Collaborating for a Cause | Westum Hjemmebryggeri

Back in May, immediately after hearing the news of Alex Kidd’s cancer diagnosis, PorchDrinking helped to organize a razzle with the Barleywine is Life Facebook group to raise money for his recovery through donations to his GoFundMe.  On the 19th we published an article outlining how breweries could get involved with rare bottle contributions for the razzle, and then on June 6th officially announced the packages up for grabs. For every $10 forwarded to his recovery fund (with emailed proof), donors would receive one entry. Submissions closed at Midnight EST on June 18, with winners selected live on the morning of Tuesday, June 20 by Stephen Loh and Michael Gabriel of Malt Couture on Instagram.

One brewery donation in particular came all the way from Norway, contributing two special iterations of home-brewed, high-gravity ales that were randomly added to three winning boxes from the PorchDrinking razzle. We had the privilege to talk with Espen Westum extensively about his passion project, Westum Hjemmebryggeri, as well as the inspirations provided by Alex Kidd and what’s led him to this point in his brewing journey. Additionally, we were able to review and share the very exclusive charity releases Westum sent stateside to support the Kidds.

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Collaborating for a Cause | DDBIL

This week, Collaborating for a Cause sets its sights on Florida, where Hialeah-based brewery King Fox joined forces with Shōjō Beer Co. and Odd Breed Wild Ales to release DDBIL, a special beer to support Alex Kidd. This is unbelievably the tenth installment in this series, with more to come. We can only hope that by highlighting the immense generosity from the Industry through these dedicated releases that we’ve not only inspired others to contribute help, but also motivated people to get checked regularly and learn the importance of monitoring their bodies.

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Ultimate 6er | Tampa Bay Breweries You Can’t Miss

It’s time to take a vacation and hit the beaches! The beaches in Tampa Bay are known as some of the best in America. If you’re planning a trip to the Tampa Bay area anytime soon, you’re surely going to be seeking out some of the breweries to get your hands on some of the local craft beer offerings. Here are some of the breweries I think you just can’t miss if you’re around:

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81Bay Brewing | Coffee Porter

There are some breweries that capture the essence of the laid-back Florida Gulf Coast lifestyle, and many are named as such. Their brands sport designs featuring sails, pelicans, and palm trees. Others boast more of the so called “Florida Native” style, straying from the touristy tropical ideals and more toward the warmth of the sun and friendly spirits of the locals.
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Inside The Tank | Pair O’ Dice Brewing Company

Pair O’ Dice Brewing Company quietly produces some of the best beer in Florida while managing to honor everything about the state it calls home. Florida boasts a variety of mainstay attractions and industries that are signature representations of the state. After all, it may be the Sunshine State, but it’s equally well-known for amusement parks, beaches and oranges! You can add Pair O’ Dice Brewing Company to that list as well. Just across the bay from the huge city of Tampa, Pair O’ Dice is taking a focused approach to beer.

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Coppertail Brewing Co. | Oktoberfest

Although I love all styles of beer, I do look forward to this time of year when Oktoberfest is celebrated through festivals, beers and good times. I picked up a bottle of Coppertail Brewing’s Oktoberfest to try and this one was a great way to end this Oktoberfest with a bang.

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Brewery Showcase | Islamorada Beer Company

Located in the Upper Florida Keys, Islamorada takes on popularity for being the fishing capital of the world. Islamorada Beer Company has been providing the locals with quality craft beer since 2014, when a group of friends were inspired to brew styles that would complement the Florida way of life. The hot weather, mixed with outdoor activities, does not change the desire to enjoy a quality brew. Ever since Islamorada Beer Company was launched, their goal was to brew beer, that was drinkable in warm weather and they have been doing so ever since. Read More

Naples Beach Brewery | Latitude Adjustment IPA

ABV: 7.2% | IBU: 70

With the summer heat quickly approaching, complaints about the upper end of the temperature spectrum will quickly arise. Of course, for a place like Southwest Florida, beach weather never truly goes into hibernation. Thus, certain styles are suitable year-round in the Sunshine State including a smooth IPA such as Naples Beach Brewery Latitude Adjustment IPA.

