This Satuday, 03/26 Bell’s Tap Takeover, Largest Lineup Around!

Come on down to Mr. Beery’s in Sarasota this Saturday to experience one of the largest Bell’s Brewery tap takeovers to take place in our area!

Berry’s Bell’s Circus will feature over 20 different brews from Bell’s Brewery including Cherry Stout, Hell Hath no Fury…Ale, Hopslam, Kalamazo Stout and Winter White Ale to name a few.  There will also be carnival games, circus animals and dunk tank for the whole family to enjoy.

Don’t miss out on this terrific Bell’s Brewery Event!

Mr. Beery’s is located at 2645 Mall Drive, Sarasota…event starts at 200p.

It’s Back…Bell’s Hopslam!

The annual occasion in which a coveted and monstrous Double IPA, that Bell’s Brewery call’s Hopslam, is now colliding into the fortunate lovers of hops.  The excellent news is that Hopslam has arrived; the unlucky news is that it is even more limited this year than last.  J.J. Taylor FL has received fewer 4/6pk cases and less 1/4bbl draft then years past; with increased consumer and retailer demand.  Therefore, expect Hopslam to sell out quickly and to be rationed sparingly.  But don’t worry too much, there should be enough available for everyone to get the Hopslam medication needed to abruptly cure you of your lust for lupulin!

Bell’s Hopslam starts with six different hop varietals added to the brew kettle & culminating with a massive dry-hop addition of Simcoe hops, possessing the most complex hopping schedule in the Bell’s repertoire.  Selected specifically because of their aromatic qualities, these Pacific Northwest hop varieties contribute a pungent blend of grapefruit, stone fruit, and floral notes.  A generous malt bill and a solid dollop of honey provide just enough body to keep the balance in check, resulting in a remarkably drinkable rendition of the Double India Pale Ale style. – 10%abv.

Some Fantastic Winter & Holiday Beers!

The BKT is sorry for the hiatus on postings.  The holiday season in the Craft Beer world is undoubtedly a wild one!  So many really great beers are rolling in and out of the marketplace this time of year that there is just not enough occasion to update on all of them. Our apologies!

A touch tone on a couple fantastic Winter &  Holiday beers that are currently NEW to the Central FL marketplace:

Bell’s Winter White Ale offers a lighter, yet abundantly flavorful alternative to the traditional heavy winter warmers. Fermented with a Belgian ale yeast, this blend of barley & wheat malts yields a mixture of clove and fruity aromas, all without the use of any spices. Deliberately brewed to retain a cloudy appearance, Bell’s Winter White Ale is a beer for embracing winter.” 4.5% ABV

Breckenridge Christmas Ale is an American Strong Ale released just in time for the holidays.  At over 7% alcohol with a sturdy texture and rich flavors of caramel and chocolate, this holiday seasonal is the fermented equivalent of a good fire. The ultimate winter warmer.” 7.4% ABV

Sierra Nevada Brewers Reserve GRAND CRU is the fourth & final installment of the Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary series of special release beers. Brewers Reserve is a special ale highlighting Sierra Nevada’s pioneering history and the innovative spirit that has carried them through 30 years. It is a marriage of their three most acclaimed ales: Oak-aged Bigfoot, Celebration Ale, and fresh Pale Ale blended together and generously dry-hopped.” 9.2% ABV

Bell’s Brewery Stout Night at The Ice House Pub

If you have never visited Punta Gorda, Florida, and I suspect 98% of you never have, I have a tremendous reason for you to stop over!

Bell’s Brewery Stout Night at The Ice House Pub

This is no normal Bell’s Brewery beer event…as The Ice House Pub,  has been holding back a keg of Bell’s Batch 9000: Bell’s much distinguished MONSTER 13% abv Imperial Stout, for nearly a year now.

Friday,  December 3^rd from 6pm – 8pm
featuring Draft beers: Batch 9000  – Cherry Stout – Expedition Stout  –  Java Stout – Double Cream Stout

Bell’s Announces $52 Million Dollar Expansion!

So much for that old $12-$14 million figure, Mlive.com reports that Bell’s Brewery‘s upcoming expansion is much larger than what was thought earlier in the year.  Check out this link for all the details on Larry Bell’s plans for the future…http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/09/with_video_bells_brewery_annou.html

Bells Oarsman Ale Rows into Florida!

J.J. Taylor is happy to be letting loose for your consumption one of Bells Brewery’s newest beers, Oarsman Ale. Oarsman is a sour mashed Berliner Weisse.  Berliner Weisse bier is a wheat beer with a barely perceptible hop content, low alcohol, and a rather dry sharp citrusy character. Often these are laced with syrups to cut the intense acidity, but purists will want to take them neat to enjoy the multi-faceted complexity and thirst-quenching character.  Oarsman Ale is ONLY packaged in 1/2bbl draft.

