May Off to a Busy Start

Image via Wikipedia

I believe I mentioned in a previous post that May was going to be a busy beer month. Now, that is no complaint mind you, merely an observation and a reminder that if you want to run with the big dogs in the Jacksonville beer circuit, you are going to need to pace yourself.

So, with no further ado, her is what I see on the horizon for this weekend.

Bold City Brewery

Friday, May 6

In 1901 the city of Jacksonville was virtually destroyed by a fire that started May 3rd at a mattress factory. The fire consumed 2,368 buildings, left 10,000 people homeless, and seven residents dead. In all, 146 city blocks were destroyed.

In remembrance of the largest metropolitan fire in the American South, Bold City is tapping a Barrel Aged version of it’s 1901 Red Ale .

Grassroots Natural Food Market

Friday, May 6 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM

Grassroots in 5-Points has always been a Mecca of good craft beer choices and a regular host of beer tastings. This week they are sampling from Ayinger (pronounced aye-ing-er) Brewery. Back in October I had the Märzen style of beer produced by this brewery and fell in love with its wonderful flavors and character. The brewery, near Munich, began producing excellent German brews in 1876 including the Märzen I mentioned which became the highest rated Vienna Märzen style at the 2007 World Beer Championships.

 

Just Brew It

Saturday, May 7

Every year the American Homebrewers Association, and advocate group with roots going back to 1942 in Chicago, holds an event they call the Big Brew. The aim of the event is to familiarize people with the art and craft of brewing beer.

Locally, members of the Cowford Ale Sharing Klub (CASK) are holding a demonstration brew for the public outside Just Brew It, next to Bold City Brewery at 2670 Rosselle St. Brewers will begin to set up around 9:30 a.m. and typically brew into the early afternoon.

If you have ever had an interest in learning to brew your own beer, this is a must!

Total Wine & More

Saturday, May 7 from 11:00 PM to 3:00 PM

The gang over at Total Wine are not just into wine. These guys know beer, too! With one of the largest selections of craft beers in the city, they know beer VERY well. And on Saturday, they are willing to prove it by hosting a FREE — yes, FREE Beer Fest.

Over 20 breweries are expected to be present pouring over 50 beers. Breweries like Swamp Head, Intuition, Bold City, Cigar City, and more are expected. Now that’s nothing to sneeze at! Not to mention that I, the Fearful Leader of the Springfield Brew Crew, will also be present to represent our club, talk beer, and pose for photographs (you know you want one with me).

That’s what I know is going on this weekend for now. If you know of any other beer-related happenings, add a comment or send me a note and I will update the list.