Beer Sharing, Good Eats and Bold Toe-Tapping Tunes

Saturday gathering at Green Room Brewing. Open to all

If “craft beer” is a focal point for you – regardless of the amount of craft beer you have tasted, you are invited to participate in the Bottle Sharing get-togethers at Green Room Brewing on Saturdays – usually at 2:00 pm.

There is no cost for attending.

We DO ask you:

a) bring a bomber or two smaller bottles of craft beer

b) bring your favorite tasting glass (if you forget, we'll have cups for you);

c) be willing to buy a pint of something from Green Room, the owners of which are kind enough to provide the space for all of us to enjoy good beer and fellowship.

For those of you who have never attended a Bottle Sharing get-together:

The craft beer you bring does NOT have to be expensive – just something you like or want to try and share with the group. If you are uncertain as to what to bring, just ask the helpful and knowledgeable at Broudy's Liquors, Beer:30, Grassroots Natural Market, Total Wine, ABC Liquors or any other establishment which sells bottles (or cans) of craft beer.

We only request you not bring the mass-produced national brands like Bud, Miller, Coors, etc. Nothing particularly wrong with those – we just focus on tasty creations from the myriad of microbreweries springing up all over the country.

Feel free to bring something to eat – or you can have food delivered at Green Room Brewery.

Offerings to the Beer Gods

I maintain a database of e-mail addresses of those wishing to be kept informed of the next Bottle Sharing get-together since some days we may decide not to hold the Sharing or alter the time. If you are interested, please send me a note with your e-mail address to regina@jaxbrewbitch.com and you'll be “in the know'!

The Bottle Sharing of Saturday, January 12 was well-attended at Green Room and there was a LOAD of beer there!

Companion and I ordered the following from Green Room's tantalizing brew menu to start the afternoon:

Count Shakula Chocolate Oatmeal Stout – yummers! … tastes like a bowl of the you-know-what cereal – except with a kick!

White Devil IPA - The White Devil I.P.A. is 6.66% ABV and 66.6 IBU's. A collaboration with Green Room Brewing and Cigar City Brewing. Brewed with Lactose, Wheat, Rye, Florida Orange & Grapefruit peels, grains of paradise, coriander and orange blossom honey. Fermented with a Belgian yeast strain. 

Homebrewer & Craft Beer Lover, Chris Kozak

This laid down our “base” for the beer which we would be tasting well into the evening … here is what I brought to share (please keep in mind I bring too much – again, a good amount to bring is one bomber or two smaller bottles)

Butternut's Brewery Moo Thunder Stout (you gotta see this brewery's website!)

This stout beer pays tribute to the Butternuts Brewery's former life as a dairy farm. It's a more drinkable version of the Stout breed than its heavy, boorish and smelly European sisters. We use lactose sugar for body and mouthfeel; not too strong, not too viscous at 4.9% abv. Unlike a true bovine it has a malty, roasty aroma and a dry finish but no tail or teats, and leaves no unsightly cow pies laying around the yard for you to step in.

Long Trail Brewing Company Imperial Porter

Long Trail Imperial Porter features a complex, darkly roasted malt flavor complemented by a thin, creamy head. The abundance of malt is balanced with a variety of hops, creating a clean finish. The recipe has been a homebrew secret that was developed by one of our own brewers. We are proud to present Long Trail Imperial Porter...ENJOY! … Note: 8.3% ABV & 56 IBUs

Malts: 2-Row, Cara Munich, Caramel 80L, Wheat, Roasted Barley, and Chocolate
Hops: Nugget, Centennial, Simcoe, and Amarillo

Uinta Brewing Company Crooked Line Detour Double IPA

Detour blazes the trail for fresh and bold Double IPAs. Four varieties of hops combine to step up the flavor profile. A hoppy adventure that finishes dry. Big in alcohol and character. Venture to pair with other spirited flavors such as those found in spicy ethnic foods. Note: 9.5% ABV & 74 IBUs

http://www.crookedlinebeers.com/Detour.html

St. Arnold Brewing Company Christmas Ale

This was the first seasonal we made. There has long been a tradition amongst brewers for making a special beer for the holidays. We decided on an old ale. The definition of this style has changed over the years. When we use the term, we use the old definition which describes big, malty, rich beers as they brewed in the olden days (as in a couple of hundred years ago--those olden days). Thus the name. (Today this name often implies a big beer that has been aged.)

