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

Getting Gas, Killing Kegs & a Double Feature at Mile Marker Brewing

Gas Full Service Restaurant

Carol Lowrey Graham of Brown Distributing told me about a restaurant in St. Augustine with a rather distinctive name – Gas Full Service Restaurant. I was intrigued by the nom de guerre, of course – all types of connotations were bouncing around in my head – but her description of the place is what motivated me to pre-plan our Prowl for Thursday evening (April 5) to center in and around the Nation's Oldest City.

Since my agenda for the evening included at least three destinations, we headed south early. To get to Gas Full Service Restaurant, we exited at the Outlet Malls (Exit 318 – S.R. 16) , turned left and stayed on S.R. 16 until it dead-ended on San Marco Avenue and turned right and drove into town. After turning left and crossing the Bridge of Lions, the establishment was just ahead on the right.

The restaurant occupies a building originally constructed as a gas station, later (reportedly) home to a florist business.  After dining there, I certainly believe the current endeavor represents its highest and best use!

Entering the place, I was instantly pleased with the décor! … fresh, clean and inviting, I was impressed with the owners' follow-through in maintenance and cleaning. You know, all restaurants open up initially extremely clean – but after awhile, you notice the occasional dead waterbug in a corner, stained baseboards, mildewed tile grout, grimy soap dispensers, etc. Not here! … it was immaculate – so refreshing!

Our server, Sami

A cute energetic girl approached, introduced herself as Sami and seated us at a table near the door. Sami is obviously happy to work there and her excitement was indeed infectious. She was attentive, efficient and never lost her smile!

A menu board noted their dinner specials and … available beer! … another plus already!

We quickly selected (descriptions per breweries' websites):

Red Brick Brewery
Brown Ale

Red Brick Brewery Brown Ale - “Dark copper color with bronze rims. Very thick foam, persistent. Nice and elegant toffee aromas with spices and roasted almonds, very persistent and evolving on brewed coffee.

Very franc in the mouth. Black fruits, plum with more intense spicy notes of canella and cloves. The texture is very delicate. The beer seems to have all characters for a beer with personality but is kind of dissociated having intense flavors at first, then some emptiness in the middle of the mouth and finishing with a bitter finish.” - Note: 6.0% ABV

Narragansett Lager
"Jaws" Beer!

Narragansett Lager - “5.0% Alcohol by Volume and 12 IBUs. A classic American lager and the workhorse of the Gansett stable. Available all year long in bottle, can and on tap! ...We brew our lager with six row malt, seedless hops, corn from Iowa, our lager strain (the same one the brewery has depended on since just after Prohibition), and the purest water from Lakes Ontario and Hemlock … This beer is brewed just right for drinking—crisp and refreshing. It’s got more flavor than other premium lagers, yet it’s one of the most drinkable beers in the world.

Chillin' with Narragansett

Narragansett has the highest rating of all domestic premium lagers on BeerAdvocate.com, and received the bronze medal for American Lagers at the 2008 World Beer Cup. 2010 Gold Medal winner in the lager category at the 14th annual Great International Beer & Cider Competition in Providence, RI. Winner of bronze medal in the 2010 World Beer Championship and the silver medal in the 2011 World Beer Championship.

The Lager is old reliable. It was the first beer brewed by “The Original Six” back in 1890, the bestselling beer in New England from the 1930s to the 1970s, and the official beer of the Boston Red Sox from 1944-1975.”

JBB note – Narragansett is also the beer Captain Sam Quint in the movie “Jaws” drinks and then crushes the can in his hand.

The Jalapeno Popper Burger

Having taken care of the brews, it was time to handle the chews! … Carol had described the Jalapeño Popper Burger in such a way my mouth watered upon hearing about it. The menu includes the drool-inspiring details: “Two 4oz. Cartwheel Ranch Beef Patties stuffed with Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese & Fresh Sliced Jalapenos … Grilled then Panko Breaded and Deep Fried – Served with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion and Ranch ($12.50)”  - yep, that was for me! …

Companion ordered the Black and Blue Chicken Hot Brown Sandwich described on their menu: “Open Faced Sandwich with Blackened Chicken, Blue Cheese Bechamel, Fried Green Tomatoes & Applewood Smoked Bacon ($9.50).

