FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015
WHAT’S BREWI NG P.2
Fu nky Bu dd ha
P.4
The Fla gship
P.6
Bee r an d L over s and Lov er s of Beer
P.7
Wha t to Do wit h W int er Seas onals
P.8
NOLA Brewing
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offtap@abcfws.com to be pointed in the right direction.
Allie Smallwood Contributing Editor
Funky Buddha
Lorena Streeter
Contributing Editor
J A M A L JA C K SON , BEER C ON SU LTAN T – F T. LAU D ER D ALE @ ABC BEER J AM ALJ
Let me start off by saying that I really enjoy craft beer and over the years it has become one of my favorite hobbies. One of the reasons I enjoy the craft scene is the local breweries. My favorite is Funky Buddha, which is located in the heart of Oakland Park, a mere five-minute drive from my home ABC on North Federal Highway. Funky Buddha first started off as a lounge and small brewery in Boca Raton, Florida. Their main focus was—and still is—to use natural ingredients to make beers that possess big and bold flavors. As their beers gained popularity, the brewery moved into a 40,000 square foot building in Oakland Park, powered by a 30-barrel, 3-piece brewhouse that delivers 1,000 gallons of beer per batch into two 120-barrel and four 60-gallon fermenters. In other
and sticky baklava. You can find both Hop Gun and
words, it’s South Florida’s largest microbrewery.
Floridian in 6-packs at your local ABC from Miami to Orlando.
And as South Florida’s largest microbrewery, Funky Buddha put Ft. Lauderdale on the map in the world of
Funky Buddha also does a great job of special
beer. With only five short years of operating, they’ve
releases, like Last Snow, a porter brewed with
effortlessly ascended into craft beer fame. They’ve
coconut, coffee and white chocolate. This is a
already been recognized by RateBeer.com, Beer
stunning, lip-smacking dark beer—you won’t be
Advocate and a number of newspapers and craft
disappointed. And finally, the beer that started it
beer magazines as a must-try. This is largely due
all in the original lounge in Boca: Maple Bacon
to their ability to create beers that taste exactly the
Coffee Porter. It actually tastes like breakfast in
way they’re promised to taste—if you’re handed a
a bottle. This beer recently received rave reviews
peanut butter and jelly beer, you will taste the jelly
from all craft publications; Draft Magazine named
and peanut butter swirled together on fluffy bread.
this beer one of the top 25 beers in 2014. This highly
You will taste every flavor that you would taste in
anticipated release has become so big that they have
the actual sandwich. And it will absolutely blow
a festival for it in January, which brings out people in
your mind.
droves, anxiously waiting and counting down each newly tapped keg.
A few of their flagship beers are Hop Gun IPA and Floridian Hefeweizen. Hop Gun IPA is a full-flavored
This place is the total package. The staff and the
IPA that delivers notes of citrus, pineapple and
locals that work and go there are very friendly,
grapefruit. Made with caramel malts and an extra
reinforcing what the craft beer community is all
dose of American hops, this Florida favorite is
about. A lot of camaraderie keeps Funky Buddha
balanced and hop-forward. On the other hand,
as a favorite among locals and the entire craft beer
Floridian is a hefeweizen that shows nice notes of
world. I encourage you to stop in next time you’re in
clove and banana. Pair this golden, German-style ale
town and get a taste of this truly unique and brazen
with anything from goat cheese to ultra-sweet
brewery. You won’t be disappointed.
Hop Gun If you’re looking for hops, we’ve got your tail. Hop Gun IPA delivers a payload of good ol’ American hops straight to your palate, bursting forth with the flavors of grapefruit and pineapple. A careful dose of smooth caramel malts swoop in to balance out the finish — just like any good wingman should. – Brewery Notes
Floridian Our unfiltered and refreshing German-style wheat beer is full-on flavor yet light on the palate. Authentic hefeweizen yeast creates the compelling aromas of bananas, citrus and cloves, while the all-wheat and malt body perfectly captures the brilliance of a golden Florida sunset. – Brewery Notes
More Moro Blood Orange IPA – Seasonal Juice, son. This beer’s got it—and then some. As you might know, we’re all about bold flavors here at Funky Buddha Brewery. So when we say we put “loads of blood orange juice” in our delectable More Moro Blood Orange IPA, what we mean precisely is that we infuse an already citrusy, hop-forward IPA with enough real blood orange juice to eliminate scurvy in a small country. – Brewery Notes
Blueberry Cobbler Ale – Seasonal Summertime, you’ve met your match. Blueberry Cobbler Ale is a copiously blueberried glass of goodness, generously dosed with real vanilla beans, quality imported cinnamon and blueberries. It’s purple, not because we add coloring, but because we use blueberries. Imagine that. A sip is akin to a bite of fresh baked blueberry pie, calling your name ever-so-gently as it cools on the window. Well, this time you can sneak a glass. Go ahead. We won’t tell. – Brewery Notes
THE ADAM SHUGAN, BEER CONSULTA N T – GAIN ESVILLE @ABCBEERADAM S
The flagship beer. This is a beer that every brewer has. It is the
and Out of Bounds stout. These year-round releases are tried and true,
beer that, when you hear about it or see it on draft or at the store, you
their recipes are never tweaked, and they have been brewed since the
recognize it and the brewery right away. It is the beer (or sometimes
breweries opened their doors.