We use five different types of malted barley in the Christmas Ale, no other grains or cereals such as corn or rice. The large quantity of malts is responsible for the sweetness and high alcohol content. Also, we use two different Pacific Northwest hop varieties in the Christmas Ale. The resulting hop character is a spicy bitterness and a flowery hop bouquet.  Note: 7.0& ABV & 35 IBUs

Lonerider – Ales for Outlaws – Shotgun Betty Hefeweizen

Shotgun Betty is a sexy, tough cowgirl who is always armed and dangerous. Don’t be fooled by her good looks, she will have you for an appetizer! That’s why we picked her to represent our Hefeweizen. Shotgun Betty is a wheat beer with rich, banana-clove nose and refreshing dry finish. Sound good? Try one. But beware, once Betty gets a hold of you there is no escape. Note: 8% ABV

Big Boss Brewing Company Hell's Belle Belgian Pale Ale

Hell's Belle is a subtle but complex ale that is meant to be a showcase for our favorite Belgian yeast and beautiful Belgian malts. These elements produce a clean, spicy citrus finish. Hell's Belle remains light and refreshing but still packs a 7% finish. Enjoy with creamy pasta dishes, spicy foods like Indian & Thai dishes. Note: 7.0% ABV & 30 IBUs

Natty Greene Red Nose Winter Ale

Our 4th quarter seasonal. Full-bodied winter warmer with a rich, dark malt body spiced with cinnamon, ginger and orange peel for festive flavor. Munich 2, Pale Wheat, Cara Munich 3, CaraHell, Chocolate and Melanoidin – Magnum hops. Note: 6.8% & 21 IBUs

I was pleased to see Robin Bennett who is typically at the Bottle Sharing at Brewer's Pizza on Sunday join us! … friend, beer lover and talented homebrewer Jackson had dropped him off at Green Room in hopes we could give Robin a ride back to Brewer's Pizza later in the day … no problem!

Please refer to the photos to see the awesome beer shared by others at this Bottle Sharing get-together!

Come on – why don't YOU join us at an upcoming Green Room Brewing Bottle Sharing get-together in the very near future!

Butternuts Brewery

http://www.butternutsbeerandale.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ButternutsBeerandAle

Long Trail Brewing Company

http://www.longtrail.com/Verify.aspx?returnUrl=%2f

https://www.facebook.com/longtrailbrewingco?fref=ts

Uinta Brewing Company

http://www.uintabrewing.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Uinta-Brewing/136640885735?fref=ts

St. Arnold Brewing Company

http://www.saintarnold.com/

https://www.facebook.com/saintarnold

Lonerider – Ales for Outlaws

http://www.loneriderbeer.com/

https://www.facebook.com/loneriderbeer?fref=ts

Big Boss Brewing Company

http://bigbossbrewing.com/age-verification.aspx?returnTo=%2f

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Boss-Brewery/177203328692?fref=ts

Natty Greene's Brewing Company

http://www.nattygreenes.com/

https://www.facebook.com/NattyGreenesGreensboro

https://www.facebook.com/NattyGreenesRaleigh

As we did last Saturday, we ventured over to Sierra Grille (331 Marsh Landing Parkway – Jacksonville Beach – 904.296.0214) across the parking lot from Broudy's Liquors. Ian Albahae and Robin both accompanied us there, their first visit to this restaurant.

Companion looked over the significant menu and decided he would have:

Sierra Chicken Platter - Sierra Grille

Sierra Chicken Platter – served with rice, beans, salad and salsa bar - $8.25 – an amazing value!

and once again, I selected:

Surf & Turf Grilled Burrito - steak and shrimp blended cheese, lettuce, tomato, ranch - $7.95 – delicious!

The salsa bar is quite impressive – there are a significant number of salsas to choose from including a pineapple salsa with cilantro. On top of that, they have cherry peppers … I love cherry peppers!

