Beer geeks all know Dark Lord Day, Darkness Day and even Kate the Great Day but over the past couple years another big beer release has been making it’s way into those others as a can’t miss each year.  In it’s third year now, Hunahpu’s Day is this Saturday, March 10th, at Cigar City Brewing in Tampa.  Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout, the big imperial stout, that’s done with cacoa  nibs, vanilla beans, chili peppers and cinnamon is one of the most wildly popular stouts out there today.  And the folks at CCB spare no expenses when it comes to the release of this Mayan giant.

Here’s the skinny on the event.  Gates open at 11 am.  You are free to line up before hand and they will be providing Cuban coffee and toast for those there early.  And trust me the line will start early.  Once you get to the gate you will be ID’d and get your wrist band that will entitle you to drink.  You will get a separate wrist band that will grant you the pleasure of obtaining 3 2 bottles of Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout.  Bottles will be sold at 3:30 pm for $20 a bottle (CASH ONLY).  If after 7 pm there are still bottles left you will be able to purchase more if you want.

The event is for the most part cash only.  Hunahpu’s bottles and all beers served outside of the taste room will only be able to be purchased with your dead presidents.  In the tasting room they will accept your credit/debit cards but they may make a sad face at you because of how busy it will be.  There will be an ATM there so you can do that or stock up at your bank before hand.

There will of course be a bunch of other beers on tap in the tasting room and outside throughout the day.  There will be plenty of rare treats from Cigar City as well as guests like Funky Buddha, Seventh Sun and Peg’s Cantina.  Plus food trucks galore to fill you with some good food.

As an attendee last year and one again this year let me offer some advice.  First is pace yourself.  There will be lots of awesome beers to try from the ones for sale and those sharing bottles (which is allowed).  Don’t go overboard.  If you are with some friends you should each get something different and share.

Be sure to hydrate.  As we should all know, alcohol causes you to get dehydrated.  Plus with the weather looking like it will be in the 80s matched with the intense Florida sun and humidity you will need to keep water going into your body all day.

Also be sure to eat.  You may be there for quite some time so be sure that you get something to eat.  This will also help soak up some of the booze.

Lastly, if you’re drunk, don’t drive.  Get a cab and live to fight another day.

But otherwise have fun.  I know I will.  So if you see me there be sure to say hi.  For all the info including times, prices, parking, location, etc be sure to check out HunahpusDay.com for it all.

UPDATE: Cigar City has announced that due to the number of people attending being more than they originally thought the bottle limit has been decreased to two bottles.  But again after 7:30 pm if bottles still remain you can buy more and there will be a one case limit at that point.