Oktoberfest 2012 at Engine 15 Brewing Co.

Little Bella

It was tempting to stay in yesterday (Oct 6). A late night the evening before working on the computer after we got home from a quick Prowl and being snuggled into our comfortable bed with just the right mixture of air-conditioning and blanket – you know how it is – combined to dissuade me from opening my eyes as the morning dawned.

Companion was cautiously trying to awaken me and by the muted light coming from around the bedroom's curtains, I could tell he had been up for awhile. (How does he do it? - always getting up early – like a farmer ready to attack his chores – but we don't even have a cow – well anymore, at least – and the one we DID have was a Holstein steer – so companion had no milking responsibilities.)

He was quietly inquiring what I wanted for breakfast. My subconscious being was yearning to be back in my interrupted dream where I was helping Xena, Warrior Princess conquer foes after convincing her she would be much more intimidating and effective if she wore stiletto-heeled warrior boots. (Go ahead, picture it ...guys, you ... are ... welcome ...)

I weighed my options – either being a wardrobe-focused Gabrielle in fantasy land – OR - scrambled eggs with fajita-spiced onions and peppers with buttered jelly toast lovingly served in bed. Breakfast won out – Xena would have to fend and accessorize for herself.

One Step Ahead of the Law ... they're right behind me

Early morning hunger was not the sole motivating force behind my awakening, however. This day was Oktoberfest at Engine 15 Brewing Company (1500 Beach Boulevard – Jax Beach – 904.249.2337) … besides being able to enjoy some German-style beer, Engine 15 was also offering Oktoberfest-themed food! … also, the King of Oktoberfest would be crowned that afternoon and I wanted to be there. I had been urging folks to “Vote for Herb” and I was hoping he would be victorious.

Driving over on Beach Boulevard, it was obvious there had been more rain over by the beach than we received at our house. I was considering placing a call to make sure festivities were not being postponed – since we knew some activities would be staged outdoors – but I decided we still wanted to visit Engine 15 regardless.

Mark and Kathy Corbin

Pulling into the parking lot, I noticed there was some spaces available and we were able to settle The Beast into a slot not too far away. As we entered, it was apparent we would be able to find a seat without any problem but I knew the crowd would be increasing as the afternoon wore on.

I was delighted to see Mark and Kathy Corbin seated right beside the front door and they were kind enough to share their table with us. The Corbins explained we could purchase a large Maßkrug (Maß as abbreviated) – the Bavarian word for a “mug of beer” - holding exactly 1 liter of brew … one … LITER? … hello, Oktoberfest!

Ed and Jonathan Stansel, prosting!

Companion suggested I make the selection of German beer of which to fill our Maß – so I chose Hofbrau as my first German beer of choice.

All at our table were happy to see Ed Stansel and son Jonathan enter the premises and join us for awhile. As you are probably aware, Ed is an Editorial Systems Editor for the Florida Times Union and he and Roger Bull collaborate to produce Amber Waves for Florida Times Union www.jacksonville.com. He and Jonathan brought their own Maßkrüge which they had purchased last year at Engine 15's Oktoberfest. Quite the Boy Scouts! … always prepared!

Polkin' out!

After sitting there watching the band One Step Ahead of the Law perform for the crowd, I ventured to the bar to confirm I would go about acquiring some of the German food available. The band was about to start a polka and one of the band members stepped forward, offering to show me how to polka. I did my best not to step on his toes and I came away from the lesson noting to myself to stick with my day job.

The food was delicious! … all I had to do is prepay for what I wanted and I wasted no time selecting:

·         Sauerkraut

·         Bratwurst

·         hendl (chicken)

·         spaetzle (mac & cheese)

Feeling enlivened by the crowd, food …. and beer … I decided to try my hand – or rather, arm – in the Feasts of Strength, This competition pitted seasoned beer-drinkers against one another holding a  Maß full of water at arm's length and shoulder height. After a minute or so, I realized I would rather be drinking, so I gracefully bowed out. Okay, okay - I quit 'cause my arm hurt.

