Kicking-off ACBW at Engine 15 & Poe's Tavern with Highland Brewing Event

Mai Queen nominee proving
 mad skills at
Engine 15 Brewing Company

Alexander Pope was an 18^th Century English poet known for his translations of Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey. It was he who wrote in one of his poems, ”A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.” …. okay, okay … no, I don't sit around and read poetry all day, but Pope's satire is well-known and his quotes are still used in the modern day.  I became fixated on the “Drink deep, or taste not ...” segment, of course – and decided to apply the concept at the beer tasting event being managed that Tuesday evening (May 14) by Carolyn Lowrey Graham of Brown Distributing at Engine 15 Brewing Company (1500 Beach Boulevard – Jax Beach – 904.249.2337).

We made our way over to Engine 15 early enough so there was an ample supply of beer being provided as samples to those who wished to try the various beers on display. As we entered, I noticed Carolyn speaking with Engine 15 customers and pouring samples, respectively.

Carolyn, JBB, owner & brewer Luch and Chris, miming
The "look away" at Engine 15 Brewing Company

Carolyn was featuring the following beer of the Southeast for American Craft Beer Week from:

SweetWater Brewing Company – Atlanta, GA

http://sweetwaterbrew.com/

http://www.facebook.com/sweetwaterbrew

Red Brick Brewing Company – Atlanta, GA

http://www.redbrickbrewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/RedBrickBrewingCompany

Cigar City Brewing – Tampa, FL

http://www.cigarcitybrewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/cigarcitybeer

Highland Brewing Company – Asheville, NC

http://www.highlandbrewing.com/

Tequesta Brewing Company – Tequesta, FL

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

Keeping in mind my motivation for the evening, companion and I ordered and “deeply drank” the following Cigar City Brewing offerings (descriptions per Cigar City's website):

Cigar City's Puppy's Breath Robust
Porter & the Minaret ESB on Nitro

Puppy's Breath Robust Porter
“Dark in color with a ruby hue with forward notes of chocolate and caramel and light toffee notes in the aroma. Flavor has big notes of bittersweet chocolate with notes of caramel and toffee and moderate hop bitterness and more caramel and toffee and slight hints of char. A big take on a classic style.“ - 8.0% ABV – 40 IBUs

JBB Notes: A robust Porter you'll be barking for! … wonderfully in-your-face smoky chocolate flavor!

Minaret Extra Special Bitter (ESB) On Nitro
“Pours amber in color with notes of caramel and slight hints of red delicious apple in the aroma. Flavor has a moderate earthy and herbal hop bitterness followed by moderate caramel notes that are subdued by floral hop bitterness in the finish. A damn good and authentic ESB.“ - 5.0% ABV – 47 IBUs

JBB Notes: Noticed and thoroughly the apple influence in this ESB and maybe a slight floral note. Only the second ESB I have had – definitely looking forward to more of the Minaret and others in the future!

Engine 15 Brewing Company was quite busy that evening but Caleb, Mol and Kevin were, as always, efficient and friendly in their superior service – a great crew, indeed! … Engine 15 continues to excel at knowing what their customers want – and then exceeding the customers' expectations in the delivery!

Although I would like to have stayed longer, commitments beckoned and we needed to head that way. Thank you to Carolyn of Brown Distributing and the crew at Engine 15 Brewing Company for an enjoyable beer-related special event!

To view more photos from Engine 15 Brewing Co., visit the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.301765586575724.71865.181100418642242&type=3

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

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

A dream within a dream ...

Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom and Kristi had joined us during the beer tasting event at Engine 15 and we were all headed over to Poe's Tavern ((363 Atlantic Blvd - Atlantic Beach – 904.241.7637) for a Highland Brewing event.

The namesake of this establishment, Edgar Allan Poe was once quoted

“Man's real life is happy, chiefly because he is ever expecting that it soon will be so.”

A “high-five” to Edgar because MY life was happy since I was certainly expecting an enjoyable experience at Poe's Tavern because of all the good things we had heard about it!

Our servers, Chris and Blake
with E.A. Poe looking on.

Carolyn had accompanied us in the Jeep over from Engine 15 and she led is into the restaurant. We were courteously directed to the proper table and soon Chris and Blake made their appearance as our friendly, informative and efficient servers for the evening.

