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Craft Beer Blast
October, 2013 |
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From Larry... | |
October...the month that fall really happens for most of the south. Here in Miami there will be no more days above 90 degrees. Further north the colors are starting to change and the temperatures are dropping. I look forward to my annual visit to western NC to enjoy the weather and local beers. The fall seasonal brews are in full swing now; seek them and enjoy the freshest beer available. Most breweries make something special that could be brewery only or limited to the local area. The beer scene continues to move forward; even Highlands, NC is getting a brewpub. It probably won't be ready this year, but it should by spring. Brewery growth continues here as well. Wynwood is officially brewing and several others are coming along. So, get outside, take in the season and enjoy a few fresh seasonal brews.
Wynwood Brewing is open. There have been launch events all around town. There are more scheduled; see the website for details. No tours or taproom yet but both willl up and running soon. MIA Brewing has hired a brewmaster and is having a groundbreaking at the brewery site in Doral on Saturday Oct. 5th.
In this month's Florida Brewery Corner Sea Dog Brewing, originally from Maine, is opening several brewpubs around Florida. I visited the Clearwater location in June.
The "Style of the Month" for October is American Black IPA, a new style that has been 'invented' in the last 15 years.
The Brewery of the Month for October is Sebago Brewing Company of Gorham Maine. Recently I visited the Portland, ME brewpub. It was as good as it was 2 years ago.
Beer Blast Archives. Remember something you saw in a prior issue of The Blast? Are you reading for the first time? All back issues of The Blast are available on our Media / Archive page. Go there to reference past issues and articles.
Next Month...Ribfest at Zoo Miami on November 1-3, 2013. This three day festival has a national 'ribbers' competition for prizes for "Best" Ribs, Beef Brisket, Pork, Chicken and Sauce. In the VIP area I will be giving a presentation on beer styles. On November 16th the 6th annual Treasure coast Beer Fest will be at the Port St Lucie Civic Center in Port St Lucie.
Cheers,
Larry
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Style of the Month
American Black IPA
A relatively new style, American Black IPA shows how a style is created. India Pale Ale is a hoppy bitter ale with very little roasted and burnt flavors that are associated with darker beers. Using dehusked malts, brewers can create an IPA type of beer that is as black as stout. Where was the first Black IPA brewed? It depends on who you ask. Vermont brewer Gregg Noonan made a hoppy dark ale in the early 1990s. Several brewers in the northwest also made similar brews at around the same time. They lobbied for "Cascadian Dark Ale" to be the official name for the new style. In 2010, the Brewers Association settled the issue by defining "American Style India Black Ale". Today, many craft brewers brew Black IPAs as most people call them. They are very dark to black, display low to medium malt flavor and aroma. Hop bitterness aroma and flavor is medium to high. Burnt malt roast character is absent with ABV 6 -7.5%
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Beer Life
Belgian Beer Festival
 On September 13 - 14, Beer Advocate and Allagash Brewing presented the Boston Belgian Beer Festival. I was there along with my good beer drinking friends. Belgian beers are some of the most intriguing and tasty beers around. The festival was planned well; there were no long lines and plenty of different brews to try. There were the larger brewers (Sierra Nevada, Sam Adams, Stone) and many smaller, local brewers. Everyone had their own idea about what Belgian style beers are and the variety was incredible; Trillium, Pretty Things, Mystic, Lost Abbey and Nightshift to name a few. I haven't ever tasted this many different sour beer varieties at the same venue. The BA guys know how to throw a good festival and I would recommend it to any beer aficionado. I have some pictures up on the GBL Facebook page of some great memories and brews. |
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Brewery of the Month
Sebago Brewing Co.
In 1998 Sebago was established in Gorham, Maine. They now brew enough beer to supply 4 company brewpubs in Maine and bottle some of the beers for outside sales. Sebago offers a full line of year 'round beers as well as seasonal and several specialty beers. I first visited the Portland brewpub a few years ago and recently returned for beer and dinner. My first visit is listed on my 2011 review page with a good review and some pictures. This year it came after a beautiful Maine day and it was a good ending to the day. Nothing has changed; the food and beer were enjoyed as they were several years ago. They make some good beer, and I would like to try more of the seasonal and specialty brews. When I was there the regular beers and one seasonal were on tap. There were more coming in a few days. Sebago brews with all American malts; the brewing process is very well described on the brewery webpage. If you can't get there for a tour, this is the next best thing with a video as well. The brewery tour looks like a good one; I will make that on my next visit to Maine. |
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Locally...
The 2X Ultra Double IPA is back! Currently Oktoberfest Lager, Dubbel Trouble ale and Blind Pig pilsner are on. Several different guest beers are now available. Stop by to see what's pouring.
Grovetoberfest: is on October 19, 2013. This is the third edition of Miami's Beer festival. There will be more beers this year. See the website for tickets and details on free events leading up to the festival.
Founders Friday: is the official launch of Founders Breakfast Stout all around Florida. See the Founders in Florida webpage for a list of participating establishments. #foundersinflorida |
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New Breweries
Wynwood Brewery There have been launch events all around south Florida with more to come. Check the events page for more. Stay tuned for the tasting room and brewery to open to the public.
MIA Brewing Co.
Brewer Michael Demetrus has been hired as head of brewing operations. Groundbreaking is set for 2:00 Saturday Ocrober 5th at the brewery 10400 NW 33rd Street, Suite 150. Come help celebrate the start of construction with free tastings of all their brews. |
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Florida Brewery Corner
Sea Dog Brewing Co. - Clearwater, FL. Sea Dog is from Maine but has been opening brewpubs around Florida. Each pub has brewing equipment and brews several special or seasonal brews depending on the location. I visited the Clearwater location back in June while on a four brewery day trip. The place is huge and has a varied menu and 13 beers on tap. See my review for more. Stop by any of the Sea Dog Brewpubs for a piece of Maine right here in Florida. |
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© Larry Goeser
Miami, Florida Good Beer Larry |
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