Well folks, the moment we’ve all been waiting for is nearly upon us. The first ever New Tampa Brew Fest is coming November 10, 2018 and we could not be more excited! Come sample dozens of delicious local beers and grub on some great food from the many food trucks that will be present, as well as enjoy the live entertainment from 6pm – 10pm, Saturday evening.
The Rotary Club of New Tampa Noon is holding the inaugural year event, and it will take place between the indoor and outdoor grounds of St. Mark the Evangelist Church and The Venetian Event Center. With a great list of local breweries attending, tickets are available in limited quantities and expected to sell out. Get your tickets here at Eventbrite before they are all gone. General admission tickets, which include unlimited beer samplings and your own pilsner tasting glass, are $25 + a $3.45 fee, totaling at $28.45 per ticket. Designated driver tickets are also available at $20 + $3.16 fee, totaling at $23.16, and that includes bottled water and a $10 voucher to use at any of the food trucks.
October 2nd marked the first ever Sand & Suds Beer Festival, and wow did we have a great time! This beerfest was very unique in the sense of where it was located at, Whiskey Joe’s, which is a beach bar/restaurant, complete with beach chairs and access to the water. It was a very unique approach from the typical beerfest scenery of being in an outdoor park, and wearing sandals or flip-flops and feeling the sand in between our toes really made it a very relaxing and casual environment.
The festival began at 6pm and with the sunset fast approaching at around 7:20pm, we knew we wanted to enjoy the limited daylight by taking as many pictures as possible. Once we were situated with our wristbands and sample cups, we hit the sand in search of suds. With the list of breweries attending prior to the event nowhere to be found, we were pleasantly surprised to find that many of our favorite craft breweries were present at the beerfest, as well as many larger corporate owned breweries such as Sam Adams and Warsteiner.
Each of the sampling stations served their beers differently. Many of them had their cans and bottles in a container filled with iced water while others had fashioned a draft system built into a cooler. We found that all of the personnel serving up the samples were very friendly and welcoming. Most of them would ask us if we had heard of or tried any of their beers previously, and even welcomed feedback as we sampled.
Not only did we have a great time experiencing many different beers and conversing with one another about such beverages, we were also able to pick up some swag from many of the stations as well. From coozies and bottle openers, to keychains and sunglasses, we were able to grab a bunch of cool swag. Many of the stations also setup some cool and unique decorations on their tables.
As the sun began to set, we found ourselves spending a bit of time sitting on the beach chairs next to the firepit. This truly heightened our beerfest experience and we could not stop enjoying this relaxation.
For this being the first Sand & Suds Beerfest, we are super excited to attend next years. Seeing as how we had such a great time this year, we can only expect for next year to be just as good, or even better! Were you able to join this year? We’d love to hear how your experience was!
Come join the fun on October 2, 2018 as we indulge in merriment and festivities. The famous Whiskey Joe’s Bar and Grill out of Tampa, FL will be hosting the first Sand & Suds Beer Festival which is presented by J.J. Taylor Distributing Florida, Inc.
There will be more than 100 craft beers and specialty import beers available to sample from over 30 different, well known breweries. Although the list of breweries and beer menu has not been released yet, we already know it will be a great night!
Doors open at 6pm with the sun setting around 7:15pm, and the beer sampling will end at 10pm. Tickets are $25 each plus $5.44 fees and taxes and can be purchased here via Eventbrite. There are also designated driver tickets available for $10 each plus $3.49 fees and taxes. The designated driver tickets will include entry to the festival, 1 $6 food voucher and unlimited soft drinks.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Hidden Springs Ale Works!! On September 15, 2018, Hidden Springs Ale Works celebrated their 3rd year anniversary being open to the public as a local brewery.
The tasting room was very packed, but the staff was prepared to serve!
Hidden Springs has become quite popular as of late, and for good reason too! Not only do they offer incredibly delicious craft beers, but they also maintain a very diverse selection of craft beers, ranging from wheats and stouts, to ales and IPAs, to even some of the best sours in the bay. Sour beers have become quite the popular trend amongst the craft beer community and Hidden Springs is not afraid to dive into the deep end and explore.
