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.

Forget wine, beer pairings is where its at

As craft beers gain popularity, more restaurants have begun to have beer dinners. Rather than pair different courses with wine, they are paired with beers.

On Wednesday April 14th, John Bull English Pub in West Palm Beach will be having a five course dinner paired with Dogfish Head beers. Each tasty course will have an equally tasty beer to be washed down with. The dinner is priced at $50 per person and begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. Beer selections include

• Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
• Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
• Raison D'Etre
• Palo Santo Marron
• Indian Brown Ale

The menu is subject to change, however, some selections include Grilled Salmon Salad, herb Encrusted Lamb Chops and Flour Less Chocolate Cake.

For more information or to RSVP call 561.697.2855; reservations are limited.