Mike Loves Beer

Yesterday the organizers of South Florida Beer Week announced that Gainesville’s own Swamp Head will be making an appearance in South Florida at a few select events.  The brewery is not regularly distributed down here but thanks to Brown Specialty they are able to pull in a few kegs from out of the swamp for us to enjoy.

This is a one week only thing for now so be sure to head out to the following events during South Florida Beer Week if you want to try some Swamp Head beers.

So I’m trying something a little different here today. Well I guess you could say this is a very different beer so a very different review is in order.  Okay you got me, it’s not completely different but let’s just see where it goes shall we.

I know a lot people enjoy a good blended beer.  Some like the good old black and tan with Guinness and Bass.  Some like those summer shandies when you mix a light beer with lemonade.  I like many enjoy a black velvet on occasion.  But a couple months ago a new blend came before that can only be described as a mad scientist’s creation.  The mad scientist was played by Ian from Fresh Beer.  And instead of dead body parts to make a monster Ian’s tools were simply two beers and a glass.

While working a local beer festival and being a helpful hand for Fresh Beer I found myself pouring at Breckenridge’s table.  With my partner in crime Phil by my side we set off pushing Breckenridge brews on the masses.  We especially pushed the Vanilla Porter on people.  It’s lighter body and vanilla taste is very approachable.

But while peddling the suds Ian arrived to tell us that Brooklyn Brewery’s table had the ever amazing Black Chocolate Stout being poured.  Phil being no stranger to trades took some Vanilla Porter to the Brooklyn guys and offered a trade for some lovely Black Chocolate Stout.  Met with some resistance Phil sweetened the offer with a smile that Kim Jong Il couldn’t resist.  And score!

This is where Ian’s scheming began.  He said simply to blend the two beers together and make a Vanilla Chocolate Swirl.  And Ian did exactly that.  So here I am today with your instructions on how to make this awesome treat, just in time for the cold weather!

First you are going to of course need a bottle of Breckenridge’s Vanilla Porter and a bottle of Brooklyn’s Black Chocolate Stout.  I recommend letting the bottles sit out for a few minutes if you have had them refrigerated.

Now the next part is how Ian did it and by all means you can experiment with it and get it to your liking.  But I first opened the Black Chocolate Stout and filled the glass about 40-45% full, not half way.  Next I poured in the Vanilla Porter the rest of the way.

The color is not quite black.  The Vanilla Porter makes it seem like a very dark brown.  There are some spots of red around the edges of the glass that have some clarity to them.  A nice light brown head sits atop the brew but quickly dissipates.

The nose was not all that potent but I did pick up some of the boozey qualities of the Black Chocolate Stout along with some hints of vanilla beans.

The taste is just an attack of desert sweetness.  The cocoa and vanilla flavors blend together and I get what almost tastes like peanut butter.  The body is very full and rich.  I feel like when I drank Guinness for the first time.  It was a very heavy feeling.  With it being so rich and filling I could only have one of these babies in a night.

So there you have it, Ian’s evilly good creation.  If you decide to be daring and make it please let me know what you think.

Previous Reviews:
Breckenridge Vanilla Porter
Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

Everyone loves a beer festival right?  I know I do.  And if you live in South Florida you have two opportunities to get to one this weekend.

First on Friday is the Third Annual Rocktoberfest in Fort Lauderdale at Esplande Park.  The party starts at 5:30 pm because they know you just can’t wait to get your weekend started.

You will be able to partake in samples of beer, food and local music with your entrance.  And the cost?  Just a mere $25 or $20 if you purchase in advance.  There is also a $45 that gets you access to special catered foods and cocktails.  Proceeds of the fest go to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  So you can enjoy craft beer and be helping a cause.

For more information on Rocktoberfest and to purchase advanced tickets visit the official website.

Then Saturday afternoon due west at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino will be the Second Annual Rock N Brew festival.  From 1 pm to 5 pm come out and enjoy over 100 samples of beer from all over the world (not all at once of course).  And like the previous event there will be plenty of food and live music as well.  It’s just going to be a rocking weekend filled with beer right?

The event is $20 in advance or $30 at the door.  For more information and to buy tickets head over here.

And if that isn’t enough incentive to go well yours truly will be on hand helping to pour awesome craft beers with the always kick ass people at Fresh Beer Inc. I also believe we will be graced with the presence of one Phil from Dos Beerigos and my co host of United We Drink.  Now you know it’s going to be a good time if Mike, Phil and Fresh Beer get together.

So there you have it folks.  Two opportunities to get out this weekend and enjoy some craft beer and tunes.  Also and great chance to meet me if you go to the Hard Rock on Saturday!  So I hope to see some of you out there.