Firkin around at the Florida Tap Takeover

I'm glad companion was off work on Friday (April 6) – the evening before, we had attended the Double Feature Movie Event at Mile Marker Brewery and ended up staying late - until the cows did indeed come home. So it was a “sleepin' late” Friday morning which would corral us the energy we would need to be herded around town by the Jeep for what I knew would be a very event-filled Jax Brew Bitch evening.

After grazing through the fridge at various times of the day, we were ready to ruminate on something more substantial, so we started our drive eastward late in the afternoon. Planned stops on the Prowl included pre-Easter appetizer get-together with friends near the beach, Engine 15 Brewing Company and Green Room Brewing. 

Amber Waves Ale

Following a quick drink and nosh with our friends, Engine 15 Brewing Company (1500 Beach Boulevard – Jax Beach – 904.249.2337) was our first Jax Brew Bitch stop for a more substantial bite to eat and try (if still available) the Amber Waves Ale, a personal recipe brewed up by Ed Stansel and Roger Bull which was tapped the previous evening. Proceeds from the sale of the Amber Waves Ale was to benefit St. Johns Riverkeeper.

If you don't know, Ed and Roger write a blog-column (among other duties) entitled “Amber Waves” which appears in Florida Times-Union jacksonville.com. This substantial opinion blog includes its description: “A regular discussion about all that is beer by a couple of guys who happen to like it a lot.” - don't you just love this description?!!!

Kevin at Engine 15 Brewing Co.

I was thrilled to learn from Kevin, our most gracious bartender that evening, that they did, thankfully, have some of the delicious concoction. Soon placed in front of us were a pint of Amber Waves and a pint of the Rye of the Tiger (from a firkin), an Engine 15 brew with an added twist.

The Amber Waves is an American amber ale but with a strong hop jolt which I love. In the article Ed and Roger wrote (link below), they intimated it was possible that they had added a bit more hops than the recipe called for. Companion said that in the world of reloading ammo, that is called “hot-loading”. Of course the proof is in the pudding and the creative efforts of Ed and Roger certainly yielded an amazing, magnificent brew. A wholehearted “Well Done!” to both Ed and Roger!

Rye of the Tiger through
a Firkin

Since we were sharing our beer, we had hoped the Rye of the Tiger (from the firkin) would be a good one to share with the Amber Waves – and it was! … the original Rye of the Tiger is described on Engine 15's website:

“This amber colored rye beer combines the citrus and floral character of a classic American IPA with the spicy earthy notes of a Rye ale. Hoppy but not too bitter and just enough spice to give you a little “how’s your father?”

Our food selection brought us back to an early Jax Brew Bitch Prowl where we had first shared a Bar B Cuban Sandwich. As expected, now several months later, the preparation and presentation of this simply constructed and delicious meal was, a second time, the same high quality as the first. We thoroughly enjoyed it!

Described on Engine 15's website, the Bar B Cuban Sandwich ($8):

Engine 15's Bar-B-Cuban
with a side of Black Beans & Rice

“Here is where Cuba & Old Dixie Meet. This pressed sandwich is stuffed with slow smoked pulled pork, ham, swiss, mustard and a stacker pickle.” 

The Black Beans and Rice side item was so good, we asked Kevin if they offered it as an entree! 

So, you might ask, “Why get so excited about a sandwich?” … the answer should be front and center at every meal you sit down to a restaurant. You have a budgeted amount to spend on something to eat for you and your family – and that budget is represented by the hard-earned dollars you and your family have come by. Why part with those precious dollars for sub-par quality brews and chews? … or with those proprietors who fail to make the effort at providing you the best they can for the price?

Your budget may be $100 for the experience – or it may be $10 – as long as you are happy with the quality of the brews and chews you purchased, you have been provided a bargain. Expectations met or exceeded! … and think about it, I bet you can find a sandwich somewhere around town with some tasteless ham and dried-out cheese – and spend close to the same $8.

So, that's why when the Jax Brew Bitch finds what she considers to be a value, she's gonna let others know.

My appreciation to Kevin and the owners of Engine 15 for their dedication to providing their customers consistently excellent brews and chews – and for giving the Jax Brew Bitch a wonderful experience to start that night's Prowl!


