Hopjacks has held many wonderful beer pairing dinners in the past but it has been over a year since they last held one. So it was a welcome surprise when they announced that they would be holding a German Beer Dinner at their downtown location.
Read MoreHope all our readers have been taking full advantage of all the great local beer festivals in-and-around the Pensacola area. For those who haven't yet, it's not too late to start as there are still several more on the calendar before the year is out. The next being the Destin Beer Festival, taking place on Saturday, September 27th from 2pm - 5pm. The festival has put together an impressive lineup of participating breweries and will include culinary stations and live entertainment provided by Boukou Groove.
Official Festival Flyer
The entire list of participating breweries can be found on the festival's website and currently consists of the following:
A few breweries that we personally would recommend visiting this year are:
Props Brewery & Brewpub (Fort Walton Beach, FL)
Definitely should check this local brewery out if you haven't done so already. Not only do they have a good regular lineup of offerings but they also have been putting out some great seasonal/specialty beers as well. They are also well on their way to distributing their beers, hopefully by the end of the year.
Idyll Hounds Brewery (Santa Rosa Beach, FL)
A chance to try some beer from this up-and-coming new brewery. Also well on their way to distributing their beer in cans. Though they may not be in the Pensacola market initially, we hope to see their brews on the market shelves in the future.
Hop Heads Home Brew Supply (Fort Walton Beach, FL)
The local brewing supply source for FWB and the surrounding areas. They carry all the supplies you will need to home brew including grains, malts, and hops. They also host a monthly "Brew Day" beer making class.
General Admission tickets are $35 in advance and $45 the day of. VIP tickets are $50 in advance, $60 day of and includes early 1pm entrance to the festival, access to the VIP Tent, a chance to meet some beer celebs, and tastings from special casks reserved for VIP attendees. Proceeds from the festival benefit Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation which raises money to benefit children in need in Northwest Florida.
Make sure to check out the festivals Facebook and Twitter page to keep up with new announcements.
Event Summary
Event: Destin Beer Festival
Location: Chan’s Wine World (Destin) - 4424 Commons Dr E, Destin, FL
When: Saturday, September 27th 2pm - 5pm
Cost: $35 in advance, $45 Day Of / VIP - $50 in advance, $60 Day Of
Tickets: Online or at gate on day of
The event that local craft beer lovers anticipate yearly, the Emerald Coast Beer Festival, is nearly upon us. Hosted by the Escambia Bay Homebrewers, the festival consists of two events, a Beer Pairing Dinner and Beer Tasting. The Beer Pairing Dinner takes place on Thursday, September 4th while the Beer Tasting is Friday, September 5th.
Official Beer Fest Flyer
Flyer Correction - Beer Tasting Starts at 5:30pm
This year we won't be including a lot of information on the Beer Pairing Dinner, only because it already sold out. This year's dinner is with Cigar City Brewing, the venerable Florida brewery out of Tampa, and is sure to be a memorable event for anyone who was lucky enough to already get tickets.
We love to see more local beer festival opportunities popping up around us but if you can only make one festival this year, we would recommend this one. Why do we and many others love this festival so much? It is hosted by our own local homebrew club, brewery representatives are present and pouring which always leads to lively conversations, many homebrew clubs participate allowing you to sample unique beers you would not have access to otherwise, and the festival includes a really good showing from local and regional breweries.
You are bound to have a great time no matter which venues you check out during the festival. A few booths that we personally would recommend this year are:
Pensacola Bay Brewery (Pensacola, FL)
If you live in the area, we truly hope that you've already tried their beer at local venues and visited the brewery as well. But, this is your chance to remedy the situation if for whatever reason you haven't. If your attending from out-of-town, make sure to check out Pensacola's hometown brewery.
Fairhope Brewing Company (Fairhope, AL)
If you haven't gotten the chance to visit their brewery yet, this is your chance to try their brews without leaving Pensacola. You can't get their beer in Florida but after tasting their beers, we are sure you will make a trip out to visit them every once in awhile. We do!
Crooked Letter Brewing Company (Ocean Springs, MS)
A chance to try this breweries offerings without making the trip to MS as they are not available in Alabama or Florida yet. We recently visited and found their brews exceptional.
