“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men
are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of
Happiness.”
Talk about an inspired creation! … as Americans, knowing the
sacrifices made by of our forefathers in the battle for independence from the
Kingdom of Great Britain, we keep this portion of the Preamble to the
Declaration of Independence dear to our hearts. Yes, we are truly part of a
world community and yes, we are a melting pot of cultures – but this historic
date transcends “race, creed and color” by uniting us all as Americans. This is
OUR day – not snubbing those of other countries – just a day for us to
celebrate us being … us. But you needn't worry, we'll be back to normal tomorrow!
 |
| Pinglehead at Brewer's Pizza |
“Independence Day Eve”, Tuesday (July 3) was going to be an
exciting evening! … as I was prepping myself for the Red, White & Blue Night event starting at 6:00 pm at Brewer's
Pizza / Pinglehead Brewing Company (14B Blanding Blvd – Orange Park –
904.276.5159), I was thinking of the
perception of July 4th I had as a child, growing up in Louisiana and
San Francisco. I was also contemplating how this perception had changed over
the years as I met those involved in protecting our country and witnessed the
attacks on our nation. By taking part on some beer-centric celebrations of
America's Independence Day, I realized I would be enjoying our country's
freedoms in precisely the way our forefathers had envisioned for us, as best
they could, 236 years ago as the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration
of Independence in this day of 1776.
The event at
Brewer's Pizza would be featuring the following taps surrounding the patriotic American theme of “Red, White &
Blue” (descriptions per breweries' websites):
·
Dogfish Head
Craft Brewed Ales Red and White - Red & White is a big, Belgian-style witbier brewed
with coriander and orange peel and fermented with pinot noir juice. After
fermentation, a fraction of the batch is aged in one of our 10,000-gallon oak
tanks. Red & White successfully marries the refreshing citrusy qualities of
a Belgian-style white beer with the robust complexity of a bold red wine. Note – 10.0% ABV - 35 IBUs
·
Dogfish
Head's Black and Blue - Black
& Blue is a Belgian-style golden ale fermented with blackberries and
blueberries. Because we dose Black & Blue with real berries -- rather than
artificial flavoring -- the fruit comes through in the flavor, not just the
aroma. The pureed berries are added as the beer leaves the brewhouse. In
fermentation, the yeast -- the same one we use in Red & White and Pangaea
-- feeds on sugars from the barley and the berries, giving Black & Blue a
unique complexity and a high ABV. - Note
– 10.0% ABV - 35 IBUs
·
Blue
Point's Blueberry Ale.
- Blue Point fresh Blueberry Ale offers an unusual twist on brewing that turns
out to be just perfect. A wonderful blend of fresh blueberries matched with a
thirst quenching distinctive ale. We carefully add 132 lbs of blueberries to
each special batch. Brewed with 100% American ingredients. Enjoy a truly unique
flavorful brew! - Note – 4.3% ABV
- 14 IBUs
 |
| Pinglehead Red White and Blue |
They were also featuring delicious special concoctions from Pinglehead
Brewing Company (descriptions per Brewer's Pizza website):
·
Pinglehead Red White and Blue
– Medium bodied, Dry hopped, Aged on White Grapes and Fresh
Blueberries – Note: 7.8% ABV
.
·
Pinglehead Buffalo Soldier - Hop forward, Roasted Malt Backbone, Aged on Fresh Locally Grown Datil
Peppers – Note: 7.0% ABV
·
Pinglehead Blue Tribal Rite - Earthy hops, cacao nibs, aged on fresh blueberries –
Note: 7.7% ABV
 |
| Pinglehead Buffalo Soldier |
Arriving just a few minutes after 6:00 pm, we noticed a
sizable crowd had already gathered. We selected two bar-side stools and was
pleased to see Gabby would be serving us that evening. Gabby is so sweet – and
although very busy, provides efficient and pleasant customer service.