The goodies received at the entrance
To kick off their 3rd Birthday Bash, they utilized a token system that took the place of cash. Upon arrival of the main entrance, there was a tent out in front and there were two staff members giving us guidance to the festivities. $20 supplied us with a limited edition birthday glass and 4 tokens. Each token equated to one 5oz pour of your choice of beer, with some specialty items being worth more than 1 token. Many of the tokens had small statements and jokes written on them, and we were lucky enough to find one of the rare bonus coins which was worth double the value.
Some of the unique tokens with a bonus coin
The party started at 2pm on this fine, yet quite warm Summer Saturday, and at 3pm is when they began serving the Maple Barrel Aged Black Aggie. This is one of their very limited release imperial stouts that was released just a few weeks prior to the birthday event, and sold out very quickly. On the day of the birthday, the line to obtain a sample of this legendary beer was not too long thankfully, and we merely waited roughly 20 mins. This being one of their specialty items was worth 2 tokens, and once it touched our lips, we immediately realized where the extra token went. This stout is very thick and rich, with a sweet and roasty flavor full of the delicious taste of a barrel.
Maple Barrel Aged Black Aggie
During their Birthday Bash, they had a whole slew of sour beers, including some of the favorites: Man Child, Shun The Non-Believer and I Am The Walrus. In addition to the many exclusives that were on tap, they even had the famous ZFG remixed as the White Oak ZFG. The original ZFG is already on the list of favorites, and this White Oak ZFG was very good and quickly rose through the ranks to enter the list of favorites as well. The ZFG is a delicious pale ale that is brewed with citra, mosaic and motueka hops. So much hop, and surprisingly not as bitter as one might expect, and this White Oak ZFG retains all the goodness with a smooth oak flavor. Also, finally being able to try The Upside Down was a very pleasant experience. With just the right amount of pineapple and vanilla, and the sweet hint of cream, The Upside Down is like liquified cake.
White Oak ZFG on the left and The Upside Down on the right
As the party kept going strong, 7pm came around and Hidden Springs was offering yet another, limited sampling of this time, the Double Barrel Aged Fluffer Nutter Black Aggie. This was another one of their specialty items being worth 2 tokens, and like the Maple Barrel Aged Black Aggie, this one was equally incredible. Also being very thick and roasty, there is a strong presence of peanut butter with a deliciously sweet sensation of marshmallow.
The Double Barrel Aged Fluffer Nutter
We’re sure you can tell by now that we had an amazing time out there and we hope to see you there celebrating with us next year! In the meantime, stay tuned as we keep you updated on the events to come, including their exclusive and limited releases. Cheers!
To sum up the night, we had an amazing adventure that was filled with laughter, enjoyment and a lot of good beers. To say we had a good time at the Bolts Brew festival is an understatement, we had a magical time. After reviewing the list of 50 different breweries attending the festival, we already knew this was going to be a night to remember.
Main entrance of the Amalie Arena
From the moment we walked through the entry way we were welcomed with multiple beer sampling stations, and employees guiding festival goers, as well as handing out maps with the locations of each brewery sampling station. We were given a 4oz cup with which we had an unlimited amount of beer samples throughout the festival at each of the stations. Each station had at least 2 different beers available for sampling.
Really cool ice sculpture of the Bolts Brew Fest 2018
A large selection of craft beers, and an even greater variety of unique names and fantastic art chosen for the labels were on display. The range of beer samples available was vast, from IPA’s and sours, to delicious stouts and everything in between.
The various beers available from Stone Brewing
Beer festivals are so magical in a sense where practically everyone involved has a big smile on their face and is super excited. All of the folks serving the samples of beer are very nice and are willing to explain the details of the beers they have available, as well as any other information about their brewery, such as location and hours of operation.
The Bug Zapper from Avery Brewing
Many people attended the event, so most of the stations had a large line, but the lines move quickly and the wait was no longer longer than a minute or two.
The main floor of the event
Many of the beer sampling stations were equipped with portable taps built right into a cooler, while others were more traditional and had their cans and/or bottles on ice.
