Happy New Year

Like every other beer geek douchebag out there I had one of these to ring in 2011. Flame on, I had fun. I bet you did too.

I've read some not-so-nice things about this beer. I liked it. Nice musty, almost toffee aroma. Bubbly, dry, yet . . . sweet. A bit too thick. A little syrupy. Not bad. Although, I think I prefer champagne.

And we are back...

Sorry for the lack of updates this past week, we were out of town and had limited time for web based activity. Got a lot done in Orlando, more on that later. For now, read this. No Label Brewing made it official with their first commercial keg. Congratulations to them. Looking forward to trying their beers (duh).

Nice Surprise

So I'm lurkin' the beer aisle at Central Market for a good beer to bring to the Spradling's Winter Solstice party and this guy jumped out at me. I slammed the brakes and picked up a six pack. A fine beer for a cool winter's eve. More of a pleasant surprise than nice, but now I'm just rambling. It's Christmas week, what do you want from me?

Craft Orlando, Ctd.

Florida Taproom. Close to my parents. Hopefully not full of Florida scumbags.

JK Black Metal Stout Released Today

I am hoping to have a pint before leaving for Florida. If I don't, Christmas will be ruined.

Craft Orlando, Ctd.

Some more Orlando beer stuff.



I'm having lunch with my Dad and Stepmom the day after Christmas. They are staying near Disney. I am going to push for lunch or at least a stop into Big River Grille & Brewing Works.



Cocoa Beach Brewing Company is close to my cousin's house. Maybe.



In nearby Mineola, these dudes might be worth a peek.



These guys have been around for awhile now, but I hardly ever see their beers when I visit Orlando. I WILL TRY some this time.

Craft Orlando

Going to Orlando for Christmas next week. Time to check into what is going on beer wise lately in my home town.




This place is opening soon, not soon enough for our visit though:

January 28 has been set for the grand opening of Shipyard Brewery & Emporium, the brewpub/cafe from the Maine-based beer maker. You can expect a soft opening before that date, but no decision has been made as to when customers will be accepted.

Shipyard Emporium will be at 200 W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park in the building that most recently held Strollo’s Cucina Due. It was also the site of the original Dexter’s of Winter Park. Shipyard will brew its own beers on the premises, but only in small batches.

The cuisine part of the operation will be under the direction of Joslyn Tusa, a graduate of Southeastern Culinary Academy. No menu has been set, according to Shipyard spokeswoman Tami Kennedy, but the official logo, seen here, refers to the Emporium as a "market, bakery & brew pub." Tony Adams of Big Wheel Provisions had previously been attached to the project but is no longer.

I mean it's Shipyard, but it will still be cool to check out next time I am down there.

There are a few World of Beers now in Central Florida, but luckily there is also one about five minutes from my parents' house. Nice.


photo: Evan Gordon

And of course Knightly Spirits is close at hand. Actually it's not so close now, damn! They moved 15 minutes further away.



I need to finally check out this place.