A New Beer Thread

It was a stone groove, my man...

 

Back in Tampa.

Had Cigar City's Maduro Brown Ale. Nice, smooth, drinkable in quantity. Coffee followed by very chocolaty flavor that is persistent.

And, in a really screwy what the fuck moment, I learned that Dos Equis has had three other items out. One is called Dos-a-Rita. A beer margarita concoction. Haven't had it yet.

Another is Dos Equis Azul, made with blue agave. Was part of a summer 12 pack and you might still find it. I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds interesting.

And, as part of a winter 12 pack, there is a Dos Equis winter bock called Invierno. I did have this, and it was good. Reminds me of something you could get from Shiner.

Also had another local here in Tampa, the Big Storm Wavemaker Amber Ale. I really like ambers, and this one was good with a bit more hoppiness than a typical amber.

Hoping to stop at some brewpubs before I leave.

 

I don't like stouts/porter type beers, but Maduro is excellent. How long are you staying? There's a ton of new brewpubs/microbreweries in St. Pete too. Three Daughters, Cycle, Green Bench ... Popping up everywhere.

 

I'm here through Saturday night.

 

Plenty of good options, no matter where you end up.

http://www.beeradvocate.com/place/city/69/

 

Thanks BDC!

 

Was in Indy a couple of weekends ago and tried Three Floyds' Apocalypse Cow. Interesting lactose DIPA made with milk sugars. Hoppy start. Creamy finish. Fucking weird. Also, if I lived in Naptown, Black Acre Brewing would be my spot.

 

Now in Gainesville for the night. Had Swamp Head Stump Knocker. APA amber with nice but not overpowering hoppiness.

 

Kern River out of Bakersfield released some "white IPA," which is not a great label because it's not accurate, but it is excellent. They sent a keg up to a tap room up in the town where I work, and it is really good.

Downside = they're not doing more. Brewer considers it a mistake because it did not turn out to be what he wanted. I've been trying to put out the word through the grapevine that he should consider it a happy accident and repeat.

 

Down in the Tampa area Cigar City is a must, of course. Had an absolute blast at the tap room when I was there in February. Big fan of the Lacto Guava Grove (still have one bottle left in the cellar), Don Gavino's Big Guava and their super-refreshing Cucumber Saison. Had a couple clunkers while sampling about 15 or so they had on that day but overall they make some kick-ass goodies.

7eventh Sun makes some very good beers, have enjoyed each that I've tried. Haven't been there but did get the chance to meet the owner/brewer at the Great Taste a couple years back, young guy with creative ideas. A good buddy of mine's folks live in Tampa, he's been pimpin' 7eventh Sun hard and heavy.

Other friends swear by Rapp and Cycle. Don't think you can go wrong with any.

 

Big fan of Brugge in Indy. Haven't been to Black Acre, but the tap list looks really good. Have to be sure to search them out next trip down that way.

 

For the record, Three Floyds itself is not anywhere near Indianapolis, though they do have it on tap at some bars there.