Beer, Whiskey and Rum ... Oh, my!

Carolyn and the JBB

Of course, with an event advertised as “Frothy Friday”, there was no way the Jax Brew Bitch was not going to attend. Carolyn Graham of Brown Distributors was hosting a tasting at Riverside Liquors on Friday, March 16.  She was featuring concoctions prepared by Left Hand Brewing Company, Cigar City Brewing, Ruckus Brewing and Coronado Brewing Company.

I sampled (and purchased) Coronado Brewing Company's Saison By The Sea and Ruckus Brewing's Hoptimus Prime Double IPA.  They were exceptional!

The Coronado Saison by the Sea is noted on the label as being a “Belgian-Style Ale Brewed with Spices” -  blindfolded, I would have said something like “Orangey-Gingery-Spicy” - and something I never would have thought I would like. However, my horizons have expanded and there are a number of Saisons I now like – including this one.

Ruckus Brewing's Hoptimus Prime is described on their website: “Aggressively formulated with five different hop varieties, Hoptimus Prime is then dry hopped for two weeks, ensuring a MASSIVE hop flavor and aroma. Perfectly balanced with three types of malt, Hoptimus Prime is truly the pinnacle of hop flavor.
This Double IPA pairs fantastically with spicy Thai food, Mexican cuisine, or a big ol' bowl of chili.”

With a reported ABV of 9.0% and 92 IBUs, I believe the best pairing would be me with an open bottle of this delicious brew. I'll see your Chicken Satay and Shredded Pork Enchilada and raise you one bowl of my famous Chili Robert (pronounced Roebair).

With eye-blitzing hop flavor, this Double IPA  delivers as advertised. Thank you, Ruckus Brewing!

Rogue Dead Guy Whiskey
and Pink Gin

So, was Carolyn through tempting me and other patrons with fine alcohol-laden offerings? … certainly you jest … Carolyn floored me with a couple of whiskey samples … yes, whiskey! … something I have yet to acquire a taste for – but “demure I ain't” … so, gimme a two-fingers, barkeep …

First up was Rogue's Dead Guy Whiskey (80 Proof) and it is described on Rogue's website:

 “Delicately sweet with a rich malt complexity, opens up to a warm peppery finish. Dead Guy Whiskey is made with the same 4 grains that are used to make Dead Guy Ale since 1991. Northwest Harrington, Maier Munich, Klages, and Carastan malts; Free Range Coastal Water & Distiller's yeast.”

Steeling myself for a harsh “Whiskey Trip” (nod to Gary Stewart - RIP), I was surprised it was a lot more pleasant than expected on the back end – both of the taste and my own since I didn't end up falling on it!

Palm Ridge Reserve

Following up the Rogue offering was a whiskey from a small town not quite two hours from here – Umatilla, Florida. Palm Ridge Reserve Whiskey (90 Proof) is described on their website:

“Florida Farm Distillers is a micro-distillery located on a small cattle farm near Umatilla, Florida. Owners Marti and Dick Waters believe that their personal and detailed attention makes Palm Ridge Reserve™ stand out from other mass produced liquors. The boutique operation produces a 90 proof, young Florida Bourbon-style whiskey. This limited quantity, select whiskey (only 500 cases per year), is non-chill filtered, mellowed with toasted orange and oak woods, and left to finish in small charred oak barrels.”

WooHoo! … flavorful, the definite oak “hint” is apparent and this whiskey is indeed smooth. FYI - Carolyn suggested adding a  little bit of water to release the oils when enjoying this whiskey at home.

Siesta Key Silver
and Siesta Key Gold

When Carolyn learned I like rum, she further led me down Distillery Road by providing samples of two different Siesta Key Rums from Sarasota, Florida. I'm rather picky about my rum, having lived in the Caribbean a few years and consistently prefer Cruzan Rum from St. Croix. These two rums, a light and a dark, from Drum Circle Distillery, are named Siesta Key Silver Rum and Siesta Key Gold Rum.

Drum Circle's website describes the Silver Rum: “Our silver rum is made with molasses from Florida-grown sugar cane, triple-filtered water, and a secret set of yeasts. We have a unique distillation and filtration process that results in a pure, flavorful and incredibly smooth rum that you are sure to enjoy straight or mixed.