The two Highland Brewing Company brews being featured that evening were (descriptions per Highland Brewing's website):

Highland Brewing's Gaelic Ale &
the Little Hump Spring Ale

Little Hump Spring Ale

“Little Hump is an American Pale Ale that is meticulously handcrafted for full floral hop aroma and flavor. Brewed with grains from America's heartland - Simcoe for bittering, Amarillo and Cascade (both dry hopped) for aromatics - this beer finishes crisp and clean.” - 4.5% ABV – 32 IBUs

JBB Notes: Surprisingly strong but not offensive aroma – got past that and it was a very pleasant tasting light bodied ale with enough hop to make me glad I was able to try it! … apparently, the supply in this area is soon going to be gone ...

and

Kirsten demonstrating the Randall

Highland Gaelic Ale

“A deep amber colored American ale, featuring a rich malty body. Cascade and Willamette hops add a complex hop flavor and aroma. This ale is exceptionally balanced between malty sweetness and delicate hop bitterness. It has a universal appeal and is our workhorse, accounting for about half of our total production. The dark amber color is similar to a Scottish Ale but the flavor and body is more in the style of American amber.” - 5.6% ABV – 30 IBUs from the brewery

JBB Notes: Gaelic Amber Ale is a staple at Poe's Tavern but that night they were running it thru a Randal with Cascade hops ladling a little more eye-opening hop to the top! …

As I mentioned, we had heard so many good things about Poe's Tavern, we had to try one of their burgers, so companion and I ordered and shared a Black Cat Burger, described on the Poe's Tavern website:

Poe's Tavern, Black Cat Burger
(please note, no felines were harmed
in the making of this succulent beast)

“Grilled Onions, Edgar's Drunken Chili, Applewood Bacon and Pimiento Cheese” - JBB Notes: be still, my tell-tale heart! … this was incredibly delicious – served with our selection of Hand-Cut French Fries as a side.

I just love the décor of Poe's Tavern – lighting, art and accents combine to make Poe's Tavern a great place for a date. Add to that a significant food menu with top quality selections and a great bar, Poe's Tavern will be a certain hit with the one you're with!

I excused myself to “powder” before we left and I was very impressed with the clean and well-stocked restroom. Companion later confirmed the same was true in the other one, as well.

Edgar Allan Poe is
watching you drink

I must say once inside the ladies restroom, I suddenly had the feeling I had entered the wrong one for I heard a man's voice reading The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. Visions of a period-suited gentleman reading from a book and standing on a crate in front of the Men’s Room stalls danced in my head! … the unsettling tale stuck with me, though, as I returned to our table. I could not keep from staring at the image of Edgar himself on the wall … his eyes boring holes into my soul … our thoughts linked … our hearts beating in unison ... mesmerized wasn't the word … I …. I ….

“Once upon a midnight dreary, while I traveled home, weak and beery,
Past darkened closing tap rooms and many a shuttered store.
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my Jeep's front door.
"Tis Tinker Beer," I muttered, "tapping at my Jeep's front door--
Only Tink and nothing more."

Open here I flung the zippered window, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a sexy Fairy of the inebriated days of yore.
Not the least obeisance made she; not a whisper left the lips of she

But, with eyes of mirth at me angled, sat perched upon my dashboard and dangled near my Jeep's front door 
Perched upon Hello Kitty just beside my Jeep's front door --
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Breaking silence I sought the answer to a vexing I'd encountered sitting up on Poe's Tavern's ladies throne,

A man's voice plainly reading of a Raven not too pleasing, which spoke only one word ripping man to inner core.

I wondered if this was a bad omen – if it meant that tomorrow I would be without any brew – heaven please forbid it to be true -

For the storied ebony winged creature as a demonic and wicked preacher renewed his demented chant of “Nevermore, Nevermore ...”

Tink's head wagged left and right, her eyes dancing prepped for flight,

She stood to speak and spied the open window of my Jeep's front door -

“You worry for no reason for the brews are here all season” said she and then hovered ever closer up to me.

“The day is nigh upon you – on the morrow you'll have some new brew – so, forget that bird, Bitch!” – and then disappeared through the open window of my Jeep's front door – just disappeared and nothing more”

Alexander Pope was SO right – a little learning IS a dangerous thing.

