Beer-articles 683

Due to its expansive reach, Jacksonville holds the title of Florida’s most populous city. Although other cities like Oakland Park and Tampa are often highlighted for their craft beer scenes, Jacksonville is emerging as a hidden gem for beer lovers. Situated just south of the Georgia border, the Jacksonville area boasts numerous exceptional breweries dotted throughout the metro region, from Atlantic Beach to the downtown district. For those wanting a curated experience, the city provides a guide through the Jax Ale Trail.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Jax Ale Trail features a variety of Jacksonville’s best breweries, mixing long-established institutions with trendy new spots. Guests can pick up a brewery passport at any participating location, either in print or digitally via the Visit Jax app, and earn stamps as they sample different brews. Several prizes await dedicated visitors—collecting four stamps leads to a free Jacksonville-themed koozie, while completing the entire trail rewards enthusiasts with a koozie, an Ale Trail t-shirt, and a special secret prize.

Kicking off on February 25th, 2025, the Jax Ale Trail will also conduct a campaign for the best brewery in Jacksonville.

Currently featuring over twenty participating venues, the trail includes some of the city’s long-standing favorites. For instance, beginning at Aardwolf Brewing Company in the San Marco area south of the St. Johns River is an excellent choice. This cozy brewery, operational since 2013, is popular for its flavorful offerings, including SOUTHBANK Hazy IPA and Nonchalant Session IPA. Afterward, fans of lagers can head north to Intuition Ale Works for a pint of El Guapo or First Coast Kolsch, or opt for a beachside vibe at Green Room Brewing, a quaint microbrewery just steps from the shore.

The Jax Ale Trail also welcomes newer additions like Flying Fish Taphouse, which is perfectly located near the airport and serves as a great pre-flight stop with live music and delicious seafood. Meanwhile, in Atlantic Beach, Reve Brewing & Bones Pizza pairs its unique pizzas with various craft beers, and Tepeyolot Cerveceria offers Mexican dishes complemented by their flagship Biscoff La Bruja Vienna Lager.

Although Jacksonville may not receive the same tourist attention as Miami or Orlando, its craft brewing scene is robust. With breweries spanning from polished downtown venues to colorful establishments near the beach, there is a wealth of outstanding breweries to explore across Duval County. For travelers seeking an underrated destination for a craft beer getaway, Jacksonville shines as one of Florida’s best-kept secrets.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) made an impactful statement during a recent House floor speech, where she recounted her experiences with sexual abuse and rape, claiming these acts were committed by her former fiancé and three other men. Mace’s address lasted nearly an hour, delivering a deeply personal narrative that shed light on her traumatic experiences.

This unprecedented speech not only brought attention to Mace’s struggles but also highlighted broader issues of sexual violence affecting women. Mace’s decision to speak publicly about such sensitive matters underlined the significance of sharing personal stories to foster awareness and encourage dialogue about abuse.

In a related cultural moment, an old scene from the TV series The Fall Guy featuring Heather Thomas has resurfaced on social media, stirring nostalgia and rekindling memories of the show’s impact during the 1980s. The clip’s revival seems to capture the audience’s attention and appreciation for vintage television moments.

As the conversation continues around themes of personal struggle and societal issues, it’s clear that Mace’s revelations are part of a larger narrative encouraging transparency and change.

With Super Bowl LIX featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles set to kick off in New Orleans, the concession prices at the Caesars Superdome have been disclosed. As expected, fans are curious about the overall expenses beyond the already steep ticket prices.

Average Cost of Beer at Super Bowl LIX

The average cost of beer at the event is approximately $15.50, with choices ranging from $14 for American drafts to $17 for premium large cans. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Beer Options and Prices:

Wine and Bubbly Options

A selection of wine is also available:

Wine Options and Prices:

Food Options at Super Bowl LIX

Food offerings at the game are diverse and might present sticker shock, as shown below:

Food Item and Prices:

Cocktail and Specialty Beverage Prices

For those looking for something stronger than beer, here is a pricing list for cocktails:

Cocktail Options and Prices:

Non-Alcoholic Options

There are also non-alcoholic selections available for fans:

Non-Alcoholic Drinks and Prices:

This year, the signature drink seems to be the Blackberry Lemonade, which is notably priced higher than the other options.