Oarsman Ale was designed as a flavorful session beer, using a classic German brewing technique to impart a light, refreshing tartness. Oarsmen grew out of Bell’s desire to explore the tradition of session beers, trading intensity for finesse while still creating a worthwhile experience for the taster. The grain bill includes a healthy portion of wheat, while German hops lend herbal notes to the aroma. Fermented with Bell’s house ale yeast, Oarsman comes in at 4.0% alcohol by volume. Rather than being the dominant flavor note, the tartness in Oarsman Ale takes on more of a palate-cleansing role, making it perfect for pairing with food.

June Craft Calendar

Check out these great Craft Beer events happening in your area in the month of June.  Hope to see you out there…Cheers!

Saturday, June 5^th
Park Square Cellar
16132 Churchview Dr #101, Lithia

Beerfest sponsored by JJ Taylor
30 different beers, free food and free sampling
Event is 100 to 500pm

Tuesday, June 8^th
Cork
406 S Howard Ave, Tampa

Stone Brewery Tasting
Event is 600 to 800p

Willard’s Tap House
12500 Starkey Rd, Largo

Terrapin Brewery Night

Wednesday, June 9^th
Stairway to Belgium
1359 Main St, Sarasota

Palm Brewery Night

Great White Grill
2440 Palm Ridge Rd, Sanibel Island

Tasting Night featuring Toasted Coconut Porter, Palm and DogFish Head Indian Brown

Thursday, June 10^th
The Waterfront Restaurant
2131 Oleander St, St. James City

Sierra Sampling Night
Event is $10 per person, includes appetizers and Sierra sampling

Bailey’s General Store
2477 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Tasting Night with beer and cheese pairing

Friday, June 11^th
Dunedin House of Beer
927 Broadway #A, Dunedin

World Cup Promotion
Buy selected drafts and keep the glass (while supplies last)

All World of Beer locations
Westchase, Tampa Palms, Carrollwood, St Pete

World Cup Promotion
Buy selected drafts and keep the glass (while supplies last)

Sunday, June 13^th
World of Beer
9524 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa

Radeberger World Cup Promotion
Event starts at 100p

Tuesday, June 15^th
World of Beer
17004 Palm Pointe Dr, Tampa

Radeberger World Cup Promotion
Event starts at 200p

Wednesday, June 16^th
Datz Deli
2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa

Terrapin Brewery Night
Event starts at 700p

Thursday, June 17^th
Brighthouse Networks Field
604 N Old Coachman Rd, Clearwater

Abita Sampling
Visit the Beers of the World location and receive a free sample of Abita
Buy one get one free specials
Event is 600 to 800p

Saturday, June 19^th
Mr. Beery’s
2645 Mall Drive, Sarasota

Bells Beer Dinner

Sunday, June 20^th
Champion’s Pub
3676 Webber St, Sarasota

Radeberger World Cup Promotion
Event starts at 1200p

Wednesday, June 23^rd
Pour House
1208 E Kennedy Blvd #112, Tampa

Stone Pint Night
Event starts at 700p 

Brighthouse Networks Field
604 N Old Coachman Rd, Clearwater

Harpoon Sampling
Visit the Beers of the World location and receive a free sample of Harpoon
Buy one get one free specials
Event is 600 to 800p

Dunedin House of Beers
927 Broadway #A, Dunedin

Boulder Brewery Night
Event starts at 700p

Mr. Beery’s
2645 Mall Drive, Sarasota

Terrapin Brewery Night

Thursday, June 24^th
Ice House Pub
408 Tamiami Trl #11, Punta Gorda

Brewery Night

Sunday, June 27^th
World of Beer
5226 4^th St N, St Pete

Radeberger World Cup Promotion
Event starts at 200p

May Craft Calendar

Here are some of May’s Best Craft Bets around the Bay…

Sunday, May 2nd
Dubliner Irish Pub South
2307 W Azeele St, Tampa

Hop Fest for Charity

Tuesday, May 4th
International Beer Garten
16540 Pointe Village Dr, Lutz

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Fundraiser featuring Breckenridge Agave
Live music and free pizza!

Event goes from 700p to 1000p

Tuesday, May 4th
Cork
406 S Howard Ave, TampaFree Beer Tasting sponsored by JJ Taylor

Event starts at 630P

Wednesday, May 5th
World of Beer (all locations) 

Dos XX Lager and Amber draft features all night

Wednesday, May 5th
International Beer Garten
16540 Pointe Village Dr, Lutz

Cinco de Mayo Celebration featuring $3 Dos Equis

Wednesday, May 5th
Gino’s
10006 N Armenia, Tampa

$3.00 Summit all night

Wednesday, May 5th
Tampa Museum of Art
120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa

