Beer for a Florida Wedding

Discussion in 'South Atlantic' started by denver10, Mar 26, 2012.

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  1. denver10

    denver10 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,081) Nov 17, 2010 New Mexico
    Pooh-Bah Society

    A friend asked me to put together a list of beer that would work well for their wedding in Florida. Looking for around 4 types, at least one of the beers to be from within the state (I was thinking something from Cigar City, like their Maduro Brown) but the other 3 can be anything that is distributed within the state, especially if its something we can't get out here in Colorado. Looking for some suggestions of beers that would work well in this setting.

    Thanks.
     
  2. Swim424

    Swim424 Initiate (0) Apr 29, 2011 Florida

    Look for local stuff. What area of florida? There are plenty of small breweries in the state.
     
  3. Bluecane

    Bluecane Initiate (0) Dec 30, 2011 New York

    What kind of food are they having? You may want to pair something with the entrees.
     
  4. Bluecane

    Bluecane Initiate (0) Dec 30, 2011 New York

    And remember that it's not a guarantee that a non-craft drinker will take to craft just because it's more flavorful. It's not that BMC drinkers just haven't tasted craft; some do and don't like it, or maybe they aren't willing to [try to] allow their palate's to change (so to speak).

    So, if the couple wants craft, then do that. But if they, and their guests, are normal beer drinkers, then you may want to have at least 1 or 2 more familiar options, be it Heineken, Bud Light, Stella, etc.
     
  5. denver10

    denver10 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,081) Nov 17, 2010 New Mexico
    Pooh-Bah Society

    It's in Fort Lauderdale.

    Honestly, its a pretty generic crowd and they could probably do the generic Stella Artois, Heineken, Corona, etc. types and no one one would complain. And the couple do intend to provide some of that. They'll definitely be including a Bud Light for those who want a "lite" beer. And I figured one of the 4 other beer types will be either Boston Lager, Fat Tire or Yuengling. I love Yuengling so I am leaning towards that but its not my final decision, I am just doing the leg work and offering options.

    The other 3 are styles I am willing to be more adventurous towards.....though still styles that should be easy enough drinkers. Not looking to go over the top...i.e. were this Colorado I wouldn't be looking someone to suggest La Folie or Deviant Dales, both good beers but not easy drinkers for the average person. Were this in Colorado, for example, I'd probably be recommending Odell's 90 Schilling, Odell's IPA/Deschutes Mirror Pond, Left Hand's Milk Stout to go along with Breckenridge's Avalanche. Basically, good beers that probably can serve as good gateway beers.

    I was thinking of one pale ale (either APA or IPA), one brown ale (I was thinking Cigar City's Maduro Oatmeal Brown Ale), and one stout or porter (since this is the grooms preferred style of beer). I don't know Florida breweries, other than hearing the name cigar city being spoken highly of, so if you guys got yourself a nice scene that could appease the crowd than I am game for those recommendations. I'd love to support the local scene.


    I'm probably going to bring more than 3 recommendations to the couple and then they will narrow the choices down to the 3.
     
  6. GallowsThief

    GallowsThief Initiate (0) Aug 3, 2010 Florida

    For an IPA I would recommend another from CC and that would be Jai Alai. It's a very good IPA and you wont have an issue getting it in Lauderdale. Maduro is a solid choice for the brown. Tocobago is a solid red ale. I am not sure what you could get in kegs but Tequesta Brewing makes very good brews. No bottles though, same with Funky Buddha.
     
  7. funkybuddha

    funkybuddha Initiate (0) Oct 24, 2007 Florida

    A very good, approachable beer from Florida would be Monk in the Trunk. A sessionable, belgian amber ale. Always sells really well at my place for beer heads and novices.
     
  8. Bluecane

    Bluecane Initiate (0) Dec 30, 2011 New York

    But not actually brewed in Florida! That tricked me when I bought it. I enjoyed it, though, and I was barely into craft beer when I had it; I agree that it's very approachable.

    P.S. FB: sorry to threadjack, but you guys are one of the few reasons (see: LaSpada's) that I'm excited to move back to South FLA after grad school!
     