Companion and I opted to share the Red, White & Blue
trio of the Pinglehead Brewing Company offerings. All were amazing – my
favorite was the Buffalo Soldier brewed with Datil Peppers! … HELLO, flavor!
 |
| Crab & Shrimp Bisque with Pinglehead's Buffalo Soldier |
Hunger had reared its head, so we ordered Brewer's Pizza's
popular Shrimp & Crab Bisque and the Gator Tail Burgoo. We had ordered
these two delicious “soups” on a previous prowl (see earlier blog post) and it
is difficult to pass up these two delectable items! … both served in huge
breadbowls, they can easily serve as a complete meal – affordable and quite the
value!
Steve was quite busy behind and in front of the bar, making
sure the patrons were being seated, served and satisfied; however, he was
gracious enough to drop by where we were seated and discuss the brews, his
family and some ideas for the future.
Sitting near to us, we were fortunate to meet Kelly (a
mental health counselor), in to order some food to go for she and her husband
(and enjoy a craft beer at the same time!), beer-connoisseur Robbie who unselfishly serves our country in
the U.S. Navy (active duty) and John, another beer-connoisseur. John
and Robbie were enjoying their beer and trading reviews of fine, hard-to-find
craft beer from around the world. Having never met each other, I was amazed how
quickly our mutual passion for craft beer brought us all together. One benefit
of beer-centric events, in my opinion.
 |
| Gator Tail Burgoo at Brewer's Pizza |
We observed the crowd had grown significantly since we
arrived and noticed some on the waiting list were seated outside. To spread the
enjoyment of the celebration of this Independence Day with all those making
their way to Brewer's Pizza, we realized it would be proper to take our leave
and head for our next Fourth of July event.
Bidding farewell to Kelly, Robbie and John and thanking
Steve and Gabby for being gracious hosts, we exited the restaurant and headed to the
Beast for the next leg of this Prowl.
My heartfelt thanks to Steve, Gabby and the rest of the crew
at Brewer's Pizza / Pinglehead Brewing Company for a wonderful start to
this patriotically themed Jax Brew Bitch Prowl!
To view more photos from Brewer's Pizza, visit the link below:
Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales
Blue Point Brewing Company
Pinglehead Brewing Company
http://www.pinglehead.com/
Brewer's
Pizza
 |
| Black Peppercorn Saison at Green Room Brewing |
Although it was going to be close to 8:00 pm before we could
make it over to Green Room Brewing (228 3rd Street North – Jax Beach -
904.201-9283 ), Mark and Kathy Corbin told me that would not be too late, when
I called them asking about that.
The “event” was actually the first official gathering for
“Tsunami Tuesdays” - a membership group of beer lovers joining together at
Green Room Brewing to enjoy, prior to public release, certain special brews.
Membership includes your own numbered tulip-shaped glass filled (one time) with
that Tuesday's highlighted craft beer.
We climbed within The Beast and Tinker Beer, the Brew Fairy
appeared on my knee with a quizzical look upon her impish face. She said “I
cannot figure out what all the hullabaloo is about just because it is the
Fourth of July … I can tell you had fun eating at Brewer's Pizza, and drinking
their Pinglehead brews – but why does THIS day have to be so special? … where
are you going, now? ”
I responded, “You'll see - ANYWHERE I want to”
- and stuck my tongue out at her ...
She shook her head and pointed one of her fingers at the
window and another one in my direction, though I'm not certain which finger it
was. I lowered the window and out she
flew, saying something like, “I'll be watching you ...”.
 |
| Kathy, JBB, Vanessa and Eric |
Companion gathered The Beast's reigns and headed our wagon
eastward toward the beach.
We arrived at Green Room Brewing just a few
minutes after 8:00 pm and the place was full of folks having a great time.
Mark, Kathy, Jonathan, Trish and David warmly greeted us and as we stepped to
the bar, I noticed Justin was there to grab and fill our numbered glasses.
Justin was the “idea man” behind Tsunami Tuesdays and provided the motivation
for the Black Peppercorn Saison being provided the members that evening.