We are also pleased to highlight that Siesta Key Silver Rum took the Best in Class Gold medal at the largest rum festival/competition in the western hemisphere, the RumXP International Tasting Competition, beating out several large well known brands in a blind taste test. Earlier batches also won a Silver Medal at the 2010 International Rum Festival, a Silver Medal at the highly competitive New York International Spirits Competition and a Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.”

And of the Gold Rum, they state: “Siesta Key Gold Rum is hand-crafted in small batches in Sarasota, Florida at our small, artisan distillery. We make our rums from start to finish, using local 100% Florida grown sugar cane, triple-filtered water, and distillation in a true copper pot still.

Our Gold Rum is additionally aged in new, charred American oak barrels to bring out it's wonderful color and vanilla and caramel notes. The result is a high-quality, smooth and flavorful rum that can be enjoyed sipped neat or over ice, or used as the base for your favorite rum cocktails.”

Quality of both rums is superb and neither possess that painful “jet-fuel” aftertaste common in most commercial rums … and guess what? … Spiced Rum is coming soon! … Ah, meson!

Endeavoring to come full circle, I was bound and determined to get back on the beer track, so I ordered a Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale – now, THAT'S a mouthful. I enjoyed this robust brew, described on Sierra Nevada's website: “Our award-winning barleywine boasts a dense, fruity bouquet, an intense flavor palate and a deep reddish-brown color. Its big maltiness is superbly balanced by a wonderfully bittersweet hoppiness.”

Scooby to the Hops, Bigfoot! … Scooby to the Hops! … so delicious … and did I mention 9.6% ABV and 90 IBUs? … Such a great eye-poppin' way to end this tasting experience.

Thanks to Riverside Liquors and Carolyn with Brown Distributors for providing such a unique event for what was for me, part of a very exciting Jax Brew Bitch Prowl!

http://www.coronadobrewingcompany.com/

http://www.ruckusbrewing.com/

http://www.rogue.com/spirits/dead-guy-whiskey.php

http://palmridgereserve.com/home.html

http://www.drumcircledistilling.com/

http://www.sierranevada.com/beers/bigfoot.html

Guest of the Mad Hatter

The growling heard throughout Riverside was emanating from my stomach. To quiet the deafening roar, I search quickly for a nearby purveyor of food and realized one of my favorites, Hovan, was a short walk away. I love this place – the appetizers are delicious, made even more so by the follow-up California Dreaming Hookah. Best of all? … Sierra Nevada Stout for $2 … yes, $2 – all their beers are $2 … a great value.

http://www.hovan5points.com/

Rejuvenated by the food, there was more prowling to come. The group then decided karaoke was in order so we headed over to Mc B's Lounge and Karaoke Bar at 6211 St. Augustine Rd. (University).

Our bartender was Theresa, who served us well that evening. This is a smoking establishment offering bottled beer and hard liquor only – no food, of course. Strong cigarette odor exists, so be aware. If you like Line Dancing and Karaoke, this is the place for you! ... The bathrooms were very clean and the friendly eclectic crowd was obviously “regulars”. This local establishment might be considered by some as a “dive” or “hole in the wall” - but it is a cool one, even so.

One negative is how they threw out my friend's daughter when they learned of her being only 20. Now, I certainly understand the law and the concern by the establishment; however, to put a beautiful young woman out on the street alone? … POOR decision in this day and time … and doing so without checking IDs as people enter? … probably incurs substantial liability.

This lapse of clear-thinking will not keep me from visiting in the future, though – it is a neat venue to try, if you have not already.

http://www.yuengling.com/over21/over21.php?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yuengling.com%2F

After most of our group (not me) had their turn at the microphone, we headed over to Mavericks at The Landing to end the evening. Admission was $5 and they have a minimum set for credit/debit transactions at $10. There is an ATM machine in case you're under the $10 minimum but mind the ATM fees. This combination will make it a little more difficult to make this a regular stop on prowls, but the atmosphere was nice. Looks like being in an “iffy” location anyway (The Landing), they would want to do more to make it easier to spend your money there – but like I said, the atmosphere was nice.

My drink of choice was a margarita – which was tasty and prepared properly.

