So where to begin this beer odyssey – Part One
Orlando Beer Festival 2016
This was such a great time and so many great breweries sharing their passion. It was an event we will lucky make a tradition. So let’s start…
First the day was beautiful in Orlando, sunny and high 70’s with a breeze. Absolutely perfect. Second I got a day date with the love of my life, again perfect. Then add beer, lots of beer and well you have bliss.
One note, my husband and I prefer more stout and porter and turn away from anything that is floral hoppy. If it has to be hoppy we prefer sour or citrus so this may seem like a lot of yummy dark beers.
We hit the first booth which was Dead Lizard and started out with a great stout Komodo “Koko” Dragon double chocolate stout, 5 stars in our book. It was intense and bold and at 9.2% a punch. Thank goodness this was only a sampling. Highly recommend.
Next was Ellipsis Brewery and we tried the Trade PORTER at 6.3%. This was great porter nice and smooth and the brewery is close to the airport. It is definitely worth trying. Also about mid-day they release the Fluffinator Amber and oh my goodness was that a tasty beer. When they told me to come back later I knew this was one I had to try and it did not disappoint. It tastes as good as it sounds and is only 5.3% so not too bad if you want more than one.
The next stop was the Black Cauldron Brewing, I sampled the #whitegirlwasted pumpkin spiced ale (6.5%) and my husband had the Demon of Fall Russian imperial stout (11%, ouch). They were both good. The pumpkin was very flavorful and had a lot of spices but not to over powering.
To the next brewer was Bowigens. My husband had the 7 Layer Stout (a milk stout at 5.5%) and I had the Hefe N’ Awesome (hefehweizen 5.5%). These were both good beers.
The next on our path was Reprise Brewing, the guys were so nice and in our talks found out they have a very family friendly brewery down in St. Cloud and we are looking forward to visiting (We love the Crooked Can for the family friendliness). And what is even better is a great beer. The Waterboy Kolsch was great. Clean, refreshing and tasty with only 5.3% so you can enjoy 1 or 2 or maybe 3. We both enjoyed this and beer and will be visiting there soon. You should too!
We talked to the next but honestly needed a little break but you have to talk to people whose motto is “Drink Sensibly. But Get Weird. “We need to try but we were in a darker beer mood for the day.
We went and tried Tin Roof’s beer as we have been wanting to try the place but weren’t sure there would be a beer option. Yes we are a bit snobbish about liking more craft beers. But we liked the Dancing Girl Amber Bock (4.5%). So at least we can try it out now!
We stepped on over to Rogue Pub. We have had their beer before but we sampled the Central 28 Pudgy Imperial Stout at 8.9%. My husband loved it, It was little intense for me but still good. But they were offering nacho and salsa and about that time it sounded perfect.
Next stop was Gnarly Barley and their new Bottle shop. I tried the North Peak Mighty Melon Fruit Ale (4.8%) while my husband still worked on his stout. It was so good. Talk about refreshing. This is the perfect hot day and beach drink for Florida. I didn’t think I would enjoy the melon but it was so subtle and light. I recommend this one!
So what is your favorite beer?? I love hearing about great beers!
And also look for Part two of the beer odyssey later this week!!