The selection from Bear Republic Brewing
Amidst the vast samples of beer to be had, there were also a wide variety of entertaining games. Games ranging from giant sized beer pong, to hockey themed foosball, to even playing on a Nintendo Switch just to name a few. There was even a stein hoisting contest, where a few people compete to see who can hold a full stein extended out with their arm the longest.
Nintendo Switch was setup for some video game action
Whether it’s your first time experiencing a beerfest, or you have frequented a few, the Bolts Brew Fest is one we highly recommend. From the fun games to play, to the vast amount of craft beers to sample, you’re sure to have fun and enjoy yourself here, we sure did. We hope to see you there next year!
Welcome back folks to the 2nd annual Bolts Brew Fest, hosted by the Tampa Bay Lightning. With general admission lasting three hours and beginning at 7pm, and limited VIP tickets starting one hour early at 6pm, this is one big event that you’re not going to want to miss. This fun-filled event will include unlimited beer sampling, exclusive and oversized games, the ability to interact with lightning personalities and much more!
VIP tickets will include unlimited beer sampling, just like the general admission tickets, but will also include parking and one hour of early access to the event, a tour of the Tampa Bay Lightning locker room, access to AMALIE Arena’s Lexus Lounge which features exclusive VIP only beer and food, and one complimentary ticket voucher to a pre-season game of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
With more than 100 different craft beers to sample from over 50 different breweries, both local and national, you’ll be sure to find something you like.
CLdeals.com is currently running a limited quantity special for both general admission and VIP tickets. Special pricing for general admission is available at $37.50 per ticket as opposed to the advance price of $55 with prices increasing to $65 at the door. Special pricing for VIP is available at $84 per ticket as opposed to the advance price of $125 with prices increasing to $150 at the door.
Below we have included a list of the breweries who are expected to make an appearance. We’re looking forward to seeing you there and partaking of the festivities with us!
Join us July 21st at the Tampa Theatre where they will hold the seventh annual BeerFest fundraiser, the theme this year, Hop Gun. Proceeds will go towards benefitting the ongoing preservation of the historic movie palace, as well as its artistic, educational, and community programs. Guests are invited to dress as their favorite Top Gun character, or any other movie inspired character of their choosing for a night of festivities and merriment.
This Mach 2 event will feature craft beers from local breweries including:
7venth Sun Brewery
Brew Bus Brewing
Crooked Thumb Brewery
Escape Brewing Co.
Florida Avenue Brewing Co.
Funky Buddha Brewery
Hidden Springs Ale Works
Six Ten Brewing
Ulele Spring Brewery
There will also be plenty of snacks and samples from some of the local restaurants including:
Ava
Anise Global Gastrobar
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
Haven
Ichicoro
Independent Bar & Cafe
Poké Rose
Roux
The Refinery
Xilo
The Tampa Theatre BeerFest will take place between 7pm and 10pm. Premium sampling begins at 7pm with limited tickets available for $65 and going up to $70 the day of the event. As for the grand sampling, doors open at 8pm and are priced at $40 with ticket prices increasing to $45 on the day of the event. If you happen to be a Tampa Theatre member, you can save $5 off your advance sale tickets.
Tickets are currently on sale at the Tampa Theatre Box Office located at 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. You can also purchase tickets at www.tampatheatre.org. Don’t forget that guests must be at least 21 years of age and must provide a valid ID when entering.
The 2nd annual St. Pete Food & Craft Beer Fest is going down on Friday, June 15th. Hosted by the Gulf to Bay Food Truck Association and the City of St. Petersburg, festivities will be starting at 6pm and shall continue throughout the night until 11pm. With over 20 expected food trucks and an impressive list of local breweries, as well as some larger beer companies, you’ll be sure to complete the perfect match of a delicious beer coupled with an exquisite dish.
This event is geared towards the whole family, with live music and performers, a children’s playground, as well as being pet friendly, you might want to bring some picnic chairs and/or blankets to relax with. Cash and credit/debit cards will be accepted at most stations. As always folks, 21 years of age and up for alcoholic beverages and please drink responsibly.
Hope to see you there! June 15th from 6pm-11pm and located on 480 Bayshore Dr SE behind the Dali Museum in front of Albert Whitted Park, St. Pete.