Black & Blue Chicken Hot Brown

The discussion I was having with companion abruptly stopped when the food arrived … I think the world stood   still for a moment, actually … as we beheld the masterpiece – an inspired creation from a talented Gastro-Maestro - the  Jalapeño Popper Burger.  The height of this … this … this sandwich (too impotent a word)  … is unbelievable! ...Owner Lindy Loose dropped by to say hello and observe our amazement. I asked how in the world one could begin consuming this marvel and she mentioned something about unhinging my jaw – much like a python. Amy Vanderbilt suggests one covering one's mouth with a pillow case when attempting this, I believe ...

Unhinging jaw ...

I would have sought the advice of companion but he was way too busy lavishing lustful attention to his Black and Blue Chicken Hot Brown Sandwich – complete with bacon and fried green tomatoes on top! … he was such a happy fellow!

The homemade potato chips we both had selected as our side are wafer-thin, crisp and have the waffle pattern body which you can see through. Very unique and delicious!

Somehow, I managed to dig into my “Mount Bovine on a Plate” and the flavor was fantastic. Don't worry about the Jalapeño influence – it is not overpowering – in fact, it is mild but noticeable – a wonderful tastebud-pleasing effect. I was able to devour half of this monster before requesting a to-go box.

I took a bite of companion's Black and Blue Chicken Sandwich – the combo of the bacon, blue cheese and fried green tomatoes with the blackened chicken was scrumptious! … hungry, he was able to empty his plate. He winked and said he was still a “growin' boy” ...

Both entrees were excellent – companion called them “grand slams” – ones we'll definitely order again!

Sea Salt & Caramel Brownie

Sami, our food temptress, casually mentioned their impressive dessert selections. Carol had already suggested the Sea Salt and Caramel Brownie  – served with homemade vanilla ice cream, I might add – so, we could NOT  leave without trying that particular delicacy. Once it arrived, we realized Gas Full Service Restaurant had once again delivered an insurmountable summit of splendor – let's call it “Sugarload Mountain”. Decadent … evil … awe-inspiring mixture of the sweet caramel, the distinctively unique salty-brine of the sea salt and down-home Mamaw-type chocolate brownie atop homemade vanilla ice cream make this dessert a benchmark for the Jax Brew Bitch. All others will be judged against this one, believe-you-me!

Sami & owner, of Gas Full Service
Restaurant, Lindy Loose

Owner Lindy dropped by our table once again and she graciously answered some questions I had about the restaurant, its history and her and her husband's (Ben) plans for the establishment's menu in the future.

Dedicated to wholesome and quality ingredients, Lindy and Ben purchase only from local suppliers offering the very best. What goes into their finished products is all fresh, clean and natural. You can certainly taste the difference and that it is important and notable in an industry where the choice between “cheap but tasteless” vs. “higher quality & cost”  is too often made by rationalizing while quoting business-school axioms about bottom-line considerations. Hogwash! … Quality In makes for Quality Out … and Gas Full Service Restaurant embraces this quality concept – and then goes the extra mile.

On the way out, I noticed above the door as you leave, there is a message on the wall thanking patrons for “Not Passing Gas” - which, of course, is targeted for others than myself for we all know that Southern girls are never plagued with that – we just get “the puffs” … however, it IS a cute play on their name and indicative of the fun atmosphere they have created and maintain.

I can tell you the Jax Brew Bitch will be returning to Gas Full Service Restaurant – and soon! … it is one of those places you can feel comfortable in recommending to your friends and family … rest assured Lindy, Ben and Sami will make your visit there memorable and first-rate!

Jacksonvillians, if you have not tried this eatery, you are truly missing out on something spectacular. Treat yourself! … get on down there, cross the Bridge of Lions and make your night-out-on-the-town or weekend getaway a very special experience by getting filled up at the Gas Full Service Restaurant!

My heartfelt appreciation to Lindy, Ben and Sami for making their place a new and exciting regular stop on Jax Brew Bitch St. Augustine Prowls!