As Super Bowl LIX approaches, fans can prepare for not only an exciting game but also for the costs involved in enjoying the festivities at the stadium.

Non-alcoholic beer is experiencing a significant surge in popularity, with sales increasing by 26% over the past year to exceed $800 million in the U.S. Notably, non-alcoholic beer accounts for 84% of this market, reflecting a growing consumer preference.

The non-alcoholic trend is evident in this year’s Super Bowl commercials, where Michelob Ultra Zero, a low-calorie alcohol-free beer, takes center stage during the high-profile event. Scheduled to air during Super Bowl LIX, the ad features a star-studded cast including Willem Dafoe and WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu, highlighting the evolving landscape of beverage choices for consumers.

As people lean towards non-alcoholic options, the beverage industry adapts. Sports bars, like Amity Hall in New York, have adjusted their drink offerings to accommodate the rise in non-alcoholic drinks. Many consumers now seek a balanced experience, enjoying both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in a single outing.

This shift aligns with broader behavioral changes linked to health consciousness and economic factors. A Gallup poll indicates that younger generations—particularly those under 35—are drinking less than earlier cohorts. Concerns about alcohol-related health issues, including its link to cancer as reported by the surgeon general, further fuel this trend. The narrative suggests a movement towards moderation, where individuals opt for non-alcoholic options without completely giving up alcohol.

Amid these changes, the growth in non-alcoholic sales signifies a cultural transformation in how people view and consume alcoholic beverages.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In the latest episode of Florida Man Adventures, the spotlight shines on Crafty Bastards Bottle Shoppe in Gainesville, a popular venue known for its wide selection of craft beers and wines. With over a decade of service, Crafty Bastards prides itself on offering an impressive array of choices, allowing customers to build their own six-packs from individual beer selections.

Manager Jeffery Brunson shared details about the shop’s weekly highlight: a free beer tasting every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Different breweries come to showcase their beverages, creating a friendly competition to attract patrons. This event not only provides free samples but also serves as an educational experience for beer enthusiasts to refine their palates.

Brunson elaborated on the tastings, stating, “If we have a brewery showing up, we will offer their variety of beers. We often select a specific style and present an assortment from that genre, helping visitors discover new flavors and preferences.”

Dozens of people attend these weekly tastings to explore and enjoy premium beers, making Crafty Bastards a local hotspot for those looking to expand their craft beer knowledge.

For more details about Crafty Bastards Bottle Shoppe, you can visit their official website.

Anheuser-Busch is urging its partners and distributors to shift their language from "domestic" to "American" when promoting beer. This initiative, outlined in a letter from CEO Brendan Whitworth, seeks to better reflect the pride and identity of the American beer industry.

In the letter titled "A Call for American Beers," Whitworth expressed his dissatisfaction with the term "domestic," noting that it is frequently used on bar menus, shopping aisles, and by data providers. He stated, “I don’t like the word ‘domestic,’” and called on those in the industry to make the transition in their marketing materials.

Whitworth argued that "American" conveys the spirit, passion, and pride inherent in the products made in the U.S. He also aimed to promote a sense of national pride related to beer brewed by American workers, which he emphasized needs to be acknowledged in advertising.

The shift in terminology comes after a challenging period for the company, particularly following a boycott of Bud Light due to its controversial marketing campaign in 2023 featuring transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Whitworth’s leadership since he took office in July 2021 has focused on rebuilding the brand’s image and emphasizing its contributions to American culture and economy.

Anheuser-Busch has reported that 99% of the beer sold in the U.S. is domestically produced, and the majority of its ingredients are sourced from American farmers. Whitworth concluded his letter by urging others in the industry to embrace the label of “American” for their products, suggesting that the time has come to move past the term "domestic.

If you’re preparing for the Super Bowl, you’re likely finalizing your food menu, and wings are a staple for many Americans. At J. Timothy’s Taverne in Plainville, Connecticut, known for their exceptional wings and impressive beer selection, they have developed a unique take on this classic dish and paired it thoughtfully with various beer styles.