To view more photos, visit the link below ...
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.276410965777853.66868.181100418642242&type=3

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/428360/ed-stansel/2012-03-29/prep-jax-beer-week-amber-waves-crew-makes-its-own-brew

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

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

Ready to 'takeover' FL's taps!

Hunger abated, we then headed over to the Tap Takeover Event at the Green Room Brewing Company in Jacksonville Beach (228 3rd Street North – 904.201.9283).

This friendly “coup d'eTAP” would feature around 40 beers including not only the normal Green Room brews but also the offerings of several breweries and distributors listed with the beers they were showcasing as follows:

7th Sun: (never poured in Jax before)

Belge D'Or

Pensacola Bay Brewing (never poured in Jax before)

Riptide Red Ale

Lighthouse Porter

Cigar City Brewing:

Florida Cracker

Tocabago

Table Saison

Oatmeal Raison Cookie

Minaret ESB

El Lector

Jai Alai

Intuition:

Triad Tripel

Duuuval Golden

Quiet Storm Dubbel

Mellow Double Wheat IPA

Peoples Pale

Bold City:

Smokey Porter

Irish Red

Fritz

Magnum P Rye

Saint Somewhere:

Caitlin

Rose

Mile Marker Brewing: (never poured in Jax before)

MM 70 Coconut Porter

Pecan Brown Ale

Swamphead Brewing:

Big Nose IPA

Stumpknocker pale

Scainhops Red

Dark Water Black IPA (Collaboration with Green Room)

Tequesta Brewing:

Honey Rye Ale

Florida Beer Company:

Florida Lager

Swamp Ape IPA

Native Brewing Co:

Native Lager

Gentry with North Florida Sales, JBB
& Chris Moeller with Florida Beer Co.

As we entered, I was reminded of the lyric from that song in Willy Wonka, “If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it. “

There was already a sizable crowd gathered and we soon learned the procedure of purchasing tickets at the bar for each beer we wanted to order. Our first two selections were:

Pensacola Bay Brewery's Banyon Brown Ale, described on their website:

“Strength comes in many forms. With our Banyan Brown Ale, the flavors develop slowly and wrap around your taste buds. You’ll taste notes of chocolate and a certain nutty hoppiness that will inspire you to ask for a second pint.

Banyan trees are known as survivors. By nestling in crevices in other trees, the small seed of the Banyan takes hold and starts to expand. Slowly, over time, the Banyan tree drops its limbs and wraps around the original trunk. We like to think of the Banyan Brown Ale in the same way – take a sip, drop your troubles and start to relax.

The Banyan Brown Ale is perfect for Florida winters. The mild body is enough to keep you warm, without making you reach for woolen mittens. With hints of caramel and cocoa, you’ll enjoy sipping the Banyan Brown Ale all year long.

Menu Pairings include: Chicken Kiev; Grilled Flounder; Peppery cheeses like Monterrey and Pepper Jack”

AND,

Mile Marker Brewing Company's Mile Marker 70 - Palm Beach Coconut Porter – a wonderful creation by the dedicated staff at Mile Marker – the full bodied coffee porter blended with coconut – one of my favs.


I was also able to make the acquaintance of Chris Moeller of Florida Beer Company. He suggested I try the Swamp Ape IPA.


Florida Beer Company's Swamp Ape IPA is described on their website:


"Florida Beer Swap Ape IPA is an Imperial India Pale Ale. The fresh and lively hop character is derived from using 5 distinct varieties of hops. 
Tettnang, Centennial, Chinook, Cascade and Amarillo.


This beer has an intense hop bitterness, flavor and aroma balanced by complex alcohol flavors, moderate fruity esters and a medium malt character from the balance of  2-row Europ and Cherry Wood Smoked.

Our friend Tina had joined us which made it a little easier to sip & sample many of the brews being offered that evening. But, there were so many – and so little time – plus, there were many people with whom I wanted to speak.

Elliot Eckland from
Pensacola Bay Brewing

I was so excited to meet Elliot Eckland, owner of Pensacola Bay Brewing! … companion and I have visited their brewery (which opened in October 2010) in Pensacola a couple of times during pre-Jax Brew Bitch days. Located in the historic district of Pensacola, it has a warm and inviting feel to it. Parking is easy and the place is clean and well adorned. Due to a certain two-block restriction (hopefully soon to be revised), you must purchase the glass but you get the beer for free! … dog-friendly with comfy seating, it is a great spot to spend an evening if you are traveling to or through Pensacola! … oh! ... and by the way – you'll LOVE their beer!

