Beer Porn? ... no, Beer POURIN' ... that's what I was doing Friday night at Broudy's Fine Wine & Spirits near the beach. I was honored to be considered by Team Hop Heads to participate in the Tasting which had been arranged to occur between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. and I had been invited by Springfield Brew Crew's Marc Wisdom.
There was a steady stream of patrons dropping by to sample an amazing array of fine brews such as:
·Highland Brewing Co - Thunderstruck Coffee Porter
·Highland Brewing Co – Cold Mountain Winter Ale
·Rogue Ale - Santa’s Private Reserve Ale
·Sierra Nevada – Celebration Fresh Hop Ale
·Samuel Smith’s – Winter Welcome Ale
·Anchor Brewing – Christmas Ale
·Leinenkugel’s Beer – Fireside Nut Brown
·Abita Beer – Christmas Ale
·Crispin – “The Saint” Natural Hard Apple Cider
·Crispin – from “The Classic Blue Line” Crispin Original Natural Hard Apple Cider
·New Planet Gluten Free Beer – Tread Lightly Ale
·Samuel Adams – Winter Lager
·Blue Moon Brewing Co – Winter Abbey Ale
Fellowship with the brew aficionados was fun and I was able to meet some wonderful people and learn a lot.
Before I left Broudy's, I was able to add to my personal stash at home:
·Stone Brewing Company's 11.11.11 Vertical Epic Ale (coincidentally had later as noted below),
·Abita 25th Anniversary Vanilla Doubledog
·Sierra Nevada's Ovila Quad
·Samuel Smith Organic Raspberry Fruit Ale
·Young's Double Chocolate Stout (4-pack)
Springfield Brew Crew Marc, myself, companion and another friend followed up the Tasting with a visit (my first) to the Green Room and had the opportunity of being owner, Eric Luman. Now I know why I hear so many good things about the place from friends!
Wanting to concentrate on Green Room's personal brews, I ordered their Thai Saison and based upon a recommendation from Scott Russell, Craft Micro Specialist with North Florida Sales, I later ordered the HolliRay. I sampled my companion's selections, the Helles Yeah and Green Room's oatmeal stout, Shaka. I truly enjoyed the Thai Saison (made with lemongrass!) followed by the HolliRay (made with white, blue and Norway spruce tips!). I will probably also order their oatmeal stout on my next visit - I kept sneakin' sips from my companion's glass. For those of you looking for a unique Christmas-season brew, you should certainly try the HolliRay - you can actually taste O Tannenbaum!
The atmosphere at the Green Room suits the Jax Brew Bitch just fine! ... clean, reasonable parking, great decor, subtle lighting, clean and well-stocked restrooms (with a full-length mirror!) and room to prowl which made this first trip to the Green Room a positive and memorable experience! ... thanks to Springfield Brew Crew Marc for pointing the way and facilitiating some cherished introductions!
Of course, the Flying Fried Fairy came flittin' around and sprinkled "hunger dust" on me, so I was then craving - and I mean CRAVING - a burger. I was excited when it was pointed out a Five Guys was right across the street. Being in heels, I batted my eyes and companion responded by transporting me closer by vehicle - but alas, no parking spots were available nearby and apparently the reserved parking for Five Guys and attached other businesses is located rooftop? ... seriously, in heels?!? ... nope, that was "way too much pumpkin for a nickel", so we headed back across town to Kickback's Gastropub. Maybe I was missing something about the parking for Five Guys with some road construction in the vicinty and some not-so-clear signage - if I did, please, someone, let me know because it was quite aggravating. I know there are other Five Guys around town, but I would like to keep this one on my list for future reference.
At Kickback's, the "hunger dust" had had time to ferment, so I opted instead for my favorite, their Fish & Chips (another home run by the kitchen crew!) and enjoyed sharing
·Sierra Nevada's Snowed In (Beer Cap #45) Imperial Oatmeal Stout (a fav)
·Stone Brewing Company's 11.11.11 Vertical Epic Ale (truly epic)
·Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale.(like suckin' on a Christmas tree - in a good way)
These were recommendations from John, my Suds Sensei and Kat, my Ale Angel who both served us in their consistently outstanding fashion!. They are simply the best and we just love them both. Since Kickback's was so crowded that evening, then thanks to an amazing couple, Erin and Jake, for being willing to let us share their table, even though it was their first date!
No comments:
Post a Comment