Good news on the beer hunting front. I have found a solid supply of both craft and import beers just down the road from my house. Finally! After searching all of the grocery and liquor stores for miles, I think I finally have a place to source beers for my tastings. Unfortunately they only sell multi-packs and they sell them at a hefty price. Hmmmm. To buy or not to buy? That is the question. My first visit I settled on buying. If I find another place then I can change that decision in the future. I have a couple other places to try based on recommendations from locals and Rate Beer. Over all, I would say that Florida appears to be under developed as a craft market by about 4 years by my estimate. Yes, I can find Sam Adams Boston Lager and a few other fuller flavored beers in a grocery, but the depth and choice is lower than what I have become accustomed to in Houston, LA and Milwaukee. Luckily Bell's and Flying Dog have recently entered the market so I think things will begin to improve some. Still a lot that I would like to see added though! Here is what I picked up this past week and will taste as I have time: Dogfish World Wide Stout, Brooklyn Local 1, and Sam Adams Imperial Pilsner. The Imperial Pilsner intrigued me because it is a single hop (Hallertau) beer which is always a great study on the bitterness, flavor, and aromas that can be coaxed from that particular variety. The Pilsner also is a relatively mild base compared to a single hop IPA so the hops should be the star of the show.
Speaking of Sam Adams...anyone read about their cease and desist letter for the guy running for Mayor in Oregon? Talk about bad PR! I think this certainly qualifies as "Ready, Fire, Aim!" Good luck to the lawyer who has to explain to Jim Koch why people are boycotting his beer.
In totally unrelated news, Ian Lendler of Mental Floss compiled a couple of alcohol related stories that I found humorous. The story was picked up by CNN. If you are in need of a distraction or a laugh, be sure to check it out. Drinking Stories That Put Yours to Shame