Gentry, Chris Moeller with Florida
Beer Co & Zack with Brown Distrib.

Another fine gentleman I met was Zack Schuster of Brown Distributing, wearing a Tequesta Brewing Company shirt. I learned that Tequesta Brewing is located in Tequesta, Florida just north of Jupiter. Further discussions with Zack indicated he lives near Orlando – and within walking distances from several popular beer watering holes! … companion and I quickly invited ourselves down for a day … well … better make it a two-day trip!

Scott Russell with North Florida Sales

Also “in the house” was Scott Russell of North Florida Sales and he was holding court outside in the back of Green Room – near the van with taps protruding from the side, of course (an inspired creation!) -  with other beer aficionados standing close to each other to keep warm. A cold front had quickly moved into the area and no one was dressed for it! … Scott was answering questions about brews and their breweries for the interested crowd.

I joined the huddle of beer enthusiasts and noticed the crowd also included Beth and Ed Stansel! … companion and I adore these two and their background and current endeavors are so fascinating!

Also, I noticed a well-bearded young man in our midst and then realized it was none other than the owner of Green Room Brewing, Eric Luman! … I told Eric how excited I was about this event, how much I was enjoying it and how much I appreciated his hosting of this Tap Takeover.

Eric Luman & JBB

Many finally gave in to the assault of the chilly weather and escaped back inside, myself included. I soon found myself with two pint glasses in hand – both full. Companion said he kept an eye on me as I flitted like a butterfly from one group or individual to another.

Our friend Rich (see earlier posts) appeared and joined our group. Adding more full pints to the group, we had stockpiled quite a collection of brews to share. Time and brews flew by and I was having a lot of fun at this event!

Elliot and Rich

Sadly, we noticed the crowd was thinning, due to the lateness of the hour, and we realized it was time to find something to eat. It was truly difficult to pull ourselves away from this lively and entertaining event.

Many thanks to all the breweries, distributors and to Eric Luman and his staff at Green Room Brewing for providing an amazing event and memorable Jax Brew Bitch experience!


To view more photos from Green Room Brewing, Florida Tap Takeover, visit the link below ...
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.285802294838720.69070.181100418642242&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/notes/green-room-brewing/jax-beer-week-mega-tap-takeover-draft-list/358300210888253

http://www.greenroombrewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/GreenRoomBrewing

http://pbbrew.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tequesta-Brewing-Co/111644658847904

http://www.facebook.com/pbbrew

http://www.brown.com/florida/

http://www.intuitionaleworks.com/

http://www.cigarcitybrewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seventh-Sun-Brewing/118915481533869

http://www.boldcitybrewery.com/index.php

http://saintsomewherebrewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/MileMarkerBrewing

http://swamphead.com/splashpage.php

http://www.floridabeer.com/0_home.html

http://www.nativebrewingco.com/

Carolyn & Jason, Taproom Manager
for Green Room Brewing

Carol Lowrey Graham of Brown Distributing had suggested we toddle on down to Pita Pit to grab something to eat, so since I always trust her judgment, we followed her advice. Our friend Rich told us he would join us there, so companion and Tina loaded me in to the Jeep and within drive of a block or two, we were there. (500 3rd Street North – Jax Beach – 904.685.4567)

I floated into Pita Pit and instructed companion to select something for me while I secured a table for four. He and I shared:

Rich and JBB

The Dagwood ($6.65) consisting of turkey, ham and prime rib and stuffed with your choice of veggies;

And the Chicken Souvlaki ($6.35) which is greek-seasoned chicken, again stuffed with your preferred veggies.

Great food and an excellent value! … Companion said the staff was friendly and professional – the restrooms were clean and well-stocked.

Thanks to Pita Pit of Jax Beach for a tasty and nourishing end to this evening's Jax Brew Bitch Prowl!

http://www.pitapitusa.com/main.php?page=48&pitapit=258

To view more photos from the Pita Pit, visit the link below ...
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.285802294838720.69070.181100418642242&type=3