Co-owner Luch Scremin announced the crowning of the Oktoberfest King would occur soon, so I secured a spot where I could see everything – on top of the bench on which I had been sitting.

and the winner is ....

All of the nominees were soon presented before the crowd and I had my fingers crossed for Herb. Luch is quite adept at raising the suspense around the election results and I was very anxious to find out who won.

As Luch shouted the winner's name – HERB! - I was overjoyed for him and his lovely wife, Nona! … they are so popular at Engine 15, such loyal patrons of the establishment and a couple we are honored to know. Companion says they are “good people” which carries a significance much deeper than those two words – and I agree.

"Herb" King of Oktoberfest!
... of course!

The liter of Hofbrau I had been drinking apparently evaporated since when I looked after congratulating Herb and Nona, there was nothing left in my  Maß … what? … of course beer evaporates in an air-conditioned environment … yes, it does, too … you don't think I consumed the entire liter, do you? … companion had his own pint of Engine 15's 904 Weiss Guy, so he wasn't drinking mine – so, that proves it evaporated. Just ask the Corbins, Ed or Jonathan - well, maybe not them – they were too busy listening to the band.

Our afternoon at Engine 15  was dwindling down like the volume of Spaten in my second filling of my Maß. Oktoberfest at Engine 15 had been a tremendous success and I had a great time of fellowship with the Corbin's, Ed Stansel and his son, Jonathan.

Ed and Jonathan soon bid us farewell and not too much later, we said goodbye to Herb and Nona, the Corbin's, Luch Scremin and the rest of the gang at Engine 15 brewing Company.

Feasts of Strength ... next year I've got this!

Congratulations to Engine 15 for another fantastic Oktoberfest and a heartfelt thank you for being so consistent in delivering first rate experiences for your customers. That is why Engine 15 brewing Company will continue to be a regular stop on future Jax Brew Bitch Prowls.







To view more photos from Engine 15's Oktoberfest, please visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.362179560534326.87199.181100418642242&type=3

Engine 15 Brewing Company

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

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

Bold City Brewery Duke's Cold
Nose Brown Ale

Heading back home, I suggested we stop in at Bold City Brewery (2670 Rosselle St  - 904.379-6551) to say hello and have a beer, of course.

The parking lot was rather full, so companion dropped me off in front and drove off to secure a parking spot. Inside was busy but not excessively crowded.

When companion made his way to the bar where I was seated, we ordered (descriptions per Bold City's website):

Bold City Brewery Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale

This is a mild brown ale which is easily drinkable. A slight nuttiness and sweetness are present. Note: 7% ABV

Bold City Brewery 1901 Red Ale

This is not your standard Red Ale. This is a very ‘malty’, ‘roasty’ and complex Red Ale. The roasted flavor comes from the high presence of roasted barley. With a very minimal but high alpha hop addition, this Red Ale has become a favorite among patrons.

I was starving, so companion jumped outside to get us a pulled-pork sandwich with beans and slaw, prepared ever so deliciously by Vernon of Jolly Mon Catering (904.349.2473).

What a wonderful way to end the day – in the midst of great beer, great folks and great food. My sincere appreciation to the Millers and the rest of the staff there at Bold City Brewery for their dedication to our community and for maintaining an atmosphere always perfect to end Jax Brew Bitch Prowls.

Bold City Brewery

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

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bold-City-Brewery/54391921191?ref=ts

Jolly Mon Catering

http://www.jollymoncatering.com/

Companion settled me into The Beast and stopped to say goodbye to some fellow Bold City patrons. I positioned myself into a comfortable position in which to sleep during our drive home and just as I was about to doze off, Tinker Beer, the Brew Fairy appeared on my shoulder and started tugging my ear to wake me up. She was dressed for mythological battle – a nice little two-piece ensemble – complete with a Sai in her hand.

“Quick, Brewbeerella Warrior Princess! … there is an establishment not honoring the late-night Happy Hour Specials they advertised and we must set them straight!”, Tink said,

Companion got in The Beast, looked over and thought I had already fallen asleep.

