Bell's Brewery, Ballast Point and Mile Marker Brewing ...

Tom with TeamHopHeads
pouring Bell's Brewery

I'm all for enjoying good brews starting mid-afternoon but I knew getting the Jeep over to Engine 15 for the Bell's Brewery Tasting (sponsored by TeamHopHeads) beginning at 4:00 pm was going to be a challenge. Once companion got home and we could get over there, it was at least 5:45 pm … a late arrival, we knew, for a tasting event at Engine 15! … the traffic … aggravating … didn't these motorists realize there was a girl on a brew-inspired mission trying to hop over their vehicles to get to the other side of town?

Not surprisingly, the supply of the tasty Hopslam Ale was already depleted, but I was able to sample Bell's Kalamazoo Stout and Two Hearted IPA.

The Hopslam Ale is described on Bell's website: “Starting with six different hop varietals added to the brew kettle & culminating with a massive dry-hop addition of Simcoe hops, Bell's Hopslam Ale possesses the most complex hopping schedule in the Bell's repertoire. Selected specifically because of their aromatic qualities, these Pacific Northwest varieties contribute a pungent blend of grapefruit, stone fruit, and floral notes. A generous malt bill and a solid dollop of honey provide just enough body to keep the balance in check, resulting in a remarkably drinkable rendition of the Double India Pale Ale style.”

Bell's describes the Kalamazoo Stout as: "Kalamazoo Stout represents stouts in the Bell's year-round roster, offering a blend of dark chocolate and coffee flavors with just a hint of brewer's licorice. One of our oldest recipes, it balances a significant hop presence against the roast malt body."

Since I knew TeamHopHeads was also sponsoring a Ballast Point Tasting at the Rendevous Restaurant in St. Augustine, we decided to make our visit short there at Engine 15 and get the Jeep headed south before it was too late.

Thanks to Tom with TeamHopHeads and Engine 15 for the Bell's Brewery Tasting! – selfishly, next time, could it possibly start a little later in the day for those of us starting our prowl from the other side of town?

http://bellsbeer.com

http://www.engine15.com/home/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Engine-15-Brewing-Company/428033335437

James with TeamHopHeads

Finally flying south along I-95, we were unaware of the exact location of Rendevous Restaurant though the name sounded distinctly familiar. Since it was a restaurant, we planned on getting a bite once we arrived. Upon reaching St. Augustine, I went ahead and called the establishment, who gave me detailed directions to its location, 106 St. George St., at the end of one of those cute little shopping malls along that historic avenue.

On our arrival, we realized we had been to Rendevous before, pre-Jax Brew Bitch, and enjoyed a couple of the nearly 200 hundred bottled beers available there.

Our hostess Sarah with owner of
Rendezvous Restaurant, William Smith

We were immediately met by James of TeamHopHeads who confirmed he was in charge of the Ballast Point Tasting and provided our first sample, the Big Eye IPA …. WOW! … excellent Big Eye-Poppin' flavor! …

Ballast Point described the Big Eye in the following manner: “If you have fallen for the IPA style like we have, Big Eye will be a welcome addition to your repertoire.  You’ll revel in Big Eye’s bitter, hoppy flavor thanks to the American Columbus and Centennial hops that are used to flavor and dry hop our flagship IPA.”

Note: 7.0% ABV, 75 IBUs

The tasting did what I assume it is supposed to do: prompted companion and I to order a pint each of the Big Eye, which was also available on tap that evening.

Ballast Point's Big Eye

James next offered the Wahoo Wheat Beer by Ballast Point which is probably very popular with those who favor wheat beers. Ballast Point states: “Summer days and ocean waves inspired our Belgian Witbier-styled Wahoo Wheat. Brewed to be light and refreshing—with a unique citrus character that comes from adding orange peel and coriander to the boil … What gives our Wahoo Wheat—and other wheat beers—a hazy appearance is the unmalted wheat it’s made from. A special yeast contributes to this beer’s refreshing tangy flavor—quite different from the banana and clovey Hefeweizens of Bavaria. If you want to be surprised what deliciousness can come from wheat, oats and barley, try one today.”

However, I have not yet developed a taste for wheat beers, so I was looking forward to the next sample. Giddy up, James!

The next sample provided by James was Ballast Point's Victory at Sea Coffee Vanilla Imperial Porter (10% ABV!).  Hello, my love! … this was my favorite – without any doubt. Can't say enough about this brew … you've got to try it as soon as you can. Obviously it is a special offering – not included on Ballast Point's website. Further research yielded the following description:

“Two of the world’s oldest beverages join forces to conquer your palate. Victory at Sea embodies the art of masterful brewing by infusing a velvety Imperial Porter with pure vanilla flavor and specially selected, hand roasted coffee. The addition of cold brewed coffee to the beer lends a subtle roasted flavor to this robust imperial porter blending perfectly with rich vanilla and caramel undertones. By uniting two San Diego brewing traditions, Caffe Calabria freshly brewed coffee and Ballast Point beer, we have successfully created an artisanal masterpiece.”

Ballast Point's Black Marlin Porter was next up. A full robust Porter, its eye-opening front-end was followed by a smooth and almost sweet finish. If I had not already tried the Victory at Sea, this would have been my choice for the most enjoyable.

Their website describes the Black Marlin Porter: “Like dessert? You’ll love this: Black Marlin Porter with apple pie a la mode—try it! Black Marlin is a rich, dark and chocolaty Porter with a distinctive American hop character. It is a great beer to go with hearty foods and is surprisingly one of the few beers that goes well with dessert”

We were a little disappointed the kitchen closes very early – we were hungry but we would have to wait until after the Tasting to find another establishment at which we could obtain something to eat. I was a little surprised to learn the kitchen schedule is the same weekday and weekend … not sure why … however, Rendezvous Restaurant is a great place and I will definitely be returning on future prowls.