  9. funkybuddha

    funkybuddha Initiate (0) Oct 24, 2007 Florida

    Thanks! Love me some Laspadas. We have a sandwich place in our plaza (vns deli) that may be as good or better though.

    as for Monk, it is true they don't brew in Florida, but the guys who came up with the recipe are from Florida. Hopefully they will move the brewing operations back here one day. Either way, I support them and I truly like the beer.
     
  10. denver10

    denver10 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,081) Nov 17, 2010 New Mexico
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Thanks for the recommendations.

    I actually hadn't thought of a red/amber and that Tocobaga sounds good. Monk In The Trunk could work too and it might be nice to change up the breweries a little.

    You guys get 2 Hearted down there by any chance? Not sure Jai Alai would be a great choice...reading some of the reviews and seeing stuff like "biting pine" I think that might be a little too much for many there.
     
  11. miamichael2

    miamichael2 Crusader (496) Dec 2, 2009 Florida
    Trader

    Two Hearted is distributed here. You mentioned Breckenridge, which is also distributed here as well. If you get Monk, make sure its uber-fresh - I've had a couple bottles that tasted incredibly stale.
     
  12. denver10

    denver10 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,081) Nov 17, 2010 New Mexico
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Thinking of Two Hearted as the IPA.
    Cigar City's Maduro Oatmeal Brown OR their Tocobaga Red. Probably gonna go with the Brown; reading up on Tocobaga it sounds great but given the high hop profile and that we already have an IPA it might be best to vary things up a little.
    Stout or Porter -- ? Perhaps this could be Breckenridge's Oatmeal Stout? A decent stout that is light and sessionable. I guess this would bring our homestate to the table, though a shame it couldn't be with a better beer.
    Easier Drinker - Boston Lager or Yuengling Lager; leaning towards Yuengling.

    Think I will pass on the Monk given the freshness concern. No need to play with fire when there are suitable alternatives.
     
  13. PhilLesh

    PhilLesh Initiate (0) Jul 30, 2007 Massachusetts

    Lindemans Framboise instead of champagne
     
  14. MikeMoriendi

    MikeMoriendi Initiate (0) Jun 13, 2008 Pennsylvania

    Red Brick out of Atlanta makes a sessionable porter and they are distributed down here. And I would always pick Yuengling over Boston Lager. Home town thing and I like it a bit more.
     
  15. Heatwave33

    Heatwave33 Initiate (0) Sep 13, 2011 Florida

    If you can find CCB Jose Marti get it! Great American Porter. Highly reccommend Tocobaga as well. A buddy of mine who hates IPAs recently tried it and loved it. It's not a BIG hop profile. Also for the "light" drinkers get a keg or two of TBC Der Chancellor (German Kolsch). Very smooth and light bodied.
     
  16. denver10

    denver10 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,081) Nov 17, 2010 New Mexico
    Pooh-Bah Society


    This? http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/864/46951

    Never had an oatmeal porter and this sounds pretty delicious. If this is available I am definitely going to recommend it. I am salivating just thinking about this.

    That Der Chancellor seems like a decent choice for the light drinkers but the plan was to buy bottles, not kegs, this way they can offer more variety in selection.
     
  17. denver10

    denver10 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,081) Nov 17, 2010 New Mexico
    Pooh-Bah Society

    The bride does not drink but when she does she drinks champagne. She is not open to any substitutions there.
     
  18. denver10

    denver10 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,081) Nov 17, 2010 New Mexico
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Seems like I can just go Cigar City for everything....but would like to mix thinks up to get a better taste of the region if at all possible.

    I am definitely going to have to try that Tocobaga while I am down there...as I am loving that amber/red fused pale ale style beer (Odell's Red, Deschutes Red Chair). Guess I will leave it up to the groom and bride to choose between the Maduro Brown or Tocobaga Red...but good to offer selections.
     
  19. Bluecane

    Bluecane Initiate (0) Dec 30, 2011 New York

    She's the most interesting bride in the world?
     
  20. denver10

    denver10 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,081) Nov 17, 2010 New Mexico
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Only if someones drinking preferences are the criteria for being interesting.
     
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