Oyster City Brewing Company (Apalachicola, FL)
Opened very recently, we haven't even tried their beers yet. A great chance to try beers from a new FL panhandle brewery.
Serda Brewing Company (Mobile, AL)
In case you haven't heard, the days of Mobile currently not having its own brewery are hopefully numbered as Serda plans on filling this gap in 2015. Try their beers before they even open the brewery!
Escambia Bay Homebrewers (Pensacola, FL)
We always recommend checking out as many homebrew clubs as you can but of course, our highest recommendation goes for our local club - Escambia Bay Homebrewers. You get to try beers not commercially available and your guaranteed to get a chance to try some very unique brews. They bring along an impressive variety of brews to try. So stop by and make sure to thank them for hosting this event every year.
You can check out the complete list of participating breweries, homebrew clubs, and distributors on the bottom of the Beer Tasting page of the festival site. You will also want to grab a festival map to start planning which booths are on your "must visit" list.
Advance tickets are $30 and will be $40 at the gate the day of the event. VIP tickets are $55 and will be $60 at the gate the day of the event if any are still available. Designated driver tickets will be available at the gate for $10. You can get your tickets online or you can pick them up in-person at the following locations:
The charities supported by the 2014 Festival are Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida and Seville Rotary Club.
Event Summary
Event: Beer Pairing Dinner
Location: Seville Quarter - Apple Annie's Room
When: Thursday, September 4th at 7pm
Tickets: Sold Out
Event: Beer Tasting
Location: Seville Quarter
When: Friday, September 5th 5:30pm-8:30pm (VIP Room 5pm)
Cost: $30 in advance, $40 Day Of / VIP - $55 in advance, $60 Day Of
Tickets: Website or at venues listed above
There is more than one option this weekend for those looking to enjoy a craft beer festival. There is the Dauphin Street Beer Festival taking place in Mobile, AL as well as the Ft Walton Beach Beer Festival hosted by Chan's Wine World.
There will be over 50 beers available for sampling at the festival as well food and live music from Continuum.
Official Event Flyer
Tickets are $25 in advance and can be bought online. Tickets will also be available the day of for $35. 100% of the proceeds are being donated to SFA Ch. 7, a non-profit all volunteer organization that provides support to families of the 7th Special Forces Group (Ariborne).
Event Summary
Event: Ft Walton Beach Beer Fest
Location: FWB, FL - Uptown Station
When: Saturday, August 23rd 4pm - 7pm
Cost: $25 Advanced / $35 Day of
Tickets: Available Online
It was disappointing news when the Inaugural Port City Brewfest was cancelled due to low ticket sales. But now it is time to start preparing for a beer festival in Mobile that has been going for 16 years strong, the Dauphin Street Beer Festival, showing that craft beer does have a following in Mobile.
The 17th Annual Dauphin Street Beer Festival takes place Saturday, August 23rd from 6 - 9 pm. This festival does not follow the typical template many other beer festivals follow, instead they use a "pub crawl" concept and place it on steroids, allowing participants to sample an impressive collection of craft beers in various local bars, taverns, and restaurants in Downtown Mobile.
A festival map and list of beers found at each venue can be found on the festival's Facebook page:
Tickets are $25 and can be bought at any of the participating venues or online through a few of the participating venues: Crescent Theater, Soul Kitchen, and Serda's Coffee Co.
After buying your tickets you will need to register them in order to gain entry into the 16 private clubs participating in the Beer Fest. You can do so at the City of Mobile Festival Registration website.
For those traveling from Florida to attend make sure to check out the hotel specials.
Event Summary
Event: 17th Annual Dauphin Street Beer Festival
Location: Mobile, Alabama
When: Saturday, August 23rd, 6pm - 9pm
Cost: $25 per person
Do you really enjoy Mardi Gras? Ever wonder why it only comes around once a year? Well you're in luck, as Fairhope Brewing Company (FBC) feels the same way. This weekend FBC brings you Mardi Gras in July.