Thanks to William Smith and his lovely wife, Kimberly owners of Rendevous and James from TeamHopHeads for providing a wonderful Jax Brew Bitch experience!


To view more photos, click here or the hit the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.256505664435050.62441.181100418642242&type=3 

http://www.ballastpoint.com/

http://rendezvousbeers.com/

Greeted by Houston

We found a delicious calzone to share at a nearby cafe and soon we were headed for Mile Marker Brewery located at 3420 Agricultural Center Drive in St. Augustine. We had visited there before with friends (see earlier blog posting) and had been wanting to try their new brews.

Upon arrival and exiting the Jeep, I was excitedly greeted by Houston, one of the two official canine ambassadors of Mile Marker Brewing. Owner Vance was standing just outside the door of the brewery and warmly welcomed us.  He then informed us they would be open until 11:00 pm that night … WooHoo! …

Coconut Porter and the
Pecan Brown Ale

Sliding into comfy stools at the bar, we wasted no time ordering the Pecan Brown Ale and the Coconut Porter.

The few sips of Mile Marker's Pecan Brown Ale I sampled from companion's glass was delicious – and the nutty flavor was noticeable but subtle – a very smooth brew.  This is one Vance had indicated in our earlier visits would be making its appearance in the near future. Welcome, Pecan Brown Ale! …

Another new brew which Vance had indicated during my last visit to Mile Marker was “coming soon” was the Coconut Porter. I was excited to learn it was available that evening! … you are missing out if you have not tried this Porter! … it was SO good! … I can imagine Mr. Howell enjoying one of these on Gilligan's Island.

Our beautiful hostess, Jackie and
Tap Room Manager Ben Stamps

Since I was there, I just HAD to split their signature 1565 Ancient City Red Ale with companion – a favorite from my earlier prowl through this brewery. Mile Marker's website describes it: “Featuring Willamette hops, Mile Marker 1565 is a full-flavored, roasted and nutty Irish Red Ale with caramel notes. A perfect choice for when the weather turns a bit cooler during the winter months in northern Florida. Goes great with a good steak.” …

Companion! … get thee to a Butchery … and fetch me a Porterhouse! … I see a Growler of 1565 Red in my future.

Jackie, moi and Ben Stamps

Mile Marker Brewery is such a comfortable place – you MUST put it on your list of destinations. The owners and staff there are gracious, professional and passionate about their brews. Quality is not just a word included in marketing forums and advertising venues – it is something they obviously live and breathe – and rest assured your visit and hard-earned dollar are appreciated at THIS establishment. They “get it” - they understand to create  and keep a customer, you must do ALL those things which make people WANT to do business with you – as Ted Levitt said, “All other truths on this subject are merely derivative”.  This indeed bodes well for the future of Mile Marker Brewery.

Vance introduced me to Ben Stamps and Jackie, our beautiful and friendly hostess for the evening. I had a lengthy discussion with Ben, who was gracious enough to indulge me a few questions and I learned Mile Marker would like to be statewide within two years and up the coast within five.

Concerning quality, he added:

“We have had to dump our share of beer down the drain for various reasons. We don't have a huge repertoire of beers as of right now but the beers that we do make we feel that we do them very well. Quality over quantity as it were. We are a small operation and we feel that we will be able to produce more beers as we grow. That being said the beer that we do produce we have very specific standards that if they aren't met gets dumped down the drain.”

Now, that's walkin' the talk!

Ben maintains there is a “Great Awakening about craft beer” and that many long-time beer drinkers are “straying away” from the “beer of their youth” for the now more-readily-available crafts. Why? - because they LIKE the craft beer. So, think about it – what was your usual beer? – most probably the mass-produced brews which the advertising gurus of the day beat into your brain as being “the best”.

Do your own taste test - take a sip of one of Mile Marker's offerings and then take a swig of the mass-produced liquid of your youth probably still available at every grocery store and convenience store in America. C'mon – you know its not even close! … Mile Marker's brews win hands-down.

Modestly, Ben and Vance do not individualize the “Great Awakening” to center on Mile Marker singularly – but I beg to differ. There is indeed growing acclaim for the quality products being created by Mile Marker Brewing … as a recent exciting example, St. Augustine's very popular restaurant/bar, Scarlett O”Hara's, has replaced their tap of Miller Lite with Mile Marker Brewing's Kolsch Mile Marker Zero! … Righteous! … congratulations to all at Mile Marker! … Well done!

Upcoming events include a triathlon at the tap room Memorial Day … stay tuned!

Jacksonvillians, do yourself a favor - get out of the norm, step into your buggy or climb aboard your motorized steed and head south a little to St. Augustine. Take the exit for the outlet malls, turn right and immediately left … follow that road on around until you see Mile Marker Brewery ... and Houston … waiting there to show YOU just how much they appreciate your visit.

A sincere and heartfelt Jax Brew Bitch “thank you” to Vance, Ben, Jackie and all the other staff at Mile Marker Brewery for making us feel so welcome, taking the time to talk with me – and for providing the best possible end to a fantastic Jax Brew Bitch prowl!


To view more photos from Mile Marker Brewing, click here ...or click the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.256529731099310.62452.181100418642242&type=3 

www.facebook.com/milemarkerbrewing

http://www.milemarkerbrewing.com/