To view more photos from Gas Full Service Restaurant, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.276389362446680.66864.181100418642242&type=3

http://www.redbrickbrewing.com/

http://www.narragansettbeer.com/

http://www.facebook.com/gasfullservice

J.P. Henley's in
St. Augustine, FL

Excited with having tried a new place, I was ready to invade J.P. Henley's (10 Marine St. - St. Augustine – 904.829.3337), one of our favorite haunts in St. Augustine. That evening, they were having a Kill-the-Keg night featuring Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales Namaste and El Presidente Cervesa. I was there for the Dogfish Head, of course!

Dogfish Head's Namaste

The Namaste is described on Dogfish Head's website: “A witbier bursting with good karma. Made with dried organic orange slices, fresh-cut lemongrass and a bit of coriander, this Belgian-style white beer is a great thirst quencher. Namaste was originally... A witbier bursting with good karma. Made with dried organic orange slices, fresh-cut lemongrass and a bit of coriander, this Belgian-style white beer is a great thirst quencher.

Namaste was originally brewed at our pub in Rehoboth Beach with our Italian friend Leo from Birra del Borgo. It was a tribute to our friends at 3 Fonteinen brewery in Belgium, who had devastating production loss (1/3 of their annual production) in 2009.”

JP Henley's Roasted
Chicken Salad

Peggy had ordered their Roasted Chicken Salad ($12.95) and it looked delicious! … J.P. Henley's describes it: “Herbed Garlic Chicken, grape tomatoes & savory roasted red pepper corn relish on a bed of spring greens” - I'll get this next time!

Companion and I apparently “killed the keg” of the Namaste after only one small glass each – but there were other motivated Dogfish Head fans there before we arrived!

Thanks to J.P. Henley's for being a solid beer venue in the St. Augustine area!

http://www.dogfish.com/

http://www.presidente.com.do/

http://www.jphenleys.com/

My third main objective for this evening was to attend the Double Feature Movie Event at Mile Marker Brewing! … Movies at the Brewery? … COUNT ME IN! ...  we were Gone With the Wind from J.P. Henley's and hightailing it over to 3420 Agricultural Center Drive  - St. Augustine.

This unique beer-cinema event was starting at 8:00 pm and the movies being shown were:

“Beerfest” (2006) and “Strange Brew” (1983)

Perfect seat in the house!

Arriving just in time, I was “ready for my close-up” with some of the delicious Mile Marker brews, so companion and I grabbed a Pecan Brown Ale and a Coconut Porter, respectively, and seated ourselves on one of the comfy sofas situated in front of the large screen TV. Neither of us had seen Beerfest, so we were looking forward to enjoying this brew-centered entertainment!

Peggy joined us there and she secured her own seat on one of the other sofas near the TV. This was her first visit to Mile Marker and she loved it – she stayed out a lot longer than she had planned because of the good beer she enjoyed and the great folks she met during the evening.

Mile Marker Brewing's
Coconut Porter

During the movie, there were occasional “official” pauses to answer Beer Trivia in order to win swag and pints of beer. They were also raffling swag after providing raffle tickets to each patron. Although I need to bone up on my beer trivia, I DID win a free beer by answering one of the trivia questions! … WooHoo!  - “Hats and Horns” ! ….by the way, I'm now searching for all obscure beer facts – feel free to share ...

A little over halfway through Beerfest, Tap Room Manager Ben Stamps offered to introduce me to one of the owners, Mike Fierro, head brewer Dennis Grune and Mile Marker's “Man with the Golden Pen”, Steve and his lovely wife, Dorothy. Dorothy introduced us to Liz, who is so funny and friendly – and she and Peggy hit off, as well.

Steve, the JBB and Mike

Steve and Dorothy invested financially and emotionally in the brewery right before it opened last year, after in-depth interviews with ownership, management and staff.  They own and operate a successful business in New Jersey and their business acumen will undoubtedly benefit Mile Marker Brewery substantially in the future.

Mike Fierro's background is, in a word, amazing. His previous business successes include Vitamin Water and Honest Tea – a well-seasoned professional in the beverage industry, he is now focused on Mile Marker Brewery and its consistency of quality.

