I stopped in at Uncle Billy’s Brewery and Smokehouse for dinner and a beer. The brisket, beans and potato salad were delicious and they sure did go down easy with the Imperial Red Ale. Great stop.
Zilker Brewing Company, Austin, TX
I stopped in at the Zilker Brewing Company in Austin, Texas and enjoyed the ESB and the Coffee Milk Stout. The ESB was a solid representation of this style. The Coffee Milk Stout was simply delicious. I enjoyed it so much I had a second sample. I’d come back here just for the stout. Well worth the stop!
The Waterfront Brewery, Key West, FL
I stopped in at The Waterfront Brewery in Key West, Florida. I tried the Key Lime Witness and really wanted to enjoy it. Clearly it has notes of key lime but I really wanted more. It also has other spices including pepper which added to the complexity of the beer but took away from my enjoyment of it. Not every beer is for every palate. I did enjoy the Crazy Lady Honey Blonde which was a very enjoyable blonde ale with sweetness of local honey. I also really enjoyed the Waterfront Brewery setting along the harbor walk in Key West. Great stop!
Kelly’s Caribbean Bar Grill and Brewery, Key West, FL
I stopped in at Kelly’s Caribbean Bar Grill and Brewery in Key West, Florida. Kelly’s has the distinction of being the southernmost brewery in the continental United States. Since it was happy hour I enjoyed $2 pours of their three flagship beers, Southern Clipper wheat, Havana Red, and Key West Golden ale. Of the three I enjoyed the Havana Red the most. If you’re in Key West and walking around Duval Street, Kelly’s is only a block away on Whitehead and worth a stop. It is also located in the original Pan Am Airlines headquarters building, which is historically cool as well.
Coastal Empire Beer Company, Savannah, GA
There are two reasons I write this blog. The first is that I love craft beer. The second is that I love meeting the people who make craft beer. This is a story about both reasons. When I recently traveled to Savannah, Georgia for business I contacted a few breweries that offered hours only on days I would not be in town. I heard from one brewery that they would not be able to accommodate a visit from me. However when I reached out to Coastal Empire Beer Company, the co-founder, Kevin Haborak, told me that I was welcome to drop by. So, I did. Today, on the way back to the airport.
Kevin arranged for his brother Chris to meet me, show me around, and allow me to taste practically everything on tap. These guys make awesome beer. Let me try to step you through a few of these. The Savannah Brown is a delicious brown ale, caramelly, sweet, malty, solid and very drinkable. The sort of brown ale you’d drink several of, especially say in the fall when there’s a slight chill in the air. The barrel aged version of this is like putting it on steroids. Wow! The flavor from the barrels makes it all that much richer. This puts it in the category of a sipping beer that I would enjoy after dinner instead of dessert, in a snifter. Perfect. Going a completely different direction is the Tybee Island Blonde Ale. This is a great option for hot summer days. Cans of this are perfect for the beach. One of these after cutting the lawn would be perfect. I also tried a pineapple, coconut and sea salt gose which is basically a secret weapon. Wow! This beer is off the hook! Its sweet and salty and tart all at the same time. My tastebuds were all over the place. Let me wrap with Dawn Patrol. Think Imperial Stout. Think Chocolatey goodness. Think Mole. Think Peppery Spices. Wrap all four of those together. KaBam! This is crazy good.
If you line in Savannah or are visiting Savannah you must stop in here. There’s at least one beer for every person’s tastebuds. You will love this beer. I need to figure out how to get distribution north to Maryland. The rest of the country needs these beers. Chris and Kevin, thank you for taking the time to meet with me. Thanks for the snifter. I will eagerly anticipate drinking Dawn Patrol from it in the comfort of my own home some day. And, I’m hoping to bring my wife to Savannah at some point and will definitely stop in to see you when I do. Keep up the great work!
Southbound Brewing Company, Savannah, GA
I stopped in at Southbound Brewing Company in Savannah, Georgia and tried some of their beers. I especially enjoyed the Picture of Nectar Double IPA. Other brews were tasty as well. The taproom in the brewery is a cool place to hang out. Stop in if you can.
Moon River Brewing Company
I stopped in at Moon River Brewing Company in Savannah, Georgia for dinner and a beer. I started with the Boo Hag Black IPA which was a good black IPA. Refreshing, drinkable, hoppy and delicious. For dinner I enjoyed shrimp and sausage creole which was delicious. And I finished the evening with Taterlicious sweet potato beer which was good. I think I was looking for more flavor in this beer but it was smooth and mild. the glass rimmed with honey and brown sugar was tasty.
Ethereal Brewing, Lexington, KY
I stopped in at Ethereal Brewing in Lexington, Kentucky and enjoyed the Lambda Oatmeal Stout. I enjoyed sitting back and relaxing and sipping this delicious beer. I also tasted the Dark and Raspy which was a barrel aged stout with raspberries. This had all the richness of the oatmeal stout with a sweet and sour raspberry taste as well. Great beers and a great place to enjoy them.
Country Boy Brewing, Lexington, KY
I stopped in at Country Boy Brewing in Lexington, Kentucky and greatly enjoyed the Black Gold Porter. What a nice, rich, sweet, chocolatey beer. It was the perfect end to the day. And I picked up a great Country Boy Brewing T-Shirt too. I always make a point of stopping at Country Boy Brewing when in Lexington.
Chilly Water Brewing Company, Indianapolis, IN
I stopped in at Chilly Water Brewing Company in Indianapolis, Indiana for a beer. As my past stop in the evening, something sweet was in order. The Peter Paul Chocolate Coconut Porter was perfect. And , I may have had one of Skip’s Balls – dark chocolate – as well. The beer was sweet and tasty. I could definitely taste all elements: chocolate and coconut. It was a perfect after dinner drink. Delicious!
I Stop For Hops 