Blue Moon Tasting at Tap's Bar & Grill & Birthday wishes to Brewers Pizza

A Monday night beer event? … count me in! … learning about a Blue Moon tasting at Taps Bars & Grill at Fleming Island (1605 County Road 220) got my motor runnin' and the Jeep a-rollin' south to sample three new beers brewed by the Blue Moon Brewing Company. Equally exciting was this gave me a chance to visit Taps – something we've been wanting to do for quite awhile.

Hanging with the Springfield Brew Crew

First impression was encouraging! … met by a very friendly hostess, we noticed that Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom and Kristi were already there, having had dinner consisting of what was reportedly a great prime rib and a scrumptious cheeseburger (we were wishin' we hadn't eaten at home prior to going!).

The tasting was being provided by TeamHopHeads and I was 
pleased to see David Rigdon (Champion Brands and TeamHopHeads) overseeing the sampling and voting. Votes were being cast for the favorite brew of the three and the “winner” is destined to be this year's seasonal release by Blue Moon on August 31, 2012. So, what were the three beers? …. Caramel Apple Spiced Ale, Blackberry Tart Ale and … be still my heart … Dark Chocolate Bacon Porter! …

Tap's Patrons showing us how the
metered Tap's table works. What a
novel idea!

Both companion and I voted for the Dark Chocolate Bacon Porter, of course – the heavenly combination of the fruit of the cacao tree … and a pig. Seriously, Blue Moon states, “This deep-mahogany colored ale is brewed with hickory-smoked bacon and dark chocolate for a slightly sweet yet savory taste.” … to me, the chocolate was a definite undertone but the bacon flavor was strong which I loved … I'm a Cajun girl and pork fat rules!

Blue Moon describes the Caramel Apple Spiced Ale as “a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg combined with roasted caramel malts and fresh apple juice for a warming, spiced taste.” … I noticed the apple juice and cinnamon a bit more than anything – good, to be sure – I just preferred the darker porter.

Our fine server at Tap's and an
upcoming Ale Angel on JBB

The Blackberry Tart Ale, an interesting and tasty concoction, is described by Blue Moon as “The aroma of rich blackberries sets up the slightly sweet yet tart taste that's balanced by the subtle malt character.” … hello, blackberries! … which I love, by the way … this brew was certainly different and I am sure it will attract and keep a following …

While sampling the three offerings from Blue Moon, companion and I shared a pint of the Dark Chocolate Bacon Porter and one of our favorites, Terrapin Beer Company's Hopsecutioner described on their website “This Killer IPA earns its name by using six different types of hops while still remaining an aggressive well balanced beer.” “Hoppy” it is – and take note of the 7.3% ABV and 78 IBUs!

Thanks to Taps Bar & Grill in Fleming Island, David Rigdon and TeamHopHeads for a memorable Monday night Jax Brew Bitch treat!

http://www.tapsbarandgrill.com/

http://www.bluemoonbrewingcompany.com/

http://www.championbrands.net/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Teamhopheads-Beerlover/100000158511666

http://terrapinbeer.com/

Having overheard a fellow patron mention that it was Brewer's Pizza's birthday that evening, we decided to continue our prowl there with Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom and Kristi. Another first visit for me and companion – and another place we've had on our list for a while.

We were a tad hungry but unfortunately, the kitchen had just closed at Brewer's Pizza when we arrived.

Black hOPS IPA on the left
and the Tailhook Brown Ale

What a great place, though! … friendly atmosphere and pleasant staff combined with fine brews and reportedly good food makes this a place we will soon return.

Companion and I shared the Black hOPS Black IPA and Tailhook Brown Ale, both brewed in-house by Brewer's Pizza's sister company Pinglehead Brewing Company.

The Black hOPS is 7.0% ABV and described as “Hop bomb, roasted chocolate malts” - an eye-opening taste sensation on the front end.

Keegan and Sandy at
Brewer's Pizza

The Tailhook Brown Ale is described as “Florida Wildflower honey, strong earthy hops.” and has a 7.3% ABV.  Smooth, this one will sneak up on you … watch out!

A fellow patron suggested we try another in-house brew, the Moon Dance Sweet Stout, a “Rich Chocolate, Sweet oats, Silky Body “ brew with a 7.0% ABV. A great suggestion – ready to kiss him for mentioning it -  this is something I will definitely order again in the near future.

I can't wait to try their calzones and pizza, too! … thanks to the staff at Brewer's Pizza for being so gracious to us that evening – we'll be back with the gang on a future Jax Brew Bitch prowl!

http://www.brewerspizza.com/home/

http://www.brewerspizza.com/home/ 

Our Beer Bud, Eddie at
Kickback's Gastropub

Now starving, we parted company with Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom and Kristi and just said “KBs” to the Jeep. We were soon parked close to Kickbacks Gastropub and entering the establishment to end this beer-laden prowl.

Eddie was our server for the evening and he did a magnificent job of providing top-notch service!

Continued education ...
yes ... that's right. I drink sideways.

Companion and I ordered the Breakfast Platter No.1 – eggs, sausage, toast, taters and a waffle. Of course, one cannot be at Kickbacks and not have a beer on the table – so, we shared Stone Brewing Company's Double Bastard Ale. Heaven help me – 10.5% ABV. Thank goodness the massive amount of breakfast food was making its way to us soon … breakfast platter at that time of night is quite simply an appreciated blessing – and thank you to Steve and his crew at Kickbacks for providing yet another wonderful end to an exciting Jax Brew Bitch evening!

http://www.stonebrew.com/doublebastard/

http://www.facebook.com/kickbacksgastropub



If you would like to see more pics from that night, visit my facebook page for JaxBrewBitch click the link below ...


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