Investor Steve said that during interviews, all those involved with the brewery were very impressive – they are living, breathing examples of motivated believers – those who not only talk a good game but show their dedicated spirit in how much and how hard they each work. You hear phrases like “sweat equity” a lot in business, but Steve said this level of personal ownership in the success of Mile Marker went beyond the financial realm. It is their “baby”, he said – a  wonderful labor of love – each is firmly committed, knowing there will be growing immense satisfaction for all involved as their “baby” grows up. Notably, Steve mentioned owner Mike Fierro was “all in”, which meant a great deal to him. In fact, he said that perception was one of the deciding factors influencing his decision to invest with his pocketbook – and heart.

I also had the chance to say hello to owner Vance Joy making his way around the brewery and tap room during the evening. Of course, Houston was there, spreading the canine love to all who ventured in. As Official Ambassador for Mile Marker Brewery, Houston holds sway over the establishment.

Matt Hopcraft, one of the brewers at Mile Marker was there and I was able to speak with him and his lovely wife Amanda (with a last name like that, these two were born to be in the brewery business!). Amanda is an amazingly talented make-up artist and is soon opening her own spa in St. Augustine, providing hair styling, manicures, pedicures, facials and many other spa treatments.

Luke, Caleb & Ben

We were having such a wonderful time speaking with Vance, Dennis, Steve, Dorothy, Liz, Amanda and Matt, we missed the end of Beerfest and all of Strange Brew. - didn't bother us in the least. The discussions being had and the friendships made were all vastly more important. Ben had excused himself to pick his brother up, just in from serving our country in the Middle East – companion and I appreciate his service to our Nation!

Sweet new additions to the
Mile Marker family.

Mile Marker continues to excite me. Their enthusiasm and earnest dedication to quality is something at which to marvel. I was overjoyed when the “family” there at Mile Marker formally invited me to come and “brew for a day” with them – to have the opportunity of learning firsthand more about the brewing process. They warned I would get hot and dirty – but hey, I get the same over a pile of freshly boiled crawfish! … I can't wait to do this! … words cannot express how grateful I am to be given the privilege of this unique experience!

Time flew by and way too soon it seemed, it was closing time. Bidding farewell to Houston and the gang at Mile Marker Brewery, we buckled ourselves into the Jeep and headed North by Northwest. I knew I would soon sleep soundly, having enjoyed such a wonderful evening - one so satisfying, it was the perfect Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.

It is said “if you don't know where you're going, any road will do” - I can tell you without a doubt that Mile Mark Brewery knows where THEY are going and the road they are traveling is headed toward a place called “Success”.

Jacksonvillians, exciting adventures await just a short trip south … I urge you to climb aboard the Mile Marker Brewery Express ... hold on to your pints ... and enjoy the ride!

A meaningful Jax Brew Bitch “thank you” to Ben, Vance, Dennis, Mike, Steve, Dorothy, Matt, Amanda and all at Mile Marker Brewing for delivering yet another delightful and unique event, for providing our friend Peggy with an outstanding first-time experience – and for making me and companion feel so very welcome!


To view more photos from Mile Marker Brewing, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.276402435778706.66867.181100418642242&type=3

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0486551/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086373/

http://www.milemarkerbrewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/MileMarkerBrewing

Girls Pint Out at Cork & Keg

Women-only Beer Tasting? … take THAT testosterone-laden sports bars and chauvinistic man-caves! … I was excited to hear about such an event to be held at Cork and Keg (108 Bartram Oaks Walk – Suite 105 – Fruit Cove – 904.287.4310) on Tuesday (April 3). Carol Lowrey Graham from Brown Distributing was managing the event beginning at 7:00 pm and I wanted to be on time. It was time to show the “world of suits” that females have a definite spot at the brew table!

Feeling ever-so Simone de Beauvoir,  I batted my eyes at companion and he kindly agreed to being my … uh … hmmm … DRIVER!  (yes, that's the word I was looking for) for the evening. As part of the deal, he said he would much prefer to sequester himself at the nearby Shannon's Irish Pub, located in the same upscale shopping center. Being equal partners, I agreed to this stipulation.