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Funky Buddha Brewing | I’m So Excited, I’m So Scared! Imperial Stout

Cover Courtesy Funky Buddha Brewing

ABV: 10 | IBU: 40

It’s always a joy for me when a beer not only has a really good name, but the name is also perfect for the beer when describing it. Funky Buddha Brewery‘s I’m So Excited, I’m So Scared hits the nail on the jittery head with this imperial coffee stout; once I took a whiff of it I got excited, and it was so delicious upon tasting it I was a little scared! Read More

2 Days, 2 Nights | Tampa’s Craft Beer Scene

By Devin Caster and Jose Minaya

Tampa, unlike many cities around the country, is a sprawling city filled with small communities. You’ve likely seen the adverts for Busch Gardens, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buccaneers and the beaches lining the Gulf. PorchDrinking would like to take you further into the city to see what more it has to offer in beer, community and culture. We have two PorchDrinkers native to Tampa who have made it their mission to provide you a quality experience filled with delicious food, great beer and fun entertainment. Read More

Ultimate 6er | Southeast Dark Beer

When thinking about the beer needs of the South, it would be easy to discount the dark brews. Warm (if not blazing hot) weather, beautiful beaches, thick humidity, and rolling farms often naturally lead to IPAs, sours, wheats and other easy sessionable styles. But to ignore the dark beer coming out of the South would be a mistake. There certainly is less of it than in some other regions, but the brew that is produced can go toe to toe with the best of them.

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3 Daughters Brewing | Rod Bender Red Ale

ABV: 5.9% | IBU: 23

I’ve found myself frequenting the booming brewing scene of Tampa Bay in recent months, and as an avid beer logger I usually find myself with flight-size pours and rarely more for any particular flavor or style, let alone a specific beer. If I buy a six pack, I’m usually picking it up to share with a few friends that don’t have regular access to it. So I must admit that it caught me by surprise when I found 3 Daughters Brewing‘s Rod Bender Red Ale to replace my typical wheel of flavors on a given football Sunday! Read More

Brew Hub | Keybilly Island Ale

When in Rome, you do as the Roman’s do. This of course means fresh pasta, huge late meals, copious amounts of wine, and if you’re smart, a run through some of Rome’s surging craft beer bars and microbreweries. Read More

BREAKING | Cigar City Coming to Colorado… Kinda

When it was announced that Oskar Blues Brewery would be acquiring Cigar City Brewing back in March, Colorado beer fans immediately began salivating at the possibility of tasting favorites like Jai Alai IPA, Maduro Brown, and perhaps even one day Hunahpu, right here in the Centennial State. Those fans aren’t going to have to wait long. Read More

Saint Somewhere Brewing Co. | Anne

It really wasn’t that long ago, that the beer scene in the Southeast was… well… sad. Sure there were a few islands of beer awesome such as Asheville, and some long running southeast breweries like SweetWater Brewing Company which has been going strong since 1997, but the craft beer market and availability was truly few and far between. Read More

Oskar Blues Brewery Acquires Cigar City Brewing

Shut down the rumor mill, folks. It is official. One of Florida’s leading breweries, Cigar City Brewing, has been been acquired by Oskar Blues Brewery. This comes only a month after rumors of a deal with AB InBev, and a year after the 2015 AB InBev merger rumor was squashed. I am sure we will still hear rumors of AB InBev buying Cigar City Brewing on some random beer blog, though. Read More

Funky Buddha Brewery | Floridian Hefeweizen

ABV 5.2%

After a winter of bleak, blustery days with too few daylight hours, Funky Buddha’s Floridian Hefeweizen is the ray of sunshine you need right now.

Let’s be honest. … Read More

Cigar City Brewing | White Oak Jai Alai

ABV: 7.5% IBU: 70

Most in the craft beer world are familiar with Cigar City Brewing’s Jai Alai IPA. However, there is a White Oak-Aged version that might not be as well known. Unlike Jai Alai that is available year-round, White Oak Jai Alai periodically comes out throughout during the year.

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GrassLands Brewing Co. | Tallahassee, Florida

GrassLands Brewing Co. is among Tallahassee’s newer craft breweries. And though GrassLands may feel new to you, the brewery has been a long time coming for founders Saralyn and Gabe Grass.

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Funky Buddha Brewery | Sweet Potato Casserole Strong Ale

ABV: 7.9% | IBU: 30

I am so happy to bring to you a VERY seasonally appropriate beer showcase thanks, in no small part, to Funky Buddha Brewery out of Oakland Park, FL, but mostly to our very own Jess Baker who brought enough home to share! I introduce to you, Funky Buddha’s highly celebrated Sweet Potato Casserole Strong Ale. Read More