My sincere appreciation to Kirsten Oldham Kelley for a great Highland Brewing Company event and to Chris, Blake and the rest of the crew of Poe's Tavern for making my first visit a very memorable and exciting Jax Brew Bitch experience!

To view more photos from Poe's Tavern, visit the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.301768379908778.71866.181100418642242&type=3

http://poestavern.com/atlantic-beach/

http://www.highlandbrewing.com/

James from Team Hopheads
and Mike enjoying Poe's Tavern

James from TeamHopHeads and his friend Mike were at Poe's Tavern and came by our table to say hello, One thing led to another and we all four decided to head over to Lynch's Irish Pub (514 1st Street North – Jax Beach – 904.249.5181).

This was our first visit to Lynch's and it will certainly not be our last! … I loved it from the minute I walked in – spacious with a good feel to it – amazing bar with a healthy selection of tasty brews to choose from – and a very pleasant server, Alexis!

Companion and I ordered and shared the following two brews (descriptions per breweries' websites):

Angry Orchards Hard Crisp Cider &
Lazy Magnolia's Southern Pecan Nut
Brown Ale

Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company's Southern Pecan Nut Brown Ale

“Southern Pecan Nut Brown Ale is the first beer in the world, to our knowledge, made with whole roasted pecans. The pecans are used just like grain and provide a nutty characteristic and a delightful depth to the flavor profile. This beer is very lightly hopped to allow the malty, caramel, and nutty flavors shine through. The color is dark mahogany. Southern Pecan won a Bronze Medal in the 2006 World Beer Cup in the Specialty Beer category.

Mark is the crazy, creative force behind Lazy Magnolia. He comes up with ideas that often seem to have no chance of succeeding. One of those ideas was to make a beer with pecans. Many attempts at nut-beers have resulted in failure due to the high oil content. Mark was determined, so Leslie designed the recipe to work around the problem of nut oil. Even so, she had very little faith in the creation until they poured the first perfect pint. Southern Pecan has been a big hit ever since.”

Angry Orchard Hard Cider Crisp Apple

Live music at Lynch's Irish Pub

“This crisp and refreshing cider offers sweet apple notes upfront with a subtle dryness at the finish for a balanced cider taste. The addition of Fuji apples adds a layer of complexity and brings out a fresh apple aroma and slightly sweet, ripe apple flavor.” - Note: 5% ABV

“Apple Types: Amere de Berthecourt, Beden, Medaille d’or, Michelin, Binet Rouge, Brairtot Fuji, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Joana Gold, Elstar, Granny Smith, Gala, Braeburn”

JBB Notes: Tastes like delicious sweet apple juice – and then provides the wallop you aren't expecting from the 5% ABV

Our visit here was short due to it being a “school night” but I am certainly visiting Lynch's again – when their kitchen is open! … Thanks to Alexis and the bar staff at Lynch's Irish Pub for a delightful first-time experience!

http://www.lazymagnolia.com/verify.php

http://angryorchard.com/

http://www.facebook.com/LazyMagnoliaBrewingCompany

http://www.lynchsirishpub.com/

Getting amped up for Beer Festivities and sampling brews

*le sigh - better luck next time!

Great news came my way on Thursday (April 26) from Scott Russell of North Florida Sales! … He was offering me two tickets to the Folio Weekly Beer & Music Fest at the Moroccan Shrine! …. WooHoo! …

Since Scott was out of town dealing with the loss of a family member, I would have understood if he had not been able to make this happen. But even being out of town, Scott called me and asked if I would mind going by his office to pick them up (and two for Springfield Brew Crew’s, Marc Wisdom). I was honored that he took the time to make sure we all received the tickets during a difficult time for Scott.

We needed to get to North Florida Sales by 5:00 pm, so we had to get an early start. Thanks to “Maggie” our trusty and dependable GPS, we had little trouble finding the place. As we drove into their parking lot, I noticed they had a statue of a Budweiser Clydesdale horse on a pedestal in a landscaped island in the middle – the PERFECT photo op for the Jax Brew Bitch!

After obtaining the tickets at the front desk – and, of course, posing under the Clydesdale, I had a “scathingly brilliant idea”! … we should go enjoy a beer somewhere by the beaches since we were already over halfway there. The only trouble THIS angel was having was deciding exactly where would be the BBB (best brew bar) to visit. So many were the choices!