Our hostess, Amanda

Arriving a bit early, we drove around the development and was impressed with the design used for the site layout and architecture. Sadly, the economy has taken its toll on a number of businesses formerly based there, but maintenance is obviously superb and it appears lease management is located right on-site.

In pre-Jax Brew Bitch days, we had driven through this shopping center and noticed Cork and Keg and judging-that-book-by-its-cover, assumed it was a snooty, over-priced heavily wine-centered establishment. Boy howdy, how wrong we were!

Now, as background, let me say the Jax Brew Bitch does like herself some wine – red, mainly – so, I harbor no ill  will about wine merchants whatsoever – but, you know – some become a little pretentious, brusquely ringing you (the peasant) up with a smug, stifled chortle at your feeble selection of a $21.99 bottle of wine. Wine has its place – which I believe is slipping a little due to the explosion of the craft beer industry.

There's certainly not near the same excitement around the office water cooler - “Joe, did your hear about the new Merlot from Cali?”  - nope, more probably, “Joe, did you hear Bold City/Brewer’s Pizza/Engine 15/Green Room/Intuition/Kickbacks/Mile Marker tapped a new IPA? - it's awesome!”

So, back to the beer-suffrage movement at Cork and Keg – hey, we women can have a say in this industry! .... As I said, we were so wrong in our initial “drive-by” perception of this place.

Companion parked us near the front door and skedaddled over to Shannon's. I entered Cork and Keg and was instantly impressed. Beautiful décor and subtle lighting combine to create the warm, comfortable ambiance of the place. Yes, there is a good selection of notable wines but my field of vision was overtaken by the wall sections filled with beer!

Girls Pint Out

Still being a little early, I was surprised to find the bar was full, shoulder-to-shoulder with women obviously already enjoying the event. I found two spots at the far end of the bar (one being reserved for someone), so I bellied up on the last remaining stool. The empty one next to me was soon occupied by Kelle, who also works at Cork & Keg. She was “off-duty” that evening and I soon was carrying on a conversation with her about Cork and Keg, her work there – and beer! … this gal knows her brews!

Amanda, the experienced and gracious bartender, approached and introduced herself. Sweet, beautiful and friendly, she was the perfect hostess for the evening. Of course, I had already noticed Carol was directing traffic, beer-wise, and I had already given this fellow-Cajun-gal a big southern-Louisiana hug.

Carol is phenomenal! … dedicated and knowledgeable, she is the best. Here are the brews of which she shared and educated us that evening (descriptions from breweries):

Cigar City's
Tropical Heat Wave

Cigar City Brewing Tropical Heatwave

American Wheat Ale, hazy light gold in color. The use of New Zealand hop varietal, Kohatu, creates a pleasant passion fruit expression in the aroma. The flavor opens with a clean floral bitterness and then has a tropical fruit bitterness that resembles passion fruit with underlying hints of pine. Overall, a refreshing, sessionable wheat ale with a wave of hop flavor to beat the Summer heat. Made for WBMF 88.5 FM – a listener-supported community radio that celebrates cultural diversity and is committed to equality, peace and economic justice. It has been serving Tampa since 1979 and is celebrating the 31^st Anniversary of the WMNF Tropical Heatwave – 5% ABV

Left Hand Brewing Company Milk Stout

Left Hand Brewing Co.
Milk Stout

Milk sugar in your stout is like cream in your coffee. This full bodied sweet stout is dark and delicious. America's great milk stout will change your perception about what a stout can be. An English style cream stout, the milk sugar feeds the yeast to create a creamy mouth-feel with hints of chocolate and coffee. -  5.5% ABV and 25 IBUs

Cigar City Brewing Maduro Brown Ale

Maduro is a Northern English-style brown ale with some American affectations. Maduro is higher in alcohol than the common English brown ale and features flaked oats in the malt bill which imparts a silky body and works to mesh the roasted, toasted and chocolate components together in Maduro's complex malt profile. Caramel, toffee, chocolate and hints of espresso are all on display in this complex but approachable brown ale. The end result is a remarkably full-flavored and sessionable brown ale which pairs well with roasted meat, sweet chocolate-based desserts and mild to medium cigars. 5.5% ABV

