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Yes, a purple beer: Black Currant Aronia Evil Kiss Berliner from Proof Brewing Co. (photo: Linda Johnson) |
With folks at last year's event
trying to beat the late September heat, the 2018 beerfest was moved to November to take advantage of cooler temperatures, said Bryan Smith, Sales & Events Director for Proof Brewing. Scheduling this event also takes the Florida State football schedule into consideration, meaning that only a certain number of weekends are available. As it turned out, the weather was incredible, which made for a perfect beerfest afternoon.
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VIP ticketholders waiting at the entry gate before noon |
There are several unique aspects to this beerfest. It's an all-Florida beerfest, and breweries are invited to attend -- many are medal-winning breweries. Here's the catch: the beers are unique, rare, one-offs or only available at brewery tap rooms. What better way for someone from one part of the state to taste beer from a brewery in another part of the state. Also, while the fest venue on the grounds at Proof Brewing has the capacity to hold more attendees, tickets are intentionally kept below 1000, because it's "all about the guest experience," said Proof Brewing owner Byron Burroughs. It's more enjoyable to wander around the beer tables and talk to the brewery reps and sip beer without the shoulder-to-shoulder-I-really-want-to-get-to-know-you-better (or not) routine at some fests.
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Let 'em in! |
The fest arrangement, like last year, was easy to maneuver. Two large tents along McDonnell Street housed most of the brewery tables in alphabetical order. In the beer garden, six individual brewery tents - representing the leadership of the Florida Brewers Guild, including Proof Brewing - were set up. A fest map with a list of the breweries -- and the beers -- was provided at entry along with the fest glass. With picnic tables and covered tables and chairs, the fest offered comfortable seating.
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Hmmmmm .... Which beer will be the first? |
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Getting things started! These two don't need an introduction: Byron and Angela Burroughs, owners of Proof Brewing. Glad to catch up with them a few times again! |
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Beer to the left, beer to the right! |
Yes, there were beers of all styles and colors of the rainbow. With a large contingent of Hazy IPAs on the beer list, hopheads were sure to be happy. The brewers didn't forget about those who love the darkside, though, as a number of stouts were also on the list. Barrel-aged? Check. Lighter beers? Check. Reds, Pale Ales? Check that, too. It was impossible to sample them all! It only seemed appropriate to start this adventure with a Proof Brewing beer: and, one from the popular "Evil Kiss" family of Berliner Weisses at that! Hello, Key Lime Pie Evil Kiss!
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Just like a Key Lime Pie! .. but in a glass, right down to the graham cracker taste |
One of the most impressive displays had to be from Tallahassee brewery Deep Brewing (and, I made a first visit there the night before: more on that coming soon!). The commercial diver headgear makes for a pretty cool photo. And, what's that beer? A Berliner with carrot and mango? Like the sign said: one serving of veggies and Vitamin C!
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Alright, let's be honest, what did that really taste like? Answer: Surprisingly good! |
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With Malkovich Malkovich Hazy IPA, pretty easy to drink at 7.5ABV |
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Sunshine Simulator Lager: floral with hibiscus and citrusy hops |
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Even that line moved pretty fast! |
Or, how about something Big & Fluffy? This was a taste treat and dessert in a glass:
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As in Big and Fluffy Marshmallow Coconut Milk Stout (9.2 ABV) from Idyll Hounds Brewing, Santa Rosa Beach (yes, they weathered Hurricane Michael) |
The always-fun crew from First Magnitude Brewing, Gainesville, brought a new beer brewed to benefit butterfly recovery efforts and a fundraiser with the Florida Museum. The Atala Pale Ale features blueberries and pomegranate for a tasty combination.
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With Simon on the left, and, who's this? The new guy, Duncan. Cheers to those butterflies! |
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Getting "Chopped" Hazy IPA, a pleasant IPA at 6.3 with low bitterness. Here with Jason and Tyler |
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All smiles from the Southern Swells crew: Jay, Kate, Corey. |
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No nightmare here with the Wicked Barley staff and owners Tobin and Phil |
Don't forget the water! This fest does a great job of providing lots of water!
Meanwhile, back over in the beer garden, the band played on:
There was still time for a couple more! Something colorful:
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Haterade Fruit Berliner from J Wakefield: just like a fruit punch! |
At each fest, there's a final beer: this was a good one to end with:
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Proof Brewing's Coffee Vanilla Hazelnut (say it fast) Bourbon Barrel Aged Glass Emperor Imperial Stout: Now, THAT'S a mouthful! Started and ended with a Proof beer! |
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A familiar sight at fest's end: there goes the ice! |
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It's over? |
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Concur! Thank You, Proof! |
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Inside the tap room |
The 7th Annual Florida Tap Invitational (2019) will also move to its new home! Circle it for your beerfest plans in 2019.
Proof Brewing Co. is located at 644 McDonnell Street, Tallahassee, in the Railroad Square district.
Once again, the Florida Tap Invitational delivered a very attendee-friendly fest, with many Florida beers not seen by most. With such a variety of beers, different styles and ingredients, finding one (or more) to please your tastebuds or take you on a new journey was no problem!
Special thanks to the Proof Brewing crew for another outstanding event and for the hospitality and contributing to this article.
Cheers!
Til next time,
Linda
Linda Johnson
Certified Cicerone®
www.brewnymph.com
All photos: Linda Johnson, BrewNymph, LLC
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