beers) that the brewer takes pride in. Many times, it is the beer that generates the most sales for the brewery. It is not necessarily the
On the other hand, Anchor Brewing has a single beer with a cool
best the brewery has to offer, but it is the style or name that people
backstory that is really special to the brewery—and that’s their flagship.
identify with the most. Some people only know the brewery by that
The brewery created a whole beer style, the California Common,
one particular beer. I have had customers ask for “Fat Tire beer,”
with the first brewing of Anchor Steam Beer in 1896. At the time, beer
and when I inform them that it is an amber ale brewed by New Belgium
brewed on the West Coast of the United States was nicknamed “steam
Brewery, they had no idea that New Belgium produces a whole line of
beer” for its brewing technique of fermenting the beer on the rooftops
other beers and styles—it’s the same with Magic Hat #9.
during the cool winter nights in California, while steam rose from the warm wort. Anchor Brewing’s flagship brew, Anchor Steam Beer,
But back to flagship beers being plural: Swamp Head Brewery
combines pale and caramel malts for a smooth amber beer with a thick
of Gainesville has five (Midnight Oil oatmeal coffee stout, Stump
creamy head. And they aren’t the only brewery to consider a beer with
Knocker pale ale, Wild Night honey cream ale, Big Nose India pale
a backstory their flagship. Here are a few others:
ale and Cottonmouth Belgian witbier). It may seem like a lot, but some breweries consider their core, year-round brews their flagships. These
Erie Brewing’s Railbender Ale is a Scottish-style ale named for the
beers are readily available and the brewer always has the ingredients
laborers who laid track to build the important transportation hub in
for them on hand. Swamp Head isn’t the only one, however. Victory
Pennsylvania in the 19th century.
Brewing has four (Head Waters pale ale, Hop Devil India pale ale, Golden Monkey Belgian-style tripel and Prima Pils German pilsner),
Full Sail Brewing has Amber Ale, which was the first of that style in
and Cigar City Brewing comes in with six (Jai Alai India pale ale,
Oregon as well as the first craft beer to be bottled in the state in 1989.
Invasion pale ale, Florida Cracker Belgian white ale, Maduro brown ale, Hotter Than Helles lager and Tocobaga red ale). Adam Avery, president and brewmaster of Avery Brewing, took several years to perfect his three flagship beers, Redpoint amber ale, Ellie’s brown ale
The beer that started the American craft beer movement, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, was actually Sierra Nevada Brewery owner and brewmaster Ken Grossman’s second beer he ever brewed, the first
FAT TIRE
RAILBENDER ALE
Brewed by New Belgium Brewing Company
Brewed by Erie Brewing Co.
Ft. Collins, Colorado
26 IBUs, 6.8% ABV
72 IBUs, 5.2% ABV Pair with flank steak or smoked chicken
Erie, Pennsylvania Pair with smoked chicken and pork, mild cheese or crème brûlée
SIERRA NEVADA PALE ALE Brewed by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Chico, California 38 IBUs, 5.6% ABV Pair with grilled meats and roasted vegetables
FLAGSHIP being an American stout. His use of fresh, whole cone hops introduced
Sam Calagione, founder and president of Dogfish Head, opened
West Coast hop strains to beer-loving Americans.
the smallest commercial brewery in America at the time and the first brewpub in Delaware in its original location of Rehoboth Beach.
Co-founder of New Belgium Brewery Jeff Lebesch brewed Fat Tire
Dogfish Head’s very first beer, Shelter pale ale, was brewed in a tiny
amber ale in his basement after coming up with the recipe on a
12-gallon system consisting of three kegs on propane burners.
mountain bike tour of Europe through some world famous beermaking villages.