Peak Organic Brewing Company IPA

This unique India Pale Ale features our favorite hope – Simcoe, Amarillo and Nugget. A generous Amarillo and Simcoe dry hop provide for an assertive, hop-forward nose and front palate. We don't use traditional bittering hops in our IPA, providing nothing but stimulating citrus and floral characteristics. Suggested food pairings include spicy foods, pesto, smoked meats, mild cheddar or mild blue cheese and gorgonzola. 7.2% ABV and 76 IBUs

Peak Organic Brewing Company Hop Noir Black IPA

Hop Noir is a delectable Black IPA, dripping with piney, aromatic Centennial hops. The malt base is dark and rich, anchored by organic black malt. This provides a strong foundation for the extravagant kettle hopping and dry-hopping that this beer experiences. Suggested food pairings include Brie, grilled vegetables, lamb shank and pungent cheeses. 8.2% ABV and 98 IBUs

Beer Ice Cream Float

Shipyard Brewing Company “Smashed Blueberry”

A hybrid between a Porter and a Scotch Ale. This ber has a rich mouth-feel and a body of complex intensity. Upfront, there are noted of coffee and chocolate beautifully accentuated by the aroma of blueberries. The finish features a delicate balance of sweet fruit and dry hops. Pairs well with glazed dick, ribs, BBQ, chocolate and blueberry desserts – or try in a “smashed float” (JBB Note: We DID! … a cup of vanilla ice cream with Shipyard Smashed Blueberry – most decidedly decadent yummers! ) 9.0% ABV

B Nektar Meadery Wildberry Pyment

A “Pyment” (pie-ment)is a mead made with grapes. This one is made with clover honey, shiraz grape juice and natural wildberry concentrate. It is full bodied and semi-sweet. Makes a great sangria or try it over ice as a spritzer. This is B Nektar's most popular mead. 14% ABV

B Nektar Meadery Orange Blossom

Our orange blossom mead is made from the honey of orange and other citrus trees and is aged on American oak. The flavor and bouquet will transport you to warm climates, where citrus groves stretch on for miles and miles. This mead will continue to mature wonderfully in your cellar. 14% ABV

Everything was so good – and undoubtedly, the “Fellowship of the Females” contributed to the positive perception of all the offerings presented by Carol.

After an hour, I texted companion and learned he had just left Shannon's and was resting comfortably on one of the benches arranged around the development. I insisted he come in and he reluctantly agreed, first confirming he would be able to sit somewhere so as not to interrupt the event. Cork and Keg has high-top tables, sofa and love seat combos for their customers, so I told him to get his be-hind in there at once!

I HAD to run up to him to see his first reaction upon entering – and it was priceless! … his open-mouthed staring was reminiscent of the night we met – but now, nearly 20 years later, it was focused on the wide selection of fine and in some cases, rare, craft beer. By the way, I do take pleasure in the fact that after two decades, I still have that same effect on him – don't know why – maybe, I constantly surprise him with my antics!

He jumped to the bar and asked Amanda which of the Terrapin brews she had cold in the cooler behind the bar. I heard a whimper (or was it a gurgle?)  come from him as the list she verbally provided finally got down to Wake-N-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout! …. STOP! .. . speak nary another word! … selection made!

Terrapin describes the Wake-N-Bake:

“Black as night, this coffee stout is thick, rich and full of real coffee flavor. Brewed with the Terrapin Wake-n-Bake coffee blend created by Terrapin & Jittery Joe’s Coffee. The high content alcohol of these beers make them perfect for cellaring…hide them away and pull one out for a special event 2-3 years later.