The Black Peppercorn Saison was delicious! … to me, the Peppercorn effect on the brew occurred at
the end – not drastic – just enough to announce its presence in a subtle and
enjoyable way.
 |
| Justin the "Idea Man" behind Tsunami Tuesday's |
Also present were
friends of the Corbins, Amanda and Jenna. All of us were having a wonderful
time socializing and enjoying the wonderful beer available at Green Room
Brewing. Our friend (and “adopted son”) Jonathan was doing a fabulous job in
the ping-pong tournament being held in the back. An amazing result of the
evening was the revelation that Amanda and Jonathan had attended elementary
school together! … and here they were, years later, sharing a group of mutual
friends. Another benefit of beer-centric events!
All too soon, the event drew to a close and I believe the
first “Tsunami Tuesday: was a smashing success!
My thanks to Justin for a great idea, to the Corbins and
their friends for an enjoyable evening of fellowship and to Eric Luman and his
staff at Green Room Brewing for being so accommodating to our group and for
providing such a unique venue on this very special Jax Brew Bitch evening!
To view more photos from Green Room Brewing's Tsunami Tuesday's, visit the link below:
Green Room Brewing
 |
| Ginger |
Looking behind me as companion opened Green Room's front
door to leave, I noticed Tinker Beer had hidden herself near the cash register
and was flitting over to “hummingbird” all the taps currently on display in
Green Room Brewing … (were those little American flags I saw on her wings???) …
Companion secured me in The Beast and I suggested we try Ginger's
Place (304 3rd St South - Jax Beach – 904.249-8711) for the first
time,. Our friend Danny had told us
about the place, its history and how much fun it was to have a drink there.
Situated just down the street a few blocks from Green Room
Brewing, it took little time to get there.
 |
| Ginger's Granddaughters |
Entering from the angled entrance front door, I beheld the
“Jacksonville Beach of yore” - owned and managed by three generations of women
– starting with the matriarch, Ginger herself. A burlesque star of yesteryear,
a man became mesmerized by her beauty, fell in love and married her. She and
her husband owned and managed the bar until they passed it on to their
daughter. That evening, Ginger's granddaughter was serving us behind the bar.
No draft beer is available at Ginger's Place, but a few
bottled beers were displayed on the liquor shelf. Companion and I selected a
Newcastle Brown Ale
Sweet, malty, somewhat nutty English Brown Ale – a great way
to start your journey after proclaiming your own independence from the usual
mass-produced beer
and, wait for it … a
Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR)
Pabst Blue Ribbon is a premium lager crafted with a hefty
infusion of 6-row barley, a carefully balanced carbohydrate profile from corn
syrup, and a unique combination of Pacific domestic hops blended with an
imported Yugoslavian variety. Fermented with a pure culture of yeast and aged
at high gravity, PBR is cellared and finished to the smooth, robust likeness of
a fine Pilsner. Note – 4.74% ABV
Ginger's Place was crowded but the crowd itself was friendly
and certainly enjoying themselves. Yes, smoking is allowed but not
overpowering. Photos of Ginger herself grace the walls and I can't wait until my
next visit to gather more info on the history of this amazing establishment and
the family who owns it.
My sincere thanks to the management of Ginger's Place for
providing a very unique experience on this very different Jax Brew Bitch Prowl!
To view more photos from Ginger's Place, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.329031687182447.77189.181100418642242&type=3
To view more photos from Ginger's Place, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.329031687182447.77189.181100418642242&type=3
Ginger's Place
Newcastle Brown Ale
Pabst Blue Ribbon
 |
| Time Out Sports Grill |
Heading back in The Beast westward along Beach Boulevard, we
figured we could make one more stop before calling an end to the evening,
Companion suggested we try another spot for the first time and offered up Time
Out Sports Grill (13779-5 Beach Blvd -
904.223.6999).
Finding a parking place not too far from the entrance, I
noticed Tinker Beer above the building with what looked like sparklers in her
hands … odd … I guess she had already been inside since she made no move to
come join us.