J. Timothy’s Taverne offers wings that can be served "dirt style," which involves frying the wings once without sauce and then deep frying them again with sauce. This cooking method was created in the 1980s by a regular named "Dirt" who requested his wings be refried after they got cold. As the Super Bowl approaches, J. Tim’s expects to sell an astounding 12 tons of wings, necessitating refrigerated trucks for supply.

For those unable to visit the restaurant, their acclaimed buffalo wing sauce, recognized as one of the best in the U.S. by The Food Network, is available for purchase online.

Beverage director Nikki Vinci provided recommendations for pairing beer with some of their wing flavors:

Buffalo & Golden Lager

For a traditional pairing, golden lagers, such as American light lagers or German-style Helles, work well with J. Tim’s buffalo sauce, which isn’t overly spicy. They refresh the palate without overpowering the flavor of the wings.

Honey Gold BBQ & New England IPA

New England IPAs (NEIPAs) offer juicy, fruity flavors that complement the salty sweetness of the Honey Gold BBQ wings. A denser NEIPA is ideal as it enhances the experience, contrasting nicely with the BBQ’s flavor.

Dry Rub & Stout

For dry-rubbed wings featuring chipotle spices, a dark beer, like an oatmeal or milk stout, pairs wonderfully. A stout with an ABV of at least 6-7% will stand up to the robust flavors of the wings much better than those with a lower ABV, such as Guinness.

Teriyaki & Smoothie Sour

A standout pairing, the combination of savory teriyaki wings with a fruit-forward smoothie sour can lead to delightful contrasts. When choosing a smoothie sour, look for those that emphasize fruit flavor rather than sourness, preferably featuring a lactose addition for body and sweetness.

Sweet Thai Chili & Hefeweizen

The banana and clove notes of a hefeweizen, along with its spirited carbonation, complement the Sweet Thai Chili sauce well, balancing heat with sweetness and cleansing the palate.

As you gear up for the Super Bowl festivities, consider these pairings to enhance your wing experience. Enjoy your gathering, and remember to drink responsibly!

Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled the 26th release in its Experimental Collection: Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops. This innovative spirit brings together the worlds of whiskey and beer, showcasing the influence of hops on flavor profiles.

The Role of Hops

Hops, the cone-shaped flowers from the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), are essential in beer production, fulfilling four key roles:

1. Bitterness: They balance the sweetness of malted barley with bitterness from alpha acids.
2. Aroma and Flavor: Various hop types add an array of flavors and aromas—citrus, pine, floral, and more.
3. Preservation: Hops naturally inhibit microbial growth, extending beer’s shelf life.
4. Stability: They enhance foam stability and clarity in the final product.

While traditionally used in beer, hops are making their way into spirits. They can infuse unique botanical characteristics to a spirit, paralleling the use of botanicals in gin. However, adding hops to spirits requires careful balance to prevent overpowering bitterness.

Buffalo Trace’s Innovation

Buffalo Trace conducted extensive experimentation with non-traditional recipes and barrel treatments for over two decades, amassing more than 30,000 experimental barrels of whiskey. The distillery focuses on pushing boundaries to create exceptional drinking experiences, as emphasized by Global Director Andrew Duncan.

The latest release, crafted over ten years, combines two hop varieties—Saaz and Zythos—with a raw distillate. This blend then aged in charred white oak casks for over eleven years. The process aims to harness the aromatic and flavor-enhancing properties of hops while ensuring a balanced whiskey character.

Tasting Notes

Upon tasting, this spirit presents a uniquely hoppy aroma reminiscent of citrus and herbal notes, complemented by vanilla and oak. The palate is creamy with intense citrus flavors, featuring robust oak and lingering herbal notes on the finish.

Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley encourages experimentation with this spirit, suggesting that it works well in classic cocktails like a Manhattan.

Buffalo Trace’s Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops, with an ABV of 45%, will be available in limited quantities starting February 2025, retailing for approximately $46.99. Each bottle in the Experimental Collection is offered in 375ml, reflecting its unique and limited nature.