He just didn't realize I had vanished into the night, grabbing my Chakram, pointing it skyward and yelling, “Into the fray, Tinkrielle – into - the - fray!” 

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

Swamp Head Takeover at Brewer's Pizza

The last time I had someone say “Swamphead”, they were referring to me as a little girl, knowing of how I used to fish – and swim – in Henderson Swamp in the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana. Panthers 'n Gators 'n Snakes, OH MY!

Ed Stansel and Dan Wade

So, when I heard there was going to be Swamp Head event on Tuesday (March 20) at Brewers Pizza (14B Blanding Blvd. - Orange Park), I thought there might be a whole covey of Cajuns there; but no – I soon learned that Swamp Head is in fact an established brewery located in Gainesville, Florida (3140 S.W. 42nd WAY ).

Before we fired up the Jeep to head over to Brewer's, companion and I had decided we were going to share one of their very popular calzones – the “Bigg'n” ($7.99) because during a previous Prowl there, a fellow-patron had indicated this was a “Must-Try” menu item. Giddy-up, Jeep!

A quick trip with
Swamp Head Brewery

Arriving in the late afternoon, there was a small crowd already there and we found ourselves a table close to the front door. Our friendly and efficient server, Gabby, noted our selections of the Bigg'n and my Flight of four of Swamp Head's significant ABV % offerings (descriptions from Swamp Head's websiteJ

Bogs of Islay

Bogs of Islay is our tribute to the world renowned ales and distilled spirits produced in Scotland, many of which derive their unique character from local water sources that filter through peat bogs. The peat is also used to smoke barley that is used in the production of Scottish Ales and Single Malt Whiskys. The bogs of the Isle of Islay contribute to what many consider to be the wildest and most characterful exemplars in the malt-whisky spectrum.

For Batch 200 we produced two Scottish Ales in parallel, then blended portions together to create Bogs of Islay, a Wee Heavy with 7.8% alcohol by volume. The first runnings from two mashes were collected to produce a high gravity Wee Heavy, which was fermented using the traditional Scottish Ale yeast, to produce a fruity malt bomb. Thirty pounds of peated barley were used in the dual mashes, and a few pounds of peated barley were added to each mash as we collected the second runnings. The second runnings were used to produce an 80 Shilling Scottish Ale, which was fermented with our  house American Ale yeast, to produce a lighter ale with strong peat character.

After both beers were fully fermented and aged for several weeks we determined the ideal blending ratio and produced about 14 barrels of Bogs of Islay, while retaining portions of the component beers for barrel aging and special projects.

Our Batch 200 tribute rewards those who savor the unique flavor and aroma characteristics of Scottish Ales and Whiskys with a rich malt experience and an extra layer of complexity provided by the Bogs of Islay.

Hoggetowne Irish Red

Hoggetowne Irish Red is a traditional Irish Ale brewed with the finest English malts and hops. This beer was developed through a collaboration with the Hogtown Brewers - Gainesville's American Homebrewers Association recognized homebrew club. The Hogtown Brewers serve the Irish Red along with other Swamp Head beers at the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, a Renaissance Faire held each year during the last weekend in January and first weekend in February. Thanks to the outstanding reception of Hoggetowne Irish Red, it is now served by better craft beer bars and restaurants through St. Patrick's day.

Hoggetowne Irish Red has a medium light body, with moderate malt aroma and 6.5% alcohol by volume. It is deep amber in color due to the use of roasted barley; it features low hop aroma, with almost no hop flavor. Hoggetowne Irish Red is an easy drinking ale with a clean caramel malt flavor and a hint of roasted grain.

Sciaenhops

Sciaenops ocellatus, better known around Florida as the "Redfish," is an extremely popular game-fish which gains more and more notoriety each year. From early fall through the spring, Redfish can be found in the bays and inland waters of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida.

Florida enforces a slot size restriction on Redfish - anglers can only keep fish that measure 18 to 27 inches in length, with a bag limit of one or two per day, depending on the management region.

