but like I said before, I appreciate and respect what this beer has accomplished and represented for the craft beer community in Jacksonville. Bold City is Jacksonville's first craft brewery. I believe Dukes, in some ways, has paved the way for the more intense and experimental brews in Jacksonville.

Beyond the flavor, my biggest issue with this beer is with the packaging and price. The only way to purchase Dukes in the store is by buying the 12 pack ($16.99). For me, the packaging is the main reason I don't drink Dukes more often. I honestly don't want 12 bottles of it, and I certainly don't want to seventeen bucks! Not when I can buy two separate (and different) 6 packs for the same price. I'm not sure why Bold City doesn't produce more of their beers in 6 packs (especially their flagship), but I think it's definitely holding people like me back from buying more of their product.

Infused Belgians from Grasslands Brewing Co.

As I mentioned in my review of the Forgotten Coast Belgian Tripel, Grasslands Brewing Co. has experimented with the base recipe and created two different variations of the original brew. Today, I will be conducting a side-by-side analysis of each beer and share how they compare to each other and the base brew. Grasslands plans to release one or all of these beers as seasonal/special releases. So, naturally, I'm extremely excited to crack 'em open and give each a try!

Forgotten Coast infused with San Sebastian Port (2011)

I will start with the Belgian that's been infused with San Sebastian Vineyard's 2011 Port. Spices and alcohol are very prevalent on the nose, more so than in the base version of this beer. The flavors closely resemble the original with one exception: everything seems to be stronger. I get a lot more booze and spices in this one--not sure if that's due directly to the Port wine, or if it's a matter of prolonged fermentation. Either way, I quite enjoy it!

Forgotten Coast infused with Gargiulo blend (2006)

Next up, we have the Forgotten Coast Belgian infused with Gargiulo Vineyards Aprile Super Oakville Blend (2006). The blend is a mixture of Cabernet and Sangiovese. As I put the glass to my nose, there is one immediate distinction here: sugar. Unlike the original version and the Port, I pick up a ton of sweetness on the nose that actually masks the Belgian spices. The flavors are milder. I taste caramel, grapes, figs, bready yeasts, and mild booze. The finish is crisp, clean, and dry. Unlike the Belgian infused with the Port, the Gargiulo seems to add a lot of flavor complexities and sugars that might make for a solid aging beer.

This was a really fun tasting. It's not often I get to taste three different variations of the same beer. The good news for Grasslands is that all three beers are uniquely enjoyable. Each offers a different tasting experience. The original Forgotten Coast packs a punch of spices, dark fruits, and toasted malts. The Port infused version is high on the alcohol flavors and will appeal to those looking for Imperial qualities. And lastly, the Gargiulo version is sweet, pleasant, and crisp; it's probably the most sessionable of the three.

I want to send a huge thanks to Gabe Grass for sharing his experiments with me so that I can share them with you all! Be sure to check out Grasslands' website and sign up to be a Grasshopper so that you, too, can try these awesome and unique beers!

Interested in becoming a Grasshopper?

If you're interested in getting your hands on any of Grasslands' brews before they open, register for their Grasshoppers Club which is your ticket in to getting exclusive releases from the brewery before they open. As a Grasshopper, you'll be eligible to enter the monthly lottery drawings to sample beer and provide critical feedback that may contribute to the final product. You can also check out Grasslands on Twitter and Facebook for more information.

Cheers!

Beer Myths Debunked

You know that friend of yours who won't try a Guinness because "dark beers are too heavy"?

Or how about your old frat buddy who would defends Miller Lite to his death because he believes its the only beer that's "triple hopped."

Do you still have that one annoying wino who looks down on you because he or she believes craft beer is inferior and less complex than wine?

Thanks to the folks at Karl Strauss Brewing Co., you now have a simple graphic chart to share with your simple friends...



by: Karl Strauss.

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Forgotten Coast Belgian Tripel - Grasslands Brewing Co.

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. 

Brewery:  Grasslands Brewery
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Style: Tripel
ABV: 8%

I am incredibly excited about this review as this is the first of three beers in this series that I will be reviewing. All three brews are a variation of a Belgian Tripel-style ale. Today's brew is a 1st batch recipe from Grasslands and a brew they anticipate will eventually be a seasonal release. 

Forgotten Coast was brewed in January, bottled in February, and now being consumed in June.

Appearance: This is on the darker side for the style. Tripels are generally slightly darker than your average Pilsner, but still golden in color. As you can see from the image, this pours a yellow-red in color and is slightly cloudy. This resembles a Belgian dark ale more than a Tripel, but I'm not complaining. I like 'em dark. The only critique I have of the appearance is the quickly dissolving head. I definitely would like to see more presence here.

Aroma: Tons of spice! I have always been drawn to the amazing scent that comes from strong Belgian beers, and Grasslands doesn't disappoint here. I got a lot of dark fruits and malt on the nose with a subtle sting of pepper and alcohol on the back. The aroma is really spot-on for the style.

Taste: The flavors follow suit with the aroma. The malt base is prominent and nicely balances the spices that I pick up on the front of the palate (cloves, pepper, coriander). Despite the spices, Forgotten Coast has a decent sweetness that brings an enjoyable, clean finish. I am actually pretty shocked that there isn't a stronger aftertaste given how strong the initial flavors are. This beer is well-balanced and very easy to drink (which would be dangerous if I didn't have just one bottle!).

Mouth: This is a medium body beer with carbonation that packs a punch at first and quickly fades to a smooth finish on the tongue.

Overall: Great beer. Honestly, this reminds me a lot of St. Sebastiaan Dark, which happens to be one of my favorite Belgian beers. That is, however, my greatest critique of this beer. Forgotten Coast looks and tastes like a Belgian Dark...but again, I am not sure this is all that big of a problem. Regardless, the Belgian profile is well done here and I could see this becoming one of my preferred Belgians once this is on the shelves.

Price: Because Grasslands is up-and-coming, they have asked me to share my thoughts on a recommended price-points for their brews. For a pint, I would anticipate paying around $5 given the gravity, alcohol, and seasonal nature of this eventual release.

Interested in becoming a Grasshopper?

If you're interested in getting your hands on any of Grasslands' brews before they open, register for their Grasshoppers Club which is your ticket in to getting exclusive releases from the brewery before they open. As a Grasshopper, you'll be eligible to enter the monthly lottery drawings to sample beer and provide critical feedback that may contribute to the final product. You can also check out Grasslands on Twitter and Facebook for more information.

Cheers!