I knew Green Room Brewing had two things I wanted to try – The Void Black IPA and the ZIPA Zythos IPA … but I also realized that it was Happy Hour at Brix … Ah, decisions are indeed the hinges of destiny (nod to Pythagoras) …  companion had an enlightened suggestion which solved my dilemma– why not do both?

So, Green Room Brewing (228 3rd Street North – Jax Beach – 904.201.9283) became our first stop of the evening. As we entered, we noticed Christina and Jason, the Tap Room Manager behind the bar - I am always glad to see these two! … They both make our visits to Green Room Brewing very enjoyable. I always learn something new about the beaches area – and beer – during my discussions with them. They are delightful in their service to Green Room customers and quite agile and effective on busy nights!

Although there was an impressive selection of beer available, I had my “beer glands” set for The Void Black IPA and the ZIPA Zythos IPA.

Void Black IPA & the ZIPA, Zythos IPA

The smaller crowd gathered was due to it being late afternoon / early evening, so we soon had our beers in hand. While enjoying both of these tasty beverages, owner Eric Luman made his appearance and I was pleased he was gracious enough to come over and say hello, He explained that The Void Black IPA had everything in a stout but the coffee influence – and a healthy addition of hops! … the “jolt” I crave in an IPA is certainly there!

The Zythos IPA (ZIPA) is made with a certain company's proprietary hop blend. This premium pellet blend adds citrus, pine, floral, grapefruit and tangerine notes to this IPA. My taste buds experienced what I felt was a delicious grapefruit and floral mix.

The Matamata by Cigar City
and Swamp Head Brewery 

Eric went on to inform us Green Room had just tapped a collaboration between Green Room Brewing, Cigar City Brewing and Swamp Head Brewery, named Matamata, a new Zealand bitter clocking in at 4.8% ABV. We were provided a sample and it was nice on the palate – and not too “in your face” at 4.8% ABV.

Wishing to take advantage of the aforementioned Happy Hour, we bid farewell to Christina and Jason, quite satisfied with the beer selections we made that day.

Thanks to Christina, Jason and Eric for their consistently excellent service and for making us feel welcome every time we come in! … also, my appreciation for maintaining the comfortable atmosphere and quality brews which made this visit to Green Room Brewing an enjoyable Jax Brew Bitch experience!

http://www.greenroombrewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/GreenRoomBrewing

Although Brix Taphouse (300 2^nd Street North – Jax Beach – 904.241.4668) is situated directly across 3^rd Street from Green Room Brewing, a median prevented companion from driving straight across. (Silly companion – that would never stop me!) … he drove us south to a median opening and triangulated us into a parking spot near the front door of Brix … isn't that akin to another Pythagorean principle? – something to do with geometry? … like the sum of the squares of the sides? … (yes, I wanted to say “thingy”) … well, all I knew I was going to take my BACK-side and sit it squarely into one of the comfy stools at the impressive bar inside Brix Taphouse!

Grady working hard at Brix

Grady and Gina were behind the bar and I must say, these two made this visit spectacular. Grady works the day shift as the friendly and effective Manager of Brix Taphouse and has leeway to select half of the impressive array of beer available on tap. Gina was a sincerely warm and gracious bartender quite handy at slinging brews and the multitude of liquor selections housed behind the bar.

Grady took the time to describe several of the available drafts, each one with tantalizing detail. Grady knows his stuff – and how to treat his customers!

We selected and shared the following tasty brews (descriptions per breweries' websites):

Lagunitas Brewing Company's Cappuccino Stout

“Big, Dark and Scary Imperial-esque Stout Brewed With Plenty of Dark Malts and Roast Barley And Loads of Sebastopol’s Hardcore Coffee for Deep Roasty Flavors and that Extra Krunk.

Note: 9.2% ABV”

JBB Notes: Yes sir, that's my baby! … Cappuccino and Stout? … are you kidding? … an instant JBB fave!

Huyghe Brewery's Delerium Tremens

“Alcohol volume: 8.5% ABV
Colour and sight: pale blond, the fine and regular effervesce ensures a fine and stable head.
Scent: Slightly malty, a nice touch of alcohol, spicy.
Flavour: Feels like the sound shot of alcohol is igniting the mouth. In reality the tongue and palate are warmed. The taste is characterized by its roundness. The aftertaste is strong, long-lasting and dry bitter.”

