I stopped in at Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub for a late light dinner and a beer. And what did a find? A beer named after me. Big Jim IPA. And I enjoyed this beer along with a Smoked Trout Salad. I’ve never had smoked trout before. Very savory. And the beer was also very tasty and these two complemented each other well.
I stopped in at O’Connor Brewing Company in Norfolk, Virginia with my family on the way home from vacation in Virginia Beach. We enjoyed dinner at the food truck – great mac and cheese sandwiches, meatloaf sandwich, crab tacos, beer pretzel, I digress. The two flights at O’Connor set us up well to select beers to accompany dinner. I especially enjoyed the El Guapo Agve IPA, Kilauea Mango Saison, and Tart Tropic Ale.
I stopped in at Smartmouth Brewing Company Pilot House in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I had some family members with me and we enjoyed sharing a couple of flights. Grandson also enjoyed giant Jenga with my son. We liked all of the beers. Of note:
Tinamatua – ale with a coconut cream pie flavor – not too much but enough – -delicious
Wicked Awesome – coffee brown ale – yes – delivers totally as advertised
PILF – IPA – hints of lemon – we like citrus – this was perfect
Hope my travels bring me to stop in again.
I stopped in at Wasserhund Brewing Company in Virginia Beach, Virginia with my family for dinner and a beer. We enjoyed their Jumbo Beer Pretzel and Beer Cheese in addition to the Italian Greyhound and Rottweiler pizzas. All were delicious. One family member suggested bathing in the beer cheese. We’ll just leave it at that. I started with the Salty Dog Gose with Raspberry and ended with the Haywire Husky coffee pilsner. Both solid beers and delicious with the meal. Great place to stop – very family friendly – and dog friendly.
I stopped in at Perfect Plain Brewing Company in Pensacola, Florida on the way to the airport. Wow! Of the over 600 breweries I’ve visited I am most impressed with this start-ups offerings – all of the ones I tried are awesome.
Assembly Old Ale – rich, complex, brown ale; smooth and delicious
Alleyoop Dreams Straberry Lime Gose – yes, fruity, tart, a little salty, easy drinking
Coco Gnar Sweet Stout – think Girl Scout Cookie Samoas in a glass
Farmhouse IPA – hop-heads will delight in this strong IPA
Daddy Smack Pox Milkshake IPA – yes, an IPA with fruit and vanilla and a milky feel, delicious for those with an open mind
Double A Citrus Pal Ale – a citrus-forward pale ale that is so easy to drink and so interesting with citrus notes
Over Easy Breakfast Stout – so rich with vanilla and cinnamon and coffee – a great way to start the day – breakfast of brewmasters
I sampled the others as well. Never have I seen a brewery this size with so many home run beers. Congratulations!
I stopped in at Commonwealth Brewing Company in Virginia Beach, Virginia on the way to vacation. I was with the entire family and we wanted to try their beers and purchase some to bring to the vacation rental. We enjoyed three flights.
Some of our favorites were Limoncello, Bizango, and Guatavita. Limoncello had a tasty lemon flavor but was not in cans or available for crowlers. Bizango is quite the triple IPA. Guatavita is a solid IPA.
We also bought cans of Big Papi Double IPA and Marvolo Stout, both of which did not disappoint when we enjoyed later.
I stopped in at Big Beach Brewing Company in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Nice beers. If I had to pick which one I liked best it would be Rod’s Reel Cream Ale. Smooth. Easy to drink. Flavorful. The brewery/brewpub is a great location. Great spot to meet with friends. Fun if you’re nearby worth stopping by.
I stopped in at Spahr Brewing Company in Pensacola, Florida for a beer. Nice beers. Many in German and Belgian styles. All true to traditional flavor profile. Nice atmosphere inside with plenty of room to relax with friends. Great place to stop for a beer.
I stopped in at Goat Lips Chew and Brewpub, the home of Redneck Riviera Brewing Project in Pensacola, Florida. The Chicken Tortilla Salad was delicious – loved the warm dressing. And paired with their Jalapeno Cream Ale it was a match made in heaven. If you’re ever in the area you should stop in here!
I Stop For Hops 