Pride and Passion 2010 sponsor event

Monday, May 10th
Pour House
1208 E Kennedy Blvd Ste 112, Tampa

Brooklyn Brewery Night with cheese and chocolate pairing

Saturday, May 15th
Dunedin House of Beer
927 Broadway # A, Dunedin

Best Pizza making contest with the mayor of Dunedin present
Featuring Brooklyn Brewery

Tuesday, May 18th
World of Beer
13135 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa

Terrapin Brewery Night!
Live music & cookout…tapping Wake ‘N’ Bake, Sunray Wheat, Rye Pale Ale, Capt’n Krunkles & Monk’s Revenge

Wednesday, May 21st
Tampa Museum of Art
120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa

Pride and Passion Event @ Tampa Museum of Arts exclusive JJ Taylor

Saturday, May 22nd
Dunedin House of Beer
927 Broadway # A, Dunedin

Mug Night with all JJ Taylor brands on tap

Saturday, May 22nd
Datz Deli
2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa

The Brass Tap
2000 Piazza Ave, Wesley Chapel 

Sierra 30^th Anniversary and Anchor Collaboration

Wednesday, May 26th
International Beer Garten
16540 Pointe Village Dr, Lutz

Brooklyn Brewery Night

Wednesday, May 26th
Dunedin House of Beer
927 Broadway # A, Dunedin

Bells Extravaganza Brewery Night

Pints for Prostates

Please join us at the Pints for Prostates charity event this Saturday, April 10th at Mr. Dunderbaks in Tampa.

Beer sponsored by Cigar City Brewery, Bell’s Brewery, and J.J. Taylor Distributing FL.

April Craft Calendar

Here are some of April’s Best Craft Bets around the Bay…

Monday, April 5^th
Datz Deli
2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa

Beer Blast Dinner sponsored by Lefthand Brewery
Three courses, Three beers for $30

Event starts at 630pm

Monday, April 5^th
Kelly’s Chica Boom Room
319 Main St, Dunedin

Beer Training Class

Event starts at 1000am

Tuesday, April 6^th
Cork
406 S Howard Ave, Tampa

Free Beer Tasting sponsored by Abita

Event starts at 700pm

Saturday, April 10^th
Mr. Dunderbak’s
14929 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa

Pints for Prostate Charity Event sponsored by Cigar City and Bells Brewery

Event goes all day / night

Saturday, April 10^th
Jenn’s Wine Shop
11724 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa

Springfest sponsored by Red Stripe, Abita, Belekus and Brooklyn Brewery

Event starts at 600pm

Saturday, April 10^th
PhilFest 2010
14301 Nine Eagles Dr, Tampa

15^th Annual Philippine Festival sponsored by Abita, Sierra Nevada and Bells Brewery

Events goes from 1100am to 700pm

Monday, April 12^th
Datz Deli
2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa

Beer Blast Dinner sponsored by Chimay
Three courses, Three Beers for $30

Event starts at 630pm

Thursday, April 15^th
Mellow Mushroom
10959 Causeway Blvd, Brandon

“Buy a Chimay and Keep the Glass!” sponsored by Chimay

Event starts at 700pm

Saturday, April 17^th
Mellow Mushroom
10959 Causeway Blvd, Brandon

Avery Brewing Night, pouring 5 different Avery drafts sponsored by Avery Brewery

Event starts at 700pm

Saturday, April 17^th
International Beer Garten
16540 Pointe Village Dr, Lutz

Local Beerfest! Live music, cookout and lots of beer samples. 
Sponsored by Monk in the Trunk, Cigar City, Dunedin Brewery, St. Somewhere, Holy Mackeral and Florida Beer Company

Event goes from 400pm – 700pm

Monday, April 19^th
Datz Deli
2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa

Beer Blast Dinner sponsored by Diageo
Three courses, Three beers for $30

Event starts at 630pm

Tuesday, April 20^th
Mellow Mushroom
10959 Causeway Blvd, Brandon

Pouring Bells Hopslam Firkin sponsored by Bells Brewery

Event starts at 700pm until the Firkin is gone

Thursday, April 22^nd
Babes Zaharis Golf Course
11412 Forest Hills Dr, Tampa

Free Beer Tasting

Event goes from 600pm – 800pm

Saturday, April 24^th
Gino’s
10006 N Armenia Ave, Tampa

Local Beer Benefit benefiting Pediatrics Charity sponsored by JJ Taylor

Event starts at 400pm

Monday, April 26^th
Datz Deli
2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa

Beer Blast Dinner sponsored by South Hampton Brewery
Three courses, Three beers for $30

Event starts at 630pm

Friday, April 30^th
Datz Deli
2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa

“Collaboration Celebration” sponsored by Sierra Nevada and Anchor Brewing
Will be pouring 5 Sierra drafts and 4 Anchor brewing drafts you can’t get every day! 
Also tapping a Sierra Nevada and Anchor 30^th Anniversary keg

Event starts at 700pm