Surf & Turf Grilled Burrito - Sierra Grille

My sincere thanks to the staff at Sierra Grille for providing some stellar food and a unique alternative – the perfect combo for inclusion into future Jax Brew Bitch Prowls.

Sierra Grille

http://www.sierragrillesouth.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SierraGrilleJaxBeach

We bid farewell to Ian and headed back toward Brewer's Pizza with Robin. Once we dropped him off, companion and I made tracks over to Bold City Brewery (2670 Rosselle St  - 904.379-6551) for the release party of their delectable Smoky Porter!

The Bold City parking lot was packed when we arrived but companion dropped me off near the door and finally found a spot in the rear.

We had to try the Smoky Porter, of course – described on the brewery's website:

Bold City Brewery Smoky Porter

Bold City's winter seasonal. Very bold, robust porter with a nice hint of smokiness.

Bold City's Smokey Porter with a little
Firewater Tent Revival

Firewater Tent Revival was providing live music that evening, so companion and I selected two seats in front of the band. What a talented group! … be sure to follow them on their Facebook page and catch them for one of the their performances in the near future! … also, check them out on YouTube when you can!

The whole day went so quickly and since I had been up early that day, we said goodbye to the wonderful team and family at Bold City Brewery – who I thank wholeheartedly for providing a perfect venue to end this special Saturday-Bottle-Sharing Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.

Bold City Brewery (2670 Rosselle St  - 904.379-6551)

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

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

Firewater Tent Revival

https://www.facebook.com/thefirewatertentrevival

Happy 2013!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! … too cliché? … heard it enough already? 

Well, customs and traditions aside, what would make YOUR New Year truly “happy”?

I pondered that as companion and I marveled at the incompetency of Congress (both parties) the past few days. Definitely proves you can be smart AND an ineffective leader at the same time. I decided to put politicians out of my mind as they fumble along trying to decide which families will have their paychecks decreased in 2013 – and enjoy the season in spite of them – have my own Fiscal Cliff Party!

Seriously, I started thinking what would make my 2013 happy and jotted down a few things:

·         Aardwolf Pub & Brewery opening – a labor of love for Michael Payne and Preben Olsen – a great addition to the Jacksonville Brews & Chews scene

·         Sun Dog Brewing Co. – beginning to brew and sell their own creations

·         Bold City Brewing Company – an expansion of distribution up the East Coast and throughout Florida

·         Intuition Ale Works – success in locating an additional facility

·         Pinglehead Brewing Company – brewing another batch of something special with them

·         Engine 15 Brewing Company – me getting over there much more often for great beer and food

·         Green Room Brewing – success in being able to have food trucks out back

·         Mile Marker Brewing – brewing another batch of something with them, as well

·         Pensacola Bay Brewing Company – brewing a batch with them and starting a Bottle Sharing group there

·         Kickbacks Gastropub – completing its expansion

Well, you can see where my mind is … honest thoughts though, nonetheless …

If “craft beer” is a focal point for you, please stay tuned for updates regarding the items noted above – and keep in mind all are invited to participate in the Bottle Sharing get-togethers at Green Room Brewing on Saturdays (currently scheduled at 2:00 pm) and at Brewer's Pizza on Sundays (also currently scheduled at 2:00 pm).

There is no cost for attending – other than we ask you bring a bomber or two smaller bottles (or cans) of craft beer  and/ or homebrew AND be willing to buy a pint of something from Green Room  and Brewer's Pizza while you are there. The establishments are kind enough to provide the space and sampling glasses. The craft beer you bring does NOT have to be expensive – just something you like or want to try and share with the group.

I maintain a database of e-mail addresses of those wishing to be kept informed of the next Bottle Sharing get-together since some days we may decide not to hold the Sharing or alter the time. If you are interested, please send me a note with your e-mail address indicating which list (Green Room, Brewer's Pizza or both) you prefer to regina@jaxbrewbitch.com

I'm receiving notifications of upcoming beer events in 2013, so my 2013 is starting off very nicely – and I hope yours is, as well.