Spotting a mechanical bull, I was dissuaded from trying by some in the group since companion was out of town and no one wanted to deal with an injured inebriate. Maybe when companion returns, he can show me how they do it Texas …

There was a live DJ and dancing – full liquor bar and beer both bottled and on tap.

I was glad to be back at Mavericks again – the last time, we were there to see David Allan Coe perform, a rather uninspired appearance for him, an obvious surprise for the staff, as well. This visit was a bit more satisfying and served well as the last stop on a wonderful Jax Brew Bitch evening.

http://mavericksatthelanding.com/

Visit the link below to view more photos ...
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/set=a.261711220581161.63648.181100418642242&type=3

Procrastination is what I do best but this is a biggie ...

Since early January, out-of-town family health issues, a death in the family, the birth of my second niece and traveling with companion during his work-related trips made it difficult to focus as the Jax Brew Bitch. On top of that companion and I have both had a bout with the usual cold/flu symptoms.

However, now being “back in the saddle” and the “malts and hops neuron/synapse actuators” hummin' , I have been able to reflect a bit over the past few weeks about the times we DID get to enjoy some good chews and brews during our travels and here at home with our good friends.

JAN 22 thru FEB 04

Gulfport trip

Salvo's Seafood in Belle Chase, Louisiana – oysters, crawfish, catfish and crabs – specials during the week!

http://www.salvosseafood.com/

Darwell's Cafe in Long Beach, Mississippi – of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives fame – Crawfish Etoufee at lunch – unique eclectic atmosphere – good food but my recipe is still the best ;)

http://www.darwellscafe.com/

The Shed BBQ in Gulfport, Mississippi - Pulled Pork Plate with G-Maw’s Famous Beans and Momma Mia’s Mac Salad! … yummers! ,,, Happy Hour 2-for-1 Drafts – I had Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company's Southern Pecan Nut Brown Ale! … Woo-Hoo! … 2-for-1 ! …

Per Lazy Magnolia's website:

“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.”

http://theshedbbq.com/

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

FEB 05 thru MAR 01

Which brings me current up to last night, March 2! … we are blessed with good friends and fellowship with them in person and via text messages helped get us through the stressful times over the past couple of months.

So, about last night … we had originally planned to meet Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom at European Street for Happy Hour and a quick bite so that we could also meet his new friend, Kristi. What an amazing woman! … and so cute! I love her and she’s a new BFF.

However, Debbie contacted us and suggested we meet her at Riverside Liquors for a wine tasting at 5:30 pm. Upon arrival, we noticed Marc and Kristi were already there and we were soon joined by Vince, Debbie and some more of her friends.

It was my first visit to Riverside Liquors – and I was very impressed.

We had passed this establishment on foot and in vehicle many times since moving to Jacksonville, but never ventured inside. From the exterior, one unfamiliar with the history of this business would never know it possesses a very nice bar at the rear. Scott was our bartender for the evening and he was simply amazing – providing prompt and professional service with a smile to an impressively growing crowd.

I treated myself by sampling some of the flavorful wine being offered in the tasting but did not want to over-do since I knew I would be enjoying some brews, somewhere later. Companion indicated he was fully appreciating the Bells Two Hearted Ale he had requested from Scott … and then even better news: $3.50 for the glass poured from the bottle – and most all of their craft beers are available for that same price! …. WooHoo! … almost like drinking at home – but in a social setting! … of course, I had to have one of my own.

Bell's Brewery indicates the Two Hearted Ale:  is defined by its intense hop aroma and malt balance. Hopped exclusively with the Centennial hop varietal from the Pacific Northwest, massive additions in the kettle and again in the fermenter lend their characteristic grapefruit and pine resin aromas. A significant malt body balances this hop presence; together with the signature fruity aromas of Bell's house yeast, this leads to a remarkably drinkable American-style India Pale Ale.  Note: 7.0% ABV

We were all having so much fun and not wanting to leave, so companion and I decided to split one more and I asked him to surprise me – and a wonderful surprise it was! …

Companion selected Sierra Nevada's Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale

Our award-winning barleywine boasts a dense, fruity bouquet, an intense flavor palate and a deep reddish-brown color. Its big maltiness is superbly balanced by a wonderfully bittersweet hoppiness.

