DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017
W HAT’S BREWIN G P.2
Big Storm Brew ing
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Get Your Holidays Growling
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NYE Brew s
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End of Year Beer A d v e nt
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Bell’s Two Hearted Ale
Off Tap. is a bimonthly publication of ABC Fine Wine & Spirits. Copyright 2016 ABC Liquors, Inc. All rights reserved.
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BIG STORM BREWING
ME GH A N G U A R INO
If you’ve ever traveled west into Tampa,
was being built, giving him the opportunity to help
you’ve seen the huge billboard looming over
make decisions on the design of the new facility.
the interstate inviting you to Big Storm Brew-
Some of the notable features at this brewery
ing Co. And if you don’t know much about
are an automated CIP (Clean-In-Place) which
Big Storm, you would think it’s a big brewery
helps reduce the amount of wasted water
or one that—gasp!—sold out.
during cleaning; a hop gun for dry-hopping,
And that’s where you’d be mistaken. Big
which pumps beer through the rocket ship-
Storm Brewing is a smaller and way more
looking machine and spins hops around for
personable operation than their infamous
better complexity and less loss of beer; a
billboard suggests. The company began in the garage of owner Mike Bishop. The operation quickly grew to warrant a larger production area leading to the opening of Big Storm’s brewery in Pasco in 2012. A few Best Florida Beer medals later, the brewery was ready for a second expansion, this time adding another facility in Pinellas and expanding the space at their Pasco location.
is moved to the Pinellas location to keep up with demand. Big Storm Pinellas sits back off 49th Street in Clearwater, a flash of color on an otherwise unassuming roadway. Inside, a taproom with a row of handles and a wraparound bar invite you to try a few of Big Storm’s beers. The back wall is a window into a clean, shiny
The new tasting room and brewery opened
brewing facility.
its doors to the beer drinking public in
Andrew Shelton is the head brewer there and
February 2016. Both locations brew beer, though the Pasco facility is where the craftier of their craft beers are created. Small batch and unique beers are piloted and brewed there, however if they garner enough attention, production
oversees the production and canning of Big Storm’s distributed beers. With a background in physics and mathematics and a diploma in brewing from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling at the University of California, Davis, Andrew was hired on as the Pinellas location
centrifuge for filtering; canning and kegging lines; and a lot of room for more growth. At the time of writing, Big Storm had finished canning their Oktoberfest (2016 winner of the Best Beer in Florida at the Best Florida Beer competition) and was gearing up to brew their winter seasonal, Dunder & Blixem, an 8.8% ABV winter ale so called for the original names of the fabled reindeer who pulled Santa’s sleigh, Donner and Blitzen. This brew pours a dark orange/amber color and shows floral hops and brown sugar on the nose. A medium mouthfeel carries flavors of toast, caramel and orange with a hint of sweetness tempered by bitter notes and a warming finish. Pair this 2014 Best Florida Beer silver medalist with grilled lamb and pecan pie.
Big Storm Wavemaker Amber Ale Like the wind mixes the salt air with the sea, this amber ale creates a wave of flavor with malty sweetness at the front, transforming into moderate caramel flavors further on. With year-round drinkability, Wavemaker Amber Ale is perfectly balanced with a subtle floral presence and pleasant hoppy bitterness. 4.9% ABV, 28 IBUs
Very simply, Helicity is wind and water moving together in a circular, rotating motion. The popular flavor of Helicity features lightly kilned malted barley in motion with subtle hops, creating a well-balanced, drinkable pilsner. Winner of a bronze medal at the 2016 Best Florida Beer competition, Helicity is perfect for a day at the beach or a tailgate. 4.3% ABV, 21 IBUs Big Storm Arcus IPA An Arcus is a low, horizontal cloud formation associated with a storm front. With the same gust provided by its namesake, Arcus IPA rolls in with an intense citrusy hop aroma, and is brewed with two-row American pale ale malts. The addition of locally sourced wildflower honey lends a subtle sweetness for a clean and easy finish 6.5% ABV, 56 IBUs
December/January 2017 | Page 3
Big Storm Helicity Pilsner
Get Your
Holidays Growling
A L L I E S MA L LWO O D
‘Tis the season to go big. Your
Since no ordinary brew will do for the
keep local brews and hard-to-find
lower ABV needed for a party of
neighbor is going big with the inflat-
holidays, we’ve ensured that each
beers on tap every week.
this magnitude. Session IPAs also
able winter wonderland, and we’re
of our Brew Stop locations features an array of the rarest, freshest, most
Here are the three beer styles you
typically pair well with rich flavors
sure your workspace is going big with Secret Santa games. Why not go
local beers available. And with 64
big at home, when it’s just you and
ounces of glorious craft beer all kept
the people you love, gathered around
in a single bottle, you could keep a
good food and a warm fire?
crowd of friends happy – especially
Beer is one of the best ways to ramp
when you explore all of the options
need to fill your growlers with this season for the best holiday party this
seroles and spiced meats.