Mardi Gras in July kicks off Friday night with a Masquerade Ball. Music at the ball will be provided by The Lost Bayou Ramblers, a Grammy-nominated zydeco rock band from Louisiana. Formal attire is not required, just bring a festive mask or pick one up at the door when you arrive. Cost to attend is $15 and includes a commemorative glass and one free beer. Make sure to keep the commemorative glass as it will also get you into Saturday's event.
On Saturday, starting at 4pm, FBC is celebrating Fat Brewsday. There will be family friendly entertainment from 4pm - 6pm including live music from the Bay City Bass Brand, traditional Mardi Gras street food, face painting, and balloon animals. Small batch beers will be periodically released from 6pm to 8pm and Grayson Capps and Friends will take the stage at 8pm to keep the festivities going into the night. Saturday's events will cost you $15 which includes a commemorative glass and one free beer. Children get in for free.
Attending food truck Pretty Mean Sweets has created an appropriately festive menu for the event:
Voodoo Dog
Bacon wrapped dogs with our spicy Cajun coleslaw.
Red Bean Nachos
Trailer made red beans and andouille sausage on piled high corn chips.
Banana Foster Creme Brûlée Donuts
Donut holes filled with custard and topped with caramelized sugar.
Old Fashioned Moon Pies
Salted Carmel and dark chocolate covered cookie.
New Orleans Shaved Ice
Last but certainly not least, FBC's Mardi Gras brew Lil' Poison Ale will be on tap the entire weekend. So join FBC this weekend and as they say "Laissez le BREW Temps Rouler!"
Mardi Gras in July
Event Summary
Event: Masquerade Ball
Location: Fairhope Brewing Company
When: Friday, July 11th 7pm-11pm
Cost: $15, also gets you in Saturday
Includes commemorative glass and one free beer
Event Summary
Event: Fat Brewsday
Location: Fairhope Brewing Company
When: Saturday, July 12th 4pm-11pm
Cost: $15, children free
Includes commemorative glass and one free beer
We enjoy updating our list of beer festivals as the number of local festivals grows, especially when it is one that is held in Pensacola. This weekend will be the kickoff for the 2014 beer festival season in Pensacola. The 2nd Annual Fish House Craft Beer Festival is this Saturday, June 14th, from 3pm - 7pm.
There will be over 50 different beers available to sample. The list of participating breweries include locals Pensacola Bay Brewery and Grayton Beer as well as many regional and national craft breweries. There will also be offerings from the local Home Brewer’s Association and specialty bottled craft beers. There will also be a selection of small production vodkas, rums, and bourbons available for tasting at designated "spirit tables".
Official Festival Flyer
The Fish House will also be launching their new house-brew Fish House Fish Head Red which was developed and brewed by Pensacola Bay Brewery. The festival will include live music and special beer presentations by guest speakers. Guest Speakers will include Mark Robertson of Pensacola Bay Brewery, Trip Collins of Back Forty Brewery, and Charlie Delapena from Sam Adams.
A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to Autism Pensacola. Tickets can be purchased at the Fish House's gift and souvenir shop, Tackle Shop, or online. Advance tickets are $20 and designated driver tickets are $10. Tickets at the door on Saturday will be $25.
Event Summary
Event: 2nd Annual Fish House Craft Beer Festival
Location: The Fish House
When: Saturday, June 14th 3pm - 7pm
Cost: $20 Advance, $24 Day Of. Designated Driver $10.
Tickets: The Fish House at the Tackle Shop or Online
The 3rd Annual Top of the Hops Beer Festival at The Wharf is happening this Saturday, June 7th in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Participants get unlimited two ounce samples of craft beers from an impressive selection of breweries attending. The festival will also include food, music and games. This festival provides all the makings of a great day of craft beer enjoyment.
Tickets are available online. Advance tickets are $34.99 and advance VIP tickets are $75. VIP Tickets include entrance into the festival 1 hour early, access to the VIP Lounge, VIP private beer tasting selections, and complimentary food from 4pm - 7pm. Designated driver advance tickets are $15 and advance VIP designated driver tickets are $25. Tickets will be available at the door if the festival has not sold out by Saturday morning.
You can find out more about the event on their website and by checking out their Facebook and Twitter pages.