JBB Notes: This one will come up from behind and surprise you! … a little “tingly in the mouth” … if you like this type of brew, you can't go wrong getting DTs.

Swamp Head Brewery's Stumpknocker Pale Ale

“Stump Knocker Pale Ale got its name from the notoriously feisty Stumpknocker fish that will at times make you think you have hooked into the lunker. True to form, this refreshing Pale Ale remains very smooth and drinkable while maintaining the same hop headed attitude as the biggest boy in the pond.

Stump Knocker features late flavor aroma hops, augmented with two dry hop additions to enhance the aromatics. These techniques produce a hop-centered ale with a crisp, balanced finish that will recharge your palate!”

JBB Notes: Solid Pale Ale participant – good summer beer – slight hop essence.

We also sampled:

Boulder Beer Company's Mojo Risin' Double IPA

“Mojo Risin' Double IPA is a souped up extreme version of Mojo IPA. Brewed with more than a half-ton extra malt and twice the amount of hops – then double-dry-hopped with Amarillo hops for added intensity,

Note: 10% ABV, Amarillo and Centennial hops”

JBB Notes: WOW! … good hop jolt I love – full bodied – a definite future buy for JBB

Cigar City Brewing's Hotter Than Helles Lager

“Our Munich Lager is a nod to the thirst quenching lagers of Germany. Our Helles has a sweet malt expression that is balanced by floral bitterness from the use of German Hallertaur Mittelfruh hops. A very refreshing beer that will also entice you by its subtle complexity and drinkability. Note: 5% ABV”

JBB Notes: I'm not a big fan of lagers but I could tell this one had exceptional flavor – a major step up from your normal lager.

While enjoying our brews, companion excused himself and promptly returned with a look of concern on his face. He suggested I venture over near the restrooms (very clean and well-supplied, by the way) and look at the poster announcing Cinco de Larry-O, an event sponsored by Brix Taphouse to benefit an ill brother of the owners. As I was reading the poster (and trying to hold back some tears), owner Nanci approached and offered more detail about the upcoming event. In our first conversation, I could tell Nanci is a genuine individual with a heart as big as her bar. She is the type of owner that makes me motivated to frequent her establishment more often.

What a great experience! … Gina, Grady and Nancy are simply top-notch … the absolute best and I was bewildered when I checked my watch. GAD! … look at the time!

Lagunita's Cappuccino Stout
and the Delerium Tremens

Time is the soul of this world - I do believe clocks are sensitive to the mood of a room and are in constant battle with mortals, wishing to inflict sadness and boredom as often as possible into their nemeses' lives. If you are waiting for something (boiling of an egg, graduation, the next tapped beer at your favorite brewery), the markers of time slow down to make it even more aggravating and boring. If you are doing something fun (eating a fine meal, graduation day, enjoying the most recently tapped beer), the clocks speed up, minimizing your enjoyment and thus bringing on a period of sadness. (I'll call this my BrewBitchagorean Theory). Sadly, the clocks had conspired to make us call an end to the evening's fun activities. Mustering all of our strength to leave Brix Taphouse, we said goodbye to Grady, Gina and Nanci and thanked them for their superior service.

Settling in the Jeep and preparing myself for a snooze during the long traverse home, I asked companion if Pythagoras was the man who said he had a “golden thigh”. Although he is quite adept at the geometric calculations, companion obviously has no knowledge about the man himself – my clue being how he was looking at me like I had Samian lizards crawling all over my face. I informed him that I had heard the philosopher had indeed made that assertion, odd though it sounds in my ignorance of its meaning or background. As I snuggled into my seat for my nap, I made a mental note to do some more research in the future about this fascinating man Pythagoras – I CERTAINLY want some of what HE was drinkin'.

My heartfelt appreciation to Grady, Gina and Nanci for providing the venue and amazing selection of fine brews making Brix Taphouse the perfect setting in which to end this Jax Brew Bitch Prowl!

http://www.lagunitas.com/

http://www.delirium.be/

http://swamphead.com/splashpage.php

http://www.boulderbeer.com/

http://www.cigarcitybrewing.com/

http://brixtaphouse.com/

http://www.facebook.com/people/Brix-Tap-House/1833373829