To all of you who may be reading, I thank you for the motivation you so kindly provide with your support. It certainly means a great deal to me – and I look forward to getting going in 2013 – self-indulgently on my Jax Brew Bitch Prowls - for YOU.

With nary a thought about the Congressional Record, I wish you all a very successful and Happy New Year!

Aardwolf Pub & Brewery (1461 Hendricks Avenue – Jacksonville in San Marco)

http://aardwolfbeer.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aardwolf-Brewery/219925481441627

Sun Dog Brewing Co. at Sawgrass (822 A1A North Suite 105 – Ponte Vedra – 904.307.0180)

http://sundogbrewpub.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sun-Dog-Brewing-Co-at-Sawgrass/456238211093629?fref=ts

Bold City Brewery (2670 Rosselle St  - 904.379-6551)

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

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

Intuition Ale Works       (720 King Street – 904.683.7720)  

http://www.intuitionaleworks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/IntuitionAle

Pinglehead Brewing Company

http://www.pinglehead.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Pinglehead

Engine 15 Brewing Company (1500 Beach Boulevard – Jax Beach – 904.249.2337)

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

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

Green Room Brewing (228 3rd Street North – Jax Beach - 904.201-9283)

http://www.greenroombrewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/GreenRoomBrewing

Mile Marker Brewing (3420 Agricultural Center Drive – St. Augustine – 904.217.4294)

http://www.milemarkerbrewing.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MileMarkerBrewing

Pensacola Bay Brewery (225 E. Zaragoza Street – Pensacola FL – 850.434.3353)

http://pbbrew.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pbbrew

Brewer's Pizza – (14B Blanding Blvd – Orange Park – 904.276.5159)

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

https://www.facebook.com/BrewersPizza

Kickbacks Gastropub    (910 King Street – 904.388.9551)

http://www.facebook.com/kickbacksgastropub

Cravitz part deux - Getting "BOLD" at Dahlia's Pour House, Billy's Boathouse Grill and Tsunami Tuesday

Pint Night at Dahlia's Pour House

Tuesday (July 24) would be the second leg of our marathon week of beer-related activities and once companion arrived home after work, we crawled into The Beast and pointed it toward Riverside..

Our first destination that evening was Dahlia's Pour House (2695 Post Street – 904.738.7132). It was Pint Night there featuring the creations by Bold City Brewery. Pint Night is very popular at Dahlia's – so get there early to be able to snag a pint glass or two!

TJ from Pele's and Robin and Jennifer from
Bold City Brewery

Entering, we were pleased to see Bobby behind the bar. Bobby and his partner, George own a production company (ReelFLA Productions) and just landed a significant national gig with Heineken!

Companion and I selected and shared the following Bold City beers while sitting at the bar:

Bold City Irish Red

Malty and just the right amount of bitter on the tail end.

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.

I snagged that shirt! Mine!

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.

Bold City Brewery Chinook IPA

The Chinook IPA is brewed with a single hop variety. The Chinook hop gives this IPA a nice floral aroma and the addition of caramel malts adds a hint of sweetness.

Bold City Brewery E-St. Ale

An Amber Ale brewed specifically for European St. Cafe restaurants. It's known as their "Lamp Post Ale".

BCBTCB ... translation; Bold City Beauties
 taking care of business

Companion and I must have looked like glassware merchants as we left Dahlia's, balancing all of our pint glasses as we made our way back to The Beast.. We had other destinations that evening and needed to get on the road.

To view more photos from Dahlia's Pour House for Bold City Pint Night, please visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.336383976447218.79311.181100418642242&type=3

Dahlia's Pour House

http://www.dahliaspourhouse.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dahlias-Pour-House/312695632089849

Bold City Brewery 
http://www.boldcitybrewery.com/index.php

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

Our next stop was Billy's Boathouse (2321 Beach Blvd – Jacksonville Beach (904.241.9771).

I had heard and read of their Tuesday All-You-Can-Eat Tacos Special (aka Taco Night) and had been wanting to give that a try.

Since it was our first visit, we had a little trouble locating it using our GPS, but find it, we did. Being situated adjacent to Nipper's, the presence of the bridge over the Intracoastal blocks a direct view of the establishment.