Event Summary
Event: Top of the Hops Festival at the Wharf
Location: Wharf, Orange Beach, AL
When: Saturday, June 7th 4-8pm
Cost: Advance $34.99 / VIP $75, Available at gate if not sold out
Tickets: Available Online
American Craft Beer Week (ACBW), the "Mother of All Craft Beer Weeks" is upon us again, starting today and running the entire week (May 12-18). You can read all about ACBW over at CraftBeer.com, but to summarize they describe the week long event as -
ACBW offers an exciting opportunity for small and independent craft brewers and the community of better beer retailers to celebrate the ever advancing beer culture here in the U.S. Plus, tens of thousands of today’s beer beginners, beer enthusiasts, and hard core beer geeks make time to toast the week.
Area venues have put together a great lineup of events in support of ACBW, so check out the below schedule and make plans to attend and celebrate the craft beer movement with old and new friends alike!
Samuel Adams Brewery Night
World of Beer - Palafox
Featured Tasting: Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Wild
Seville Quarter, End o' the Alley
Oskar Blues Pint Night
Hopjacks - Nine Mile: 5pm
Hopjacks Filling Station: 7pm
Hopjacks - Downtown: 9pm
WOB Loyalty Night & Brew Bus Pint Night
World of Beer - Palafox
Featured Tasting: Snapshot Wheat Beer
Seville Quarter, End o' the Alley
Flight School
Beer Flight Q&A Sessions hosted by Tim Dohms
Hopjacks Filling Station: 8pm
New Belgium Cheese Pairing
World of Beer - Palafox
Featured Tasting: Southern Tier Live Pale Ale
Seville Quarter, End o' the Alley
Left Hand Brewing Pint Night
Hopjacks - Nine Mile: 5pm
Hopjacks Filling Station: 7pm
Hopjacks - Downtown: 9pm
Flight School
Beer Flight Q&A Sessions hosted by Tim Dohms
Hopjacks Filling Station: 8pm
AmeriCAN Day
$1 off select cans.
World of Beer - Palafox
Featured Tasting: Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale
Seville Quarter, End o' the Alley
Official Beer Dinner Flyer
New Belgium Beer Dinner
Seville Quarter, Apple Annie's: 7pm
$60 per person / Reservations: Nancy @ 850.434.6211
Saint Arnold Brewing Pint Night
Hopjacks - Nine Mile: 5pm
Hopjacks Filling Station: 7pm
Hopjacks - Downtown: 9pm
Flight School
Beer Flight Q&A Sessions hosted by Tim Dohms
Hopjacks Filling Station: 8pm
Abita Special
$1 off Abita Purple Haze and Amber.
World of Beer - Palafox
Featured Tasting: Bell's Two Hearted Ale
Seville Quarter, End o' the Alley
Rivertown Brewing Pint Night
Hopjacks - Nine Mile: 5pm
Hopjacks Filling Station: 7pm
Hopjacks - Downtown: 5pm
Terrapin Pint Giveaway
World of Beer - Palafox
Featured Tasting: Back Forty Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale
Seville Quarter, End o' the Alley
Focus on Home Brewing
Q&A session plus home brew sampling
Hopjacks Filling Station: 8pm
Featured Tasting: Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA
Seville Quarter, End o' the Alley
Americans Gone Belgian
Featuring Brewery Ommegang and New Belgium
All Hopjacks locations: All Day
The beer festival is held in combination with a 5K run through Olde Towne Daphne prior to the event. What better way to build up a thirst before the festival? Southern Napa will also be hosting a Live on the Lawn concert the night before the festival, Friday, May 9th featuring Willie Sugarcapps.
Tickets are $30 for the festival and can be purchased online, or save the transaction fees and purchase them at Southern Napa. Tickets for the 5K run are $25 or you can buy tickets to both the festival and run for $50.
Event Summary
Event: 99 Bottles of Beer on the Lawn
Location: Southern Napa, Daphne, AL
When: Saturday, May 10th 1-5pm (5K Run starts at noon)
Cost: $30 for beer festival, $25 for 5K run, $50 for both
- Tickets Available Online or at Southern Napa
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