For more information on Buffalo Trace’s offerings, visit Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled the 26th release of its Experimental Collection: Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops. This innovative spirit merges the worlds of whiskey and beer, thoughtfully exploring how hops—typically associated with beer—can influence a spirit’s flavor profile.

The Role of Hops

Hops, the flowers from the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), play several key roles in beer production, including:

• Bitterness: They counterbalance the sweetness of malted barley during brewing.
• Aroma and Flavor: Various hop types infuse different scents and tastes, enhancing the beer’s profile.
• Preservation: Historically, hops served as a natural preservative.
• Stability: They aid in maintaining foam and clarity in the final product.

While hops are conventionally linked to beer, they do crossover into spirits production, where they enhance botanical characteristics akin to those found in gin. Recent trends in craft distilling have made hopped spirits, including hop-infused vodkas and gins, increasingly popular.

The distillation process involving hops must be handled delicately; otherwise, the high heat can diminish the potent hop oils’ flavors. Hence, distillers must carefully balance the amounts used to avoid overpowering bitterness.

Buffalo Trace’s Innovative Approach

Buffalo Trace has a long-standing tradition of experimenting with unique recipes and barrel aging, with over 30,000 experimental whiskey barrels currently maturing. Each barrel has distinctive characteristics based on various experimental changes including mash bills and wood types.

The Experimental Collection’s Executive Director, Andrew Duncan, shared that combining aspects of beer and whiskey in this new release reflects Buffalo Trace’s passion for pushing the boundaries of craft distilling.

Ten years in the making, Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley decided to investigate using hops in spirit production amid the rising popularity of hoppy beers. For this release, he infused Saaz noble hops, known for their use in Bohemian pilsners, and Zythos®, an American hop with tropical and herbal notes, into a raw distillate for thirty minutes before redistilling it. The infused whiskey matured in charred white oak for over eleven years.

Wheatley remarked, “This spirit embodies the bold hoppiness that beer lovers will enjoy alongside its whiskey-like qualities.”

Tasting Notes

Spirits Distilled from Grain and Hops

The spirit is characterized by a distinctly hoppy aroma, complemented by notes of citrus and herbs, along with vanilla and oak. On tasting, it presents a creamy texture with vibrant citrus flavors, notably lemon and orange zest, combined with fresh herbal nuances and robust oak. The finish is long-lasting, marked by herbal and citrus zest notes.

Wheatley suggests enjoying the spirit neat to fully appreciate its complexity, while also encouraging creativity in cocktail making—recommending its use in a Manhattan.

Availability: This unique spirit will be sold in limited quantities at the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop starting February 2025, priced at approximately $46.99 for a 375ml bottle.

For more information, visit the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection.

Parenting with a focus on responsible alcohol consumption can be perplexing, particularly when advising teenagers. Research indicates that allowing underage drinking may inadvertently encourage riskier drinking habits in the long run. The consequences of teenage alcohol use are significant, with approximately 4,300 deaths in the U.S. attributed to underage drinking each year.

Historically, some believed that teaching responsible drinking would lead to better outcomes; however, studies have shown that the opposite may be true. According to researchers, parenting practices greatly influence children’s attitudes toward alcohol. Teens whose parents allow drinking tend to drink more frequently and heavily, both in monitored settings at home and in unsupervised environments. This trend is consistent across various cultures, indicating that setting boundaries could deter early alcohol consumption.

Crucially, delaying alcohol consumption is beneficial for brain development. The teenage brain is still maturing, particularly in areas responsible for executive function, which governs planning and impulse control. Exposing this developing brain to alcohol can lead to lasting impairments, exacerbating issues like prioritizing schoolwork over immediate gratification from social activities.

Researchers stress that every year a teenager delays their first drink reduces their likelihood of facing future alcohol-related problems by 14%. This is particularly important for those with a family history of alcohol dependency, as starting to drink later can mitigate risks.

To effectively lower the chances of teenage drinking, parental involvement, awareness of their own drinking habits, and open communication are essential. Establishing clear guidelines while maintaining an engaging and trustworthy relationship can help children navigate their adolescent years safely and responsibly.