Greg Koch and Steve Wagner, the founders of Stone Brewing Company, share a beer-loving history together on their way to
Magic Hat’s #9 Elixir turned into the best-selling beer for the brewery
developing their flagships Stone Pale Ale and Arrogant Bastard
after 1-8 turned out to be duds; #2 was a bamboo wit, #5 was a grape
Ale. They met in Los Angeles in 1989. Steve had a band and was one
dubbel, and #8 was a rainforest nut lager.
of the first to use Greg’s music rehearsal studio. They reunited a few years later at a “Sensory Evaluation of Beer” class at the University of
Jim Koch, the founder of Samuel Adams, debuted Samuel Adams
California, Davis. They realized their mutual love of beer and set out to
Boston Lager in 1985 in Boston. He named the iconic lager after the
find investors for their brewing company.
patriot Samuel Adams because he was a leader of the American Revolution and was a brewer himself.
These flagship beers are where breweries got their start and are the pride of the brewers. Whether it be a few year-round releases or
Rock Brothers Brewing cans one of their flagships, Nare Sugar brown
a single best-seller, when you are scouring the shelves of your home
ale. It is inspired by musician JJ Grey’s grandfather who used to drink
ABC, do not forget those quality flagships because if it were not for
his coffee unsweetened, requesting, “cream but nare sugar.”
them, you would not have your favorite brands today.
MAGIC HAT #9
STONE PALE ALE
ARROGANT BASTARD ALE
Brewed by Magic Hat Brewing Company
Brewed by Stone Brewing Co.
Brewed by Stone Brewing Co.
South Burlington,
Escondido, California
Vermont
50 IBUs, 5.4% ABV
7.2% ABV
20 IBUs, 5.1% ABV
Pair with nutty cheeses
Pair with Tex-Mex or
or barbecue
spicy Chinese cuisine
Escondido, California Pair with lamb and mushrooms
BEER and Lovers and Lovers of BEER MA K E N ZIE LADD, BEER CONSULTANT – SARAS OTA @A B C B EERM AKENZIE
Scouring the world for someone to share both your
Brewing’s Thick Silky Double Chocolate Oatmeal
of pineapple, apple and mint. Another brewery
life and your passion for beer with can be a trying and
Porter is a mouthful of both words and wonderful,
known for their out-of-the-box thinking is Dogfish
tumultuous endeavor, and once you have found them,
bittersweet chocolate and coffee. It tends to be on
Head Brewing, who is known for recreating old-world
the question remains: How do two beer lovebirds
the drier side of chocolate beers. Southern Tier’s
recipes with interesting plants and fruits. Their Birra
celebrate the gushiest day of the year? The standard
Choklat is a great chocolate beer if you are looking
Etrusca is an ancient ale inspired by ingredients found
boxed candy and flowers format cannot possibly
for something that is a bit more candy bar-tasting and
in ancient jars from archeologist digs in Etruscan
convey the tribulations the two of you endured:
goes wonderfully when mixed with bright fruit beers
warrior tombs along the coast of Tuscany. The beer
bad beers, awkward dates, grungy bar scenes, all
like Lindeman’s Framboise Lambic or Cherry Kriek.
is made from honey, hazelnut flour, heirloom wheat,
in the name of finding love. What do you get your
Brewed with wild, airborne yeast and fruit juice, these
myrrh, gentian root, raisins and pomegranate juice.
significant other when the two of you would rather
beers are brewed in the romantic heart of Europe
If you are looking for something new and exciting to
sip on a dessert-inspired porter than stuff your face
in the Senne River Valley of Belgium. If you prefer a
explore, these breweries make many beers that use
with fattening candy, or try a beer made from flowers
dark fruity beer that you do not have to mix yourself to
flowers, herbs and fruits to spice their beers.
rather than looking a vase of dead ones a week later?
get that chocolate raspberry or cherry-covered flavor,
While there is no beer that can possibly satisfy your
Bell’s Cherry Stout packs a punch of chocolate and
heart more than finding your beer geek soulmate,
tart cherry all in one sip.
there are some delicious beers whose ingredients seem pulled straight from a cheesy date night love
Whether you are looking to create a unique mixed draught of fruit and dark chocolate, or spice up your romantic night with exciting ancient recipes, beer is
Looking for a bouquet? New Belgium Brewing loves
the magnetic force that brought you together and
to get creative with flowers and fruits in their Lips of
the sticky glue that will keep you exploring the world
Faith series. Their collaboration with Brasserie Dieu
with the one you love. As the great “common unifier,”
If your Valentine’s Day is symbolized by chocolates,
du Ciel yielded the Heavenly Feijoa Tripel, an ale
beer has the ability to connect minds and hearts and
cupcakes and cookies, there are plenty of beers out
brewed with the hibiscus flower and feijoa—a small
maybe even spark a great romance. Give the gift of
there that are liquid dessert. Beers like Red Brick
fruit native to South America that tastes like a mixture
beer this Valentine’s Day and fall in love all over again.
scene on Valentine’s Day.
