Don't mess with this bitch

After hearing about the return of Raging Bitch by Flying Dog Brewing Company via twitter, I knew I had to try it. The name itself is eye-catching along with its colorful label. Raging Bitch is Flying Dog's 20th anniversary beer filled with hoppy bitterness.

It pours an amber color with a large head; I could smell the hops immediately after pouring. Upon immediate taste the beer reminded me something else, something I couldn't seem to put my finger on. It was hoppy, spicy, malty. I enjoyed it, and as I drank, it's spidery web laced down my glass.

Raging Bitch is a Belgian-style Indian Pale Ale with an impressive 8.3% ABV. I would definitely have this beer again and would recommend to pick up some up before it flys off the shelves.As flying dog says "this bitch is dangerously drinkable."

Celebrating American Craft Beer Week in South Florida

Events galore are popping up around the country for craft beer week. BX Beer depot in Lake Worth is celebrating beginning May 18th with a different event each night. Events begin at 6:00 p.m. and lasts for two hours with tastings, prize giveaways and discounts.

Tuesday, May 18th
Avery Brewing Co. will be featured with Maharaja Imperial Indian Pale Ale being the main event.

Wednesday, May 19th
It is all about Dogfish Head Worldwide Stout that evening, with comparisons being made between their 2008 and 2009 brews. Aprihop will also be available on tap for tasting.

Thursday, May 20th

Southern Tier's Oak Aged UnEarthly will be on hand for anyone wanting a sample along with a few more from this New York Brewery.

Friday, May 21st

Local Florida brewery Cigar City will be featured with Hunahpu Imperial Stout as the main tasting of the night.

To close out the week BX Beer Depot is having a beer and food pairing on Saturday, May 22nd beginning at 6:30 p.m. A four-course dinner, paired with great beer for $44. Dishes and beers include Andouille and Asiago Burgers, Spice Rubbed Chicken, Southern Tier Hopsun and Avery Salvation Golden Ale. Attendees are being asked to RSVP no later than May 20th.

Find an event that works fits into your schedule and mingle with beer lovers just like you.

Forget Cinco de Mayo, there is another reason to celebrate in May

American Craft Beer Week is being celebrated by local breweries, home brewers, beer distributors and craft beer lovers across the nation from May 17th to May 23rd. First organized by the Brewer's Association the week higlights America's love of craft beer and celebrates small and independent brewers. Late last month a U.S House of Respresentatives solution was introduced to support the goals of American Craft Beer Week. Brewers are participating with special events like brewery tours, beer dinners, and special limited edition beer releases.

Supporters are encouraged to read and sign the Declaration of Beer Independence.

Stephen Colbert agrees on the importance of American Craft Beer Week.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
American Craft Beer Week
www.colbertnation.com
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So get ready to celebrate in your area, even if it is at home with your favorite American brewed craft beer.

Strawberry Fields

Summer is approaching fast, and living in South Florida I'm already seeking a tasty beer to quench my thirst

During a trip to my local Total Wine and More I came across Abita Strawberry Harvest. After much coaxing from my significant other I picked up a six-pack. I didn't expect a lager that was supposed to taste like strawberries to be that great.

Strawberry Harvest is brewed late in Louisiana's strawberry season when they are at their sweetest. The wheat beer is only available for a short period of time, so when it comes out, it practically flies off the shelves.

Upon initial taste it was crisp and light, it was not at all overwhelming. The strawberry taste came in soon after; my initial response was "oh my gosh, how is this beer?!" The strawberry taste was not potent, but just enough to give it that fruit flavor. It was refreshing and delightful. The next thing I had was a piece of chocolate which complemented the strawberry lager. I knew I was going to have to go back and get more.

However, as with some beers, this beer is not for everyone. But if it is, buy enough to last you through the year because it will be gone before you know it.

New Times Beerfest 2010

Can't wait for next year

Beerfest - not the movie...

New Times Beerfest has been an anticipated event for 12 years. It is a downtown Fort Lauderdale tradition that attracts over 6,000 people. Now in its 13th year the event is offering a larger variety of beers, faster ticketing and admittance, and an improved layout for less crowding.

On Saturday, April 17th from 7-11pm with rain or shine, thousands will gather to taste beer from over 50 breweries including

• Abita Beer
• Shock Top
• Blue Moon
• Kona Brewing Co.
• Flying Dog
• Magic Hat

...and many more. Beerfest also has spirit sponsors like Sailor Jerry Rum, Cabo Wabo and Midori . Tickets can be purchased online or by phone at 1.888.877.8499. Buy early and save some money; general admission and VIP tickets are $25 and $75. At the door, tickets are $35 and $85.

This is an amazing event for beer lovers and I cannot wait to attend. Hope to see you there.

Feeling Devilish

Victory HopDevil Ale is one of the award winning ales produced by Victory Brewing Company. Brewing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for over 13 years, Victory sends their ales out to 28 states.

I was able to try a pint of HopDevil at Bar Louie recently. It was very aromatic with a prevalent smell of hops. Its taste was full of caramel and malt, bitter but also sweet. It was a strong beer with 6.7% ABV. Beer Advocate Reviewers gave this brew an impressive A/A-.

Bar Louie always has an impressive list of beers on tap, including seasonal beers and taps they change every few months so patrons can try something new.

I would recommend HopDevil to anyone who likes a strong, smooth and "hoppy" beer. If you're ever in the Pennsylvania area Victory Brewing also has free brewery tours on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as a restaurant that has some of the best beers Victory has to offer.