Not too little; not too big; a "keeper" Redfish provides a strong challenge on light tackle and a feast on the half-shell - a filet grilled with skin and scales intact. Much the same can be said about Scieanhops, a holiday celebration Ale, created by our brewers to meet craft beer angler's thirst for a hearty red ale with a feast of hop flavor and aroma.

This Imperial Red Ale was brewed the day after Christmas, using eleven malts and twelve hop additions; it weighs in at a healthy 8.3% ABV. We expect it to become a Swamp Head holiday tradition...

Darkwater Floridian Dark Ale

Blackwater Floridian Dark Ale is an American-style Black Ale at the low end of the IPA alcohol range (6.4% ABV), with an abundance of hop flavor and aroma. It represents what we consider to be an improvement on what are being called Black IPAs, or Cascadian Dark Ales, deriving its "darkness" from chocolate wheat malt rather than the bitter roasted barley used in most examples of this new style. The name is derived from Florida's "Blackwater" rivers, which are dark in tannins from the native oak trees.

Blackwater was created through a collaboration between Head Brewer Craig Birkmaier and Eric Luman, Head Brewer at Jacksonville's Green Room brewery. It was judged the Best Beer in Florida at the 2011 Best Florida Beer Competition.

It would be difficult to decide which one I enjoyed most. The Darkwater and Sciaenhops provided that hop jolt I have come to enjoy. The Hoggetown was a smooth red ale which was quite delicious though I am a bit partial to Red Trolley from the Karl Strauss Brewing Company in San Diego. The Bogs of Islay was in a word, unique! - a must for those of you who like a fine whiskey accent applied to their beer.

If you haven't had the “calzone-osauras” Bigg 'N from Brewer's Pizza, their website proclaims:

Bigg'N Calzone - Holy moly!

“Mamaw Brewer says “it’s SO BIG it hangs off the plate!” … true statement!

“Includes up to 3 regular or 1 specialty topping, with a fantastic butter/cheese/garlic crust, and a side of our

famous sauce. Ricotta cheese can be added at no extra cost UPON REQUEST.”

By all means, request the Ricotta cheese! … such decadent yummers!

Companion was very satisfied with Brewer's Pizza Moon Dance Sweet Stout ($4.50 served in shaker pint ) and their website includes in their description:

“Notes:Rich Chocolate, Sweet oats, Silky Body “ - ABV: 7%”

Moon Dance Sweet Stout

What a wonderful experience! … great beer and delicious food.  We were just discussing how we wished there was others to share in the experience and BEHOLD! … Ed Stansel was in the house! ... He graciously agreed to join us (we WERE willing to beg, by the way!) and we were overjoyed he was willing to sit and talk about beer, the Swamp Head Brewery, his beautiful wife Beth and his fascinating background.

For those of you who don't know, Ed writes a blog-column (among other duties) with Roger Bull 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.” - I LOVE that description!

Ed Stansel, the JBB & Dan Wade

Ed and Roger have developed their own heavenly brew also anointed “Amber Waves Ale” working with Engine 15 which will be tapped on Thursday, April 5 there at Engine 15. Proceeds from the sale of this sublime nectar will benefit St. Johns Riverkeeper.

Ed then introduced me to the Swamp Head Brewery representative, Dan Wade who was managing the event. I know I gushed my appreciation for their brews, but it was heartfelt – and I was sure the slobber pooling at my feet on the floor could be mopped away. Seriously, the Swamp Head brews were outstanding – as was the Bigg'n, Keegan, Gabby and the kitchen staff at Brewer's Pizza  - and of course, my fortunate and much-appreciated discussion with Ed Stansel.

Thank you to Brewer's Pizza, Swamp Head Brewery and Ed Stansel for making this Jax Brew Bitch Prowl one to remember!

http://www.swamphead.com/

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

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/amber-waves

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400640

http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/

To view more photos from this evening visit the link below

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.264889580263325.64346.181100418642242&type=3