Florida Brews

Titanic Brewpub:
Best brewpub in South Florida. I had the privilige of brewing with Steve at Titanic. Unfortunately it didn't turn into a regular thing. Their White Star IPA is very good, very hoppy, nice use of Cascade (I love me some citrusy Cascade). I'm probably going to be a little biased toward IPA's throughout this blog, as I'm a self-proclaimed hop head. Their oatmeal stout is also a must drink. Triple Screw Light Ale is just that, and I wasn't impressed by their seasonal wheat (which Steve admitted wasn't all that good). Their seasonal Double IPA is good, but not outrageously different than the White Star.

Indian River Brewing Company makes a couple different beers. The Native Lager, not too interested in. The Eleven Brown Ale needs a tasting. Thunderhead Red is a malty red, nothing to write home about.

Key West Sunset Ale, while no longer brewed in the keys (now also owned by Indian River Brewing Company) is a staple on the islands. Not really good enough to get back in the real world though. Found some applicable descriptions here: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/key-west-sunset-ale/2828/.

That's it for the descent and indescent local brews I've had. Here's what we have in retail:
Many grocery stores sell Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Red Hook ESB and IPA. I've always been a fan of SNPA, smooth with citrus hints from the Cascade hops. Red Hook's ESB is a little too bland for my taste, but the IPA is good in a pinch. Crown Wine and Spirits and Whole Foods carry a broader range including selections from Rogue, Dogfish Head, and Shipyard. Once pointed out to me, the buttery, diacetyl flavors created by Shipyard's yeast put me off to their beers. Dogfish Head makes many delicious craft beers. Their 60 and 90 minute IPA's are my favorite. Lots of sprucy flavored hops (Warrior and Amarillo), not the citrusy, west-coast varieties I love, but good indeed. They use a continuous hopping technique where hops are added continuously throughout the boil as opposed to in stages as is common. Rogue's beers (yummm) will be discussed more in detail later, they really deserve their own post.

What else? Nothing else I've had really deserves much mention. St. Peters Cream Stout is very good. However I really don't know much about it or the brewery. Do your own research.