There was only about 20 minutes left before Last Call, so
companion quickly ordered for himself Bold City Brewery's Duke's Cold Nose
Brown Ale described on Bold City's website:
“This is a mild brown ale which is
easily drinkable. A slight nuttiness and sweetness are present."
while I went to “powder”.
 |
Upon my return, I was able to secure a sample of Czechvar
Premium Czech Lager described on their website:
“Even though there is nothing that can replace the direct
sensory experience, let us try to describe the flavour of Czechvar beer. The
first impression you get is a pleasurable and delightfully hoppy aroma. The
delicate and yet rich malt flavour causes our beer, from even the first sip, to
glide smoothly down your throat - maybe even too smoothly. It leaves a fine,
pleasantly bitter taste that disappears so slowly… that you are already
beginning to look forward to another perfectly flavour-balanced sip.”
I ventured over near the taps on our side of the bar, met a
couple of friendly people and spent some time discussing Time Out Sports Grill,
their background and my blog.
Due to the time spent in fellowship, Last Call prevented me
from ordering a pint of any of the draft beers available at Time Out Sports
Grill. I overheard one of the bartenders providing a verbal list of available
draft beer which included Duke's and Czechvar, of course, along with a Samuel
Adams Summer Ale and some others which sounded interesting.
I also noticed food was still being served to the late-night
/ early morning crowd – I hope a standard policy. Obviously popular, I cannot
wait to try their food.
Companion lovingly shared his Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale
with me since I was unable to order anything due to Last Call. Upon finishing
the Duke's, we waved goodbye to the bartenders and exited, vowing to return soon
at an earlier hour.
My thanks to Time Out Sports Grill for this enjoyable
first-time experience and for caring enough about your customers to offer more
than the usual mass-produced beer – and for providing an impressive late-night
spot to end this memorable Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.
Time Out Sports Grill
Bold City Brewery
Czechvar Premium Czech Lager
Companion unlocked the Beast and loaded me into my seat,
confirmed to himself my seat belt was securely fastened and locked my door
prior to closing it.
I then noticed Tinker Beer had re-appeared and was hovering
just outside my window, wrapped in an American flag-inspired creation. I
lowered my window to inquire about her
choice of attire, but she obviously had other things on her mind.
She said, “I think I now understand the significance of
this date in American history – and I definitely appreciate the Declaration of
Independence more than I did yesterday ...”
I asked her what she had learned in the past few hours.
She responded, “Well, that second sentence in the
Declaration – the one dealing with our rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit
of Happiness – it finally dawned on me why this is so fundamental to you and
me.
“First, because of the dedication and sacrifice of those
who came before us, you and I exist – we LIVE because of our right to do so.
“Second, I'm able to wear this red, white and blue
ensemble – and you're able to do … well, whatever YOU do … because we have the LIBERTY to do so.”
Tink then started marching, with a smile on her face, in
step with an apparently internal anthem - still suspended before me.
I asked, “Well, how about the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS,
Tink? …”
Tink saluted me and shot upward into the early morning sky,
sparkling like an ignited bottle rocket.
I looked up and from somewhere in the troposphere above the
Greater Jacksonville Area Brews and Chews community, I heard Tink's firm
reply, “HAH! … now, that's the BEST
proof that the Jax Brew Bitch is definitely – and self-indulgently - all American!”
A most Happy Fourth of July to those of you who may be
reading – I hope your Independence Day was an inspired one – filled with
wonderful activities yielding many precious memories. I also hope you took the
time to assess what this date truly means to you and gained a deeper regard for
it - as Tink and I did.
Most significantly, I hope you will exercise your rights and
freedoms until our next celebration of the Fourth of July and keep CHOOSING
your next exciting brews and chews adventure – it's what sets us all apart as
Americans.
Finally, a sincere Jax Brew Bitch wish that ...
God will bless you in your future endeavors – and that
God will continue to bless our United States of America.
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