Surly at Total Wine in SoFL

How strong is the coffee taste on the Bender? I love a good brown ale but not the biggest coffee fan. How does it compare to say Founders Sumatra Brown? I passed on the Helles as well just because it's not a style I buy a lot of.

 

If you like a brown ale but not coffee, go with regular Bender. That's plenty good!

 

I don't believe they sent down the regular Bender. And, yes, the coffee is very dominant in the Coffee Bender. There are a lot of great browns around, including CCB Maduro. Also, Sumatra is a fantastic brew, but I think it weighs in around 9%, Coffee Bender 5.1%. To a lot of us, that makes the choice easier on the 'ol bod. Like the one time AleSmith Florida drop, the Surly surprise a great opportunity to try some quality beers we may not see for a while. Since FatHeads pulled out, I keep dreaming of breweries like Deschutes and Odell to send down a trainload.

 

Picked up four packs of Todd, Furious, and Xtra along with singles of Coffee Bender, Hell and Cynic at TW Altamonte. They have a bunch still but it will go in the next several days.

 

Todd isnt nearly good as it was before they made it a year round release. Its still a very good beer, but no longer elite IMO. And Xtra Citra was a bit of a letdown, I think they forgot the Xtra and only put in the regular amount.

 

Not huge on west coast IPA's but was very excited for Todd, until I picked up a trunk full of fresh Civil. Oh well, I'm sure I'll still enjoy, just will temper my expectations

 

I agree. Xtra fell a little flat for me. The hop flavor was almost non-existent. Scooped up a 4 pack of Todd as well, but haven't tried it yet. Hoping its better.

 

On a side note, while I was picking up Surly at TW a Brown rep told me South Florida is getting a Sun Kings shipment next week. Any good?

 

First time I'm having Todd so can't speak to past iterations, but damn is it solid. Not the color I've come to expect for west coast IPA's but it is smooth

 

Wondering if anyone knows if any of the surly is left at the South Sarasota location? my folks are down in the area, was going to have them pick some up

 

Down here in Orlando for a wedding with my gf who is from the area. Literally was hoping for nothing in particular, maybe grab a six pack of Jai alai or something similar.... then... the total wine in almonte springs has a big wall of Surly. Literally was in awe. Price was a little high but I never imagined I would get a chance to try Todd other then being in Minnesota. Combined with finding last snow and maple bacon porter at a Gas station, y'all Florida people have it made!!!

 

I've traded for Todd a few times a year + ago. It was a mosaic lovers dream. I saw these at TW and snatched up a couple four packs.

Got home and cracked one open and was very disappointed. This isn't even close to what it was before. It's a malty mess IMO.