We entered and after a minute or so were led to a table near the rear of the restaurant. The hostess said our server would be with us soon. She was wrong. After seven minutes had passed (we were timing it), the hostess re-appeared and said our server would be there momentarily. Wrong again. The place had very few patrons at that time, by the way.

I needed to “powder” and went downstairs to do so in a restroom obviously minimally maintained (companion later confirmed the mens' restroom was the same). When I returned to our table, there were two glasses of water there which had arrived ten minutes after we were seated. I asked companion if our server had taken our order and he responded that she hadn't – just dropped off the water, said she's return soon and quickly left.

Good lord – enough of the waiting  - and it was obvious the server was poorly trained and was well on the way of ruining a first impression.

I walked up to the bar and asked  the bartender (Jamie) if we could move from our table (aka “Land of the Lost”) to the bar. Jamie affirmed we could and was very pleasant during the balance of our stay. Rest assured, she alone salvaged my first impression of Billy's Boathouse.

Their drink specials of the evening included margaritas, so I decided to swerve a little off my usual beer-centric path. It was good – but I realized how much I do indeed now much prefer craft beer. Several beers are available but nothing especially noteworthy – a good dose of “craft” would make the bar more attractive to me, of course.

We ordered Fried Fish, Chicken and Blackened Fish tacos which are served with all the “fixin's” on a separate plate. All were delicious but my favorite was the Fried Fish – companion preferred the Blackened Fish.

As we were eating, companion continued his description of the game of Cravitz which he had started the evening before:

As Cravitz became embraced by a small number of competitors in America in the early 70's, livestock gave way to bragging rights and cases of Falstaff beer - and fully conforming teams were initially defined as having eight “fielding players” (2 Offensive Niblings, 2 Frummerts, 2 Brooders and 2 Blats) and the two Wicket Men (goalies). American rules established that no injury timeouts would be in effect – if a player went down, his replacement must assist or carry the injured one off the field prior to entering the game, which continued on unabated.

In modern times, scoring through the four attended goals could be either on the ground (known as a woomick and worth 17 points) or through the air (known as a dermish and worth 11 points). Scoring through the “Chumb Goal” was worth 6 points, via either dermish or woomick. The hitlibitle must always be used to propel the purnunkle - any touching of the purnunkle by hands, head or other body parts (intentional or not) resulted in a penalty. Penalty shots were taken from the “Chumb Line” in front of the “Chumb Goal”. Failing to score via penalty shot in the air through the unattended goal forced the team failing to score to put the purnunkle back in play by one of their Frummerts from the “Chumb Line”.

He paused with his explanation due to a loud party sitting in an adjoining room whooping it up, louder and louder as time went on. This was a little disappointing as far as “atmosphere” but something we were, with a little effort, able to overlook.

To me, my impression was that Billy's Boathouse needed a good scrubbing, stem to stern and some formal and focused training of wait staff. Other online reviews of the establishment include a significant number indicating slow or non-existent service. I never make my decisions on whether to visit a bar or restaurant based on those reviews, but my experience there that evening supported what I had read. Unfortunately, Jamie can't tend the bar AND wait all the tables by herself!

All this said, I must say the tacos were great and Jamie was a professional and effective bartender. When I go back, we'll just sit at the bar so as not to risk being “lost at sea” in the dining area.

Billy's Boathouse (2321 Beach Blvd – Jacksonville Beach – 904.241.9771)

http://www.billysboathousegrill.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Billys-Boathouse-Grill/73333198603

While we were on that side of town, we had just a short drive over to Green Room Brewing (228 3rd Street North – Jax Beach – 904.201-9283) which was our next destination. Being it was Tuesday and being members of Tsunami Tuesdays, we wanted to sample their new offering that week.

The featured brew was the Cascade IPA – a single hop – single malt creating weighing in at 6.5% ABV. Good stuff!

Fellow patron at Green Room Brewing

It was late and a school night, so we decided to call it an evening. Besides, there was more beer-related evenings ahead on this marathon Jax Brew Bitch week!

Green Room Brewing

http://www.greenroombrewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/GreenRoomBrewing

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!”