side of 2016. Just remember, our taps
American pale ale. Because the
change regularly and often, so follow
holidays are all about indulgence,
your Brew Stop beer consultant on
and that means tons of yummy,
Facebook and Twitter to keep up with
fatty foods, you’ll need a crisp beer
what’s being tapped all season long.
that slices through the heaviness of
Stout. These dark brews are made
holiday foods and provides
up the occasion, especially if you
at our Brew Stops.
partake in the blessings that are
Our growlers come in two sizes (32
ABC’s Brew Stop growler filling sta-
and 64 ounces) and the PEGAS filling
tions. Beers to be gulped at holiday
systems we use are crazy awesome.
parties have an entirely different set
You can jingle all the way home hap-
of prereqs than your average beer.
pily knowing that your growlers are
You want something that’s session-
filled, sealed and guaranteed fresh for
able so that you can sip all night
at least 14 days, as long as it remains
long – in the cold – and not lose your
unopened.
warmth. You want a combination of
You also might be happy to know
fect location.
that our taps rotate frequently,
Session IPA. Holiday parties
that we thoroughly rinse your
can last for hours, especially
growler every time you
when family is around. Keep
satiety and adaptability; a liquid that links up well with casseroles, soups and pies; a brew with just enough personality to wow your friends, but enough crafted balance to keep them coming back for more.
come in for a refill and that we try our best to
found in dishes like cheesy cas-
to pair with the best of the best
some balance.
when it comes to yummy winter
Find a Brew Stop location near you
food. Stouts have the right amount
and join the growler movement. We’ll
of boldness and body to keep your
be there to fill and refill your growler
guests interested without distract-
every step of the way.
ing them from the daunting task of placing that sneaky elf in the per-
the spirit alive with a style that has all the complexity of the usual IPA, but the
N YE
BRE WS
A L L IE S MA L LWOOD
A long-awaited and celebratory night like New Year’s Eve notoriously
Bell’s Java Stout
calls for bubbles, and many might be afraid to steer away from the
With a powerful coffee nose and palate, this bold beer will help you
classic toaster of Champagne. But true to craft culture, beer drinkers
stay up to watch the ball drop. No need to worry about getting the
like to do things a little differently. We say different is good and beer
jitters, but be aware of mass adoration and the fact that it might
bubbles are just as worthy as wine bubbles.
run out.
Unlike the fairly limited array of flavors exhibited in Champagne, beer
Sonoma Cider Dry Zider
offers a span of palate-pleasing fun. From stouts to ciders to IPAs,
For those seeking an out-of-the-ordinary sip or want to try something
beer drinkers are lucky to have a wide range of flavor to choose from
a little different, this dry cider aged in Zinfandel barrels is a no brainer.
when raising a glass at the stroke of midnight. Because who knows
It’s crisp and bright with a deep berry backbone.
how you’ll be feeling when the clock strikes 12? It’s just as likely
Weihenstephan Hefe Weissbier
to be prepared with both. The following are special, well-done and celebratory brews that will go down as smooth as Champagne.
Super refreshing with banana and clove. Smooth as silk. Something to sip out the old and sip in the new. Oskar Blues Pinner Session IPA New Year’s Eve is the night of all nights to have a few. And with a
Delirium Nocturnum
delicious session IPA like this one, you can have full faith that this
A little something to get you into the holiday spirit quickly. With notes
citrusy little number will keep you at the party all night.
of licorice, coriander, caramel and mocha it’s teeming with all the
Crooked Can Steam Jack
holiday spice your party craves. At 8.5% ABV it’s not exactly sessionable, but it makes for a delightful nightcap. JDub’s Bell Cow Chocolate Porter For some brew heads, dessert beers are a staple. This is for those people who love the satiating sip that a good porter always yields. It’s like chocolate milk straight from the chocolate cow.
It doesn’t get much more celebratory than our 80th anniversary beer from Crooked Can Brewery. Brewed specifically for our guests, it’s malty, crisp and balanced.
December/January 2017 | Page 5
you’ll be craving a Belgian brew as a Florida common, and it’s best
End of Year
ME G H A N GU ARINO
BEER ADVENT
Two days after Hanukkah begins and the day after Christmas is a Monday. That’s a total bummer if you ask me. You’re either coming down from an awesome day or you’re getting ready to really ramp up the holidays and then BAM! Just like that, it’s Monday. So to get you through this case of the blues, we suggest an End of Year Beer Advent Calendar with one beer each day leading up to the New Year. The best way— some would argue the only way—to start 2017 is to end 2016 with your favorite brews. And, with six days to count down, a 6-pack lends itself perfectly to the occasion. The question isn’t whether or not you’re going to do it. It’s which beers are you going to pick? Here are our selections for a well-rounded End of Year Beer Advent Calendar.
