Regina Heffington
Did you feel that? Did you see it? That thing flying past you is 2013. This year has brought some new players into the Greater Jacksonville “chews and brews” scene, including a new local microbrewery, products of other microbreweries around the country not available before and some new establishments making a commitment to offer craft beer. The good news is the year has some good things left!
This winter, IBUs start accumulating like snow in Colorado with New Belgium Brewery’s new Accumulation White IPA, their winter seasonal. Brewing a white IPA was not only a way to salute the white beauty falling from the sky, but a direct revolt to the longstanding tradition of brewing dark beers for winter. At least that’s what the rebellious brewer Grady Hull likes to claim as he shovels in plenty of new hop varietals and a bit of wheat for a smooth mouthfeel. Stack up a few cases of Accumulation White IPA to keep your long nights glowing blizzard white.
SweetWater Brewing Company has a couple of seasonals for us! Festive Ale – Just in time for the holidays is this strong, cheerfully spiced seasonal ale with big, complex flavors to keep you warm and toasted all season long. Brewed only one day per year, this high octane 8.6% ABV brew has a sleigh load of Centennial and Golding hops and is capped with a dose of cinnamon and mace. Festive Ale is shipping to Jacksonville through the end of the year and is available in 6 packs, 22oz bombers and draft.
Whiplash – What happens when a 500-year-old Belgian style ale gets rear-ended by a truckload of pompous American hops? It equals one heck of an ambulance chaser of a beer. This is an American style Belgian IPA, with a subtle phenolic flavor in combination with citrusy/piney hops, well balanced at 6.2% and 55 IBUs, with a tart, dry finish. Whiplash is a white IPA and a brand new seasonal for us, it will be available the second week of November through the end of February in 6 packs, draft and our Tackle Box.
All the beers mentioned above can be found and purchased at Beer:30, Grassroots Natural Market, Total Wine & More and ABC Liquors.
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