Another Treasure Coast Beer Fest is in the books and again it looks like a great success for all involved.  The weather was perfect as we caught the tail end of a little cold front coming through Florida.  The organization was top notch as well.  But of course the main reason we were all there was the beer.  So I give you (in no particular order) my top 5 beers of the festival.

Due South Brewing – Southbound Brown – This was actually the very first beer of the day for me.  Just happened that the soon to be open brewery was right up front as soon as you got into the festival.  So I stopped by to say hi to Mike and try some of the beers.  His new creation Southbound Brown was one part easy drinking and another part lots of flavor.  The roasted malts interlaced with caramel and a nice hint of hops wonderfully.  Great way to start off my day.

Tequesta Brewing – Vantoberfest – Matt at Tequesta keeps putting out excellent items to style.  This take on a German Marzen is incredibly to style.  It’s caramel and slight spices couple with an easy to drink session beer that Munich themselves should be proud of.

Innis & Gunn – Oak Aged Beer – Mark of the soon opening Vine & Barley Palm City took me over to the table to try this.  A pale ale aged in white oak barrels offers a lovely yet subtle hint of oak that adds vanilla to the easy drinking pale ale.  Just wish they didn’t put this stuff in clear bottles.

Funky Buddha Brewery – Bonita Applebum – What would a top 5 beer without one of Funky Buddha’s incredible experimental ales.  This apple pie in a glass could warm you up on the chilliest of Florida days.  Some ice cream maker needs to seriously contact them about a collaboration on this beer.

Tequesta Brewing – Hop Scotch – Making their second appearance on the list is Tequesta Brewing.  Hop Scotch is hands down my favorite beer that Tequesta has ever made.  And that’s saying a lot because I really like a number of their beers.  It interlaces so much going on with a brilliantly complex flavor.  I hope they decide to at least make this once a year if not more often.

Honorable Mentions
BX Beer Depot Scottish Heavy
Cigar City Hotter Than Helles
Due South Caramel Creame Ale
Florida Beer Conchtoberfest
Funky Buddha No Crusts

If you missed the fest you really missed a good time.  For people in the northern reaches of South Florida and the Treasure Coast this should be a staple in the beer fest year from now on.

Did you go to TCBF?  What stood out to you?