ABV: 8.6%

IBU’s: 50

O.G.: 20.8

Malt: 2- Row Pale Malt, Flaked Oats, Flaked Barley, Chocolate Malt, Black Malt & Roasted Barley

Hops: Chinook, Northern Brewer

Coffee: Premium blend of Costa Rican, Guatemalan, & Zimbabwe : Premium blend of Costa Rican, Guatemalan, & Zimbabwe

Without a doubt, this is companion's favorite – and is certainly one of mine. The smooth and robust coffee flavor mixed with the oats, barley and malts gives it that sweet taste which is so mesmerizing.  A great end-of-your-prowl selection – I suggest having a nice dinner and follow up with a Wake-N-Bake for dessert!

I was still sluggin' – I mean, sampling, all the fine brews Carol was slingin' about – but by the time companion had finished his Wake-N-Bake, the event had drawn to a close. I brought Kelle over to meet companion since her husband is also a Texas A&M grad. She told us she was going home to quickly grab him (Brad) and come back up since they live just a few blocks away from Cork and Keg.

While she was away, companion and I decided to split Lagunitas Brewing Company's The Censored (aka The Kronic) Rich Copper Ale.

Lagunitas "Censored" 

Lagunitas Brewing Company's website says of the Kro.... uh, The Censored: “The original name of this original ale was originally derived from an origin so heinous that we cannot reveal its aboriginal orogeny. Sorry. Actually, it's an easy drinking malty Copper Ale that goes easy on the hops. Whatever. 6.75% ABV” - I noticed a toast and honey accent on this medium bodied ale. I love it and the story behind its name!

No sooner than we had procured The Censored, Kelle and Brad walked in.  Brad and companion introduced themselves and there began a long discussion about Texas A&M, where they used to live (although separated in time by a couple of decades, amazingly had lived on the same floor of the same dorm), and the impact the Aggies move from the Big12 conference to the Southeastern Conference will have on tradition – you know, the stuff guys like to talk about.

Funny, Brad told him he too felt he would be “in the way” if he violated the “man-ban” requirement, so was planning on staying home all evening. Kelle and I left companion and Brad tellin' “Ol' Ag” stories and settled ourselves at one of the several outside tables in front of Cork and Keg.

After “the boys” had sufficiently supplied each other with tales from the Dixie Chicken (link below), a landmark in College Station, they came outside to join us. “The Chicken”, as all Aggies refer to the place, has been around a LONG time, even earlier than when companion went there (*wink*) and he has told me of “the old days” when the menu consisted basically of Lone Star Longnecks, giant dill pickles and crackers. Bar activities included dominoes and … drinkin' ...

Happy to continue on this sidetrack, companion told me he used to get the best burgers at a place called DSP which stood for Dead-Solid-Perfect. - a house converted into a burger joint on the northwest side of the Aggie campus. He remembers on certain Fridays, he would pick up a DSP burger to go and an announcement board would indicate a performer was appearing there later in the evening who had the same last name as the name on the personalized license plate of the late-model maroon Mercedes parked in the dorm's parking lot. (easy to spot he said amidst the old pickups and dented sedans). The last name was “Lovett” (Lyle being the first name, by the way). He never met him or heard him perform (too busy chasin' skirt, I believe) – but the legend of DSP lives on.

In speaking with Kelle and Brad, we learned of their background and the amazing story of how they relocated their family from Texas. We are excited we have met this beer-centric couple! … great family and outgoing, they are quite popular with the crowd at Cork and Keg!

The event was a smashing success! … what a tremendous evening! … it was difficult pulling ourselves away from Kelle & Brad and the rest of the fine folks we met, but it WAS, unfortunately, a school night. My early feminist-like attraction to the women-only tasting had evaporated in the mix of hops and malts, so I gladly accepted companion's gentlemanly gesture of opening my door and making sure I was safely buckled in. Besides, “the Age of Chivalry has no end” and more significantly, there remains a “little princess” in all of us grown-up girls.

My heartfelt appreciation to Carol Lowrey Graham from Brown Distributing, Amanda from Cork and Keg, Kelle and Brad for providing a most memorable … and perfect ... Jax Brew Bitch evening!

To view photos from the tasting at The Cork & Keg, visit the link below ...

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.273400612745555.66223.181100418642242&type=3

http://terrapinbeer.com/

http://www.lagunitas.com/

http://www.dixiechicken.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cork-Keg-Jacksonville/185758718114182