Night 1: Christmas Ale – Anchor Brewing
Every year Anchor Brewing releases a Christmas ale that is a liquid embodiment of the holiday spirit. And, as tradition dictates, every year the San Francisco-based brewery revises their Christmas Ale recipe. Though the ingredients are known only to the brewers themselves, this beer is always a dark, spiced ale with rich aromas and a balanced body. This year’s brew is no exception. Sip this on Monday with leftover chocolate chip cookies.
Night 2: 2Xmas – Southern Tier Brewing Co. This cheerful winter treat was inspired by the Scandinavian tradition of glogg, a warm, boozy punch reminiscent of mulled wine. 2Xmas is a double spiced ale brewed with orange peels and figs, cinnamon and ginger, cardamom and clove. The spicy, medium body is complemented by a malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness. You’ll get notes of raisins and hints of molasses, a touch of fruit cake and nuances of citrus. It’s definitely bold, complex and full-flavored. Think all things merry this time of year packed into a festively-labeled bottle of ruby red, lightly carbonated beer. This is a good pairing for rich cheeses. Night 3: Christmas Ale – St. Bernardus
This Belgian quad is hard to beat this time of the year. With mouthwatering aromas as soon as the cork is popped and a beautiful dark pour, this seasonal is a serious stunner before it even hits your lips. A delicate but robust body is enhanced by plum pudding, mulling spices, dried fruit and caramel. Though the alcohol hits 10%, it’s a smooth sipper that pairs nicely with nights by the fire.
Night 4: Celebration – Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale is a deeply flavored beer brewed with generous doses of Cascade, Centennial and Chinook hops. With less winter spice and more piney hop bitterness than most other holiday beers, this brew is surprisingly fresh, satisfyingly flavorful and delightfully delicious for the season. In true Sierra Nevada fashion, Celebration Ale is bold, aromatic and complex with malt, citrus and pine nuances. It is the epitome of a winter IPA and goes well with turkey dinners.
Night 5: Delirium Noël – Brouwerij Huyghe If you don’t recognize the pink elephants pulling the sleigh on this speckled gray bottle, get familiar. A true Belgian brewery, Brouwerij Huyghe is known for their full-flavored, award-winning sipping beers. Delirium Noël is no exception. With a deep copper color and a quick-to-disperse, cream-colored head, this is a Belgian strong ale that exudes caramel malt and spice aromas upon first pour. The palate shows notes of toast, pepper, dark fruit and honey with a hint of that caramel malt that first showed in the bouquet. For a highly complex beer, it’s easy-drinking, even at 10% ABV. Try it with French toast or holiday chocolate. Night 6: Fireside Chat – 21st Amendment
Ruby in color and smooth on the palate, 21st Amendment’s Fireside Chat is an English ale brewed with all the spice you would hope to find in a winter ale. Specially made with cocoa nibs for added seasonal flavor, this 7.9% ABV beer is rich, dark and delightful. Nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice play in both the aroma and the flavor, while moderate bitterness and mild hoppiness persist throughout. Try this on cold Florida nights to keep you warm and chatty.
December/January 2017 | Page 7 December/January 2017 | Page 7
8 989 SOUTH ORANGE AVE. ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32824
BELL’S TWO
HEARTED
K AY L E E J E N Z E N
Many have seen or heard of Bell’s Two Hearted Ale on tap
Bell’s serves up eight year-round beers with a handful of
or in their local ABC, but few know why this brew is one of
seasonal and specialty brews from time to time. Among their
a handful of well-known and recognized beers in the craft
flagship few, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale is a year-round staple
industry. Larry Bell, the man behind it all, started on a beer
with a strong following. After Two Hearted Ale was released in
conquest with a mere interest in yeast and the fermentation process while working an afterschool job at a bakery in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In the early 80s he opened a homebrew supply store, and by the mid-80s Bell introduced his first commercially available beer. Within a year’s time, Bell went from brewing 15 gallons out of a soup pot to 135 barrels and has been growing in size ever since. With thousands of square feet and the addition of a bar and full service restaurant, the Eccentric Café, Bell’s has managed to stay true to its roots. Bell’s has a mission of staying family owned and sustainable as
2000, the sole use of 100% Centennial hops has become the standard for which other brewers strive when creating their own IPAs. Featuring American malts and huge Centennial hop additions, this delicious amber ale is perfect for the transition into cooler temperatures. Two Hearted Ale is golden amber in color with a higher alcohol content holding strong at 7%. Plentiful citrus and bright flavors, but also full of body and mouthfeel, this American IPA is refreshing while still remaining remarkably drinkable. Pair this delicious beer with fresh, bright-flavored dishes that contain citrus or cilantro, or even spicy dishes with an emphasis
well as an unwavering commitment to inspired brewing and pro-
on curry. Think Thai cuisine, beef tacos, and gorgonzola
ducing great beer, and that’s something worthy of raising a glass.
or cheddar cheeses.