WHAT TO DO WITH WINTER SEASONALS (WHEN WINTER IS GONE) S T EPHEN SCHM ITT, BEER CONSULTANT – TAM PA @ABCBEERSTEPHENS
Summertime is fast-approaching. And while it may seem like the cool weather is
Suggested beers for…
here to stay, the increasing heat and humidity will soon have most of us shifting from our cool-weather diets of porters and barleywines to the lighter fare of cream ales and hefeweizens. But don’t go tossing your dark beers in the trash just yet, though you’re likely left asking, “Now that I’ve brought my case of Erie Derailed home for the summer what do I do with all of my remaining wintery brew?” Aside from donating it all to me (your local store will make sure it finds me safely!), I have a few ideas that may help
COOKING
clear some space.
Winter Lager or Old Fezziwig, Leinenkugel’s
Anderson Valley Winter Solstice, Sam Adams Snowdrift Vanilla Porter.
AGING Great Divide Hibernation, Anchor Christmas, Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza, most Belgian Christmas beers like Petrus, Corsendonk, Delirium and St. Bernardus
wonderfully. Generally speaking, flavors mellow
For a barbecue I would stick with something either
and even out over time. Subtle nuances come out,
sweet or smoky, like a smoked porter or milk stout.
prominent flavors dissipate, added flavors disappear,
Roasts and marinades could use something robust, perhaps with coffee added. Give it away. A special occasion isn’t required for re-gifting. I have a brother that would be more than happy to relieve me of excess alcohol, regardless of seasonal appropriateness. If you’re having a party, sneak a couple in with the rest of the beer. It may even turn someone on to craft that wouldn’t normally be interested.
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can be greatly improved with a bottle of dark beer.
are even better next winter.
|
Age it. Not all beer is meant to age, but some age
February/March 2015
Cook with it. Roasts, barbecues and marinades
and alcohol heat cools. Live yeast adds more complexity, though bottle-conditioning is not always necessary. If there is a beer hanging around because you weren’t a huge fan of some aspect of it, just wait it out. Failing those suggestions I remind you that your local store can send it to me at Store 97.
GIVING Anything you don’t like. I don’t want to single out any particular beer here, but if your dad leaves a bunch of beer you don’t like in the fridge (like mine did to me last year), finding them an appreciative home is better than saving them for him to drink next year.
8989 South Orange Ave. Orlando, Florida 32824
Throw Me Something Mista!
NOLA Brewing C H R IS LARUE, ABC FINE W INE & SPIRITS P U R C H ASIN G T EAM
Spending my first 25 years in New
Orleans, I am, of course, very fond of
no non-local can ever pronounce and
NOLA BLONDE
no New Orleanian can ever forget.
NOLA Blonde ale was the very first ale
the city. The food, the culture and the
Tchoupitoulas is the street that follows
created by the NOLA Brewing team.
people make it truly unique. So I was
the river from uptown to downtown.
Originally released in March 2009,
very excited to see NOLA Brewing come to Florida. What better way to celebrate Mardi Gras away from my beloved city than with a beer born there?
this is our most popular and widely Their brews epitomize the uniqueness of the city and not only celebrate it, but remember the difficulties that people went through to get to where they
distributed beer. NOLA Blonde is a medium-bodied traditional American blonde ale, golden in color with floral and citrus hop aromas. – Brewery Notes
No “go cups” needed for these beers,
are now—hence the brews Hurricane
as they all are canned—glass
saison, and Rebirth pale ale. New
containers are not allowed on the
Orleans and its people have had many
HOPITOULAS
streets in New Orleans. Besides, cans
struggles, but entrepreneurs like the
This 6.5% ABV ale is a West Coast
are exponentially better for the beer
people at NOLA, who have committed
style IPA that combines six malts and
and are environmentally better for
themselves to helping rebuild the
six hops with additional dry hopping for
the city since New Orleans doesn’t
city and culture, are what make New
three weeks. It takes about a month
recycle glass. The brewery’s many
Orleans truly one of a kind. And finally,
and a half to make each batch and we
beers celebrate the city and its culture.
after years of me begging, NOLA
think it is worth the wait. Hints of pine
Brewing brings a taste of this iconic
and citrus with a powerful, yet balanced,
city to Florida.
hoppy flavor, allow Hopitoulas to pack
Hopitoulas IPA is named after the famous street, Tchoupitoulas, that
a punch that you won’t forget. – Brewery Notes