Notes:

ABV: 9.6% !!!       IBU: 90

A wonderful venue for enjoying competitively-priced brews, we plan on making Riverside Liquors a regular stop on future Jax brew Bitch prowls!

http://riversideliquors.biz/

http://bellsbeer.com/brands/#Year_Round-1

http://www.sierranevada.com/beers/bigfoot.html

A chant began at our end of the bar dealing with sustenance which made me realize how hungry I was … so, the group splintered – the one of which we were members headed for Domo Crepes around the corner at 813 Lomax Street. The other sliver of our group had decided to eat at nearby Hovan.

Companion and I had enjoyed a sweet crepe on an earlier evening out at Domo Crepes, so I was looking forward to trying one of their “Savory Crepes”. I ordered the “Firecracker Chicken Crepe” - $8.49 and companion selected the “Firecracker Steak Crepe” - $8.99 and we split a bottled Corona with lime.

BOTH of the crepes were delicious! … while enjoying mine, I tasted companion's Firecracker Chicken crepe and I will be ordering that one next time.

Service was prompt and friendly – another thing which impressed me was their willingness to have other patrons come in after the posted closing time. Of course, this makes sense in running a business such as Domo Crepes, but aren't you amazed at how many establishments wave customers off who approach their doors right at closing time?

For the others at the table (Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom, Kristi, Vince and Debbie), this was their first visit to this establishment and apparently all were pleased. Thanks to Domo Crepes for a wonderful Jax Brew Bitch experience!

http://www.domocrepesetc.com/

We joined the rest of the group over at Hovan and enjoyed some great fellowship. We decided to share a hookah, a couple of Heinekens and a piece of baklava. It was splendid weather and we stayed outside until closing time. Great, friendly service and pleasant atmosphere indeed added to this wonderful evening. Thanks to   Hovan for their superior customer service!

http://www.hovan5points.com/

A suggestion was made to make our way over to Bold City Brewery so we saddled up the Jeep and met Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom, Kristi and Vince for a quick beverage before last call. Companion and I opted for their 1901 Red Ale, one of our favorites.

Bold City describes the 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.“

Thank you to Bold City Brewery for always being a place to enjoy good brews and share some quality time with friends!

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

Sadly, last call was sounded, motivating us to finish the evening – at Kickbacks Gastropub. The Jeep is much like Herbie from the old Disney movies when it hears we are heading there – and seems to always find a parking place in a designated parking spot.

Companion selected the Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout and I opted for Ballast Point's Big Eye IPA .

Already one of our fav's, Great Divide Brewing's Oak Aged Yeti consistently delivers the eye-opening characteristics we enjoy. Great Divide's own description states this Oak Aged Imperial Stout:

“is Yeti Imperial Stout’s sophisticated sibling. They may be from the same clan, but they have entirely different personalities. Oak aging gives a subtle vanilla character, rounding out Yeti’s intense roastiness and huge hoppy nature. Who says you can’t tame a Yeti?”  Note: 9.5% ABV!!!

Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom was suggesting we try the Ballast Point Big Eye IPA, so I went along with his recommendation. So glad I did! … I've come a long way in my appreciation of hoppy IPAs and this one was outstanding!

Ballast Point Brewing Company uses the following description:

“If you have fallen for the IPA style like we have, Big Eye will be a welcome addition to your repertoire.  You’ll revel in Big Eye’s bitter, hoppy flavor thanks to the American Columbus and Centennial hops that are used to flavor and dry hop our flagship IPA.

We thank our hops every day that the English loved their bitters—or else the IPA style may not have been born to help the beer survive the journey from Cape Hope to India back in the 18th century.”

Notes: 7.0% ABV    IBU: 75

Seeing everyone around us eating, we gave in and ordered some basic food available at Kickbacks – mac 'n cheese and Ramen Noodles. Companion, of course, HAD to request the bacon on top of the mac 'n cheese – and yes, I had a few bites – so decadent for such a basic food item! … the Ramen was everything I remembered from my youth – and it just what I needed at that time of night!

Thank you to Steve and his crew at Kickbacks Gastropub for providing such a fitting end to an excellent Jax Brew Bitch evening!

http://greatdivide.com/

http://ballastpoint.com/

http://www.facebook.com/kickbacksgastropub