Arriving at the Key West Brewfest, we were right on time. And I mean
right on time. This is another way of me saying we could have been earlier and that would have been just fine. The booth was all set up and the beer was iced down (a big THANK YOU to Brown Distributing for that), and we were ready to rack and roll. We were pouring Hazed & Infused, Sweaty Betty, Mojo, and Kinda Blue. We also took some Hoopla Pale Ale to cast upon the city and let them get a taste of it. We had a few shirts and a ton of posters to give away, so we were all set.
For the first hour, we just had the VIP folks in so it was slow going. This allowed us to leave two at the table while the other wandered around and got a few more beers in them that they may have not gotten to try yet. An excellent situation as there are some breweries in that area that we don't get to see very often such as Tequesta and Funky Buddha. I was very excited to have some brews from these guys as I have not made it to their individual outlets yet. Additionally, there were some other breweries that were brand spanking new there and we got a sneak peak at them before they became widely available. VERY cool.
I went first and made my rounds. There was a great steel drum band playing and the weather was beautiful. Really can't think of a more idyllic place at this time of year and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all of the people who made it possible for us to be there (including Honda, who makes a fine automobile).
One of the glaring characteristics we all noticed about the crowd was that everyone was just having a great time. As much as that sounds like a "well duh" statement, it is actually not that common. These guys we just chillin'. Even the bathroom mines were extremely courteous which usually doesn't happen. I'm lovin' the vibes down here! Never once did I feel overcrowded or rushed. Very, very good event.
I was able to make my rounds and see some of my favorite buds to search out at events: Wallace from Terrapin, Chuck from Dogfish, Rich from Brooklyn, James from Harpoon, et al. I always look forward to seeing these guys. It's as if we get a little piece of home away from home by our own company. Very strange but very real.
The folks from Brown were awesome and helped us out huge. By the time the event ended, we were all feeling pretty well and made plans to meet up later at a really great place called The Porch.
The Porch is a really nice spot sitting inside a large plantation style home located on Caroline Street just off Duval. They carry a very nice selection of draft beer and wine. A flight of stairs leads up to the "porch" itself and there is always a nice crowd outside enjoying the sights and sounds of Key West. Inside, you'll find decor reminiscent of a darker side of Key West, somewhat of a Dia de Los Muertos Light. With the noise from the street and the activity on the porch itself, we were drawn back outside after ordering some beers and sauntered onto the deck to look out on the streets below. Very nice to be at a distance and with the commotion at once. A great spot.
Once finishing the beer festival and beer at The Porch, we headed back to the hotel. Again, an early night in bed for an attempt at an early morning to get started.
Sunday morning meant a refill at Fat Tuesday and a walk down to a place that Rip wanted to go back and see, The Smallest Bar in Key West. The attraction - a giant fresh pineapple filled with rums and exotic juices finished with cut cored pineapple. A meal on its own and a great opportunity to catch a buzz, never mind continuing the buss that Fat Tuesday's brought on. The proprietor was a nice lady who made the concoction herself after chopping up the fruit and filling the pineapple with the spirit. I myself had a simple pint glass with the same mix which was quite delicious. A good stop to be sure.
At this point we needed some grub and had heard some good things about Amigos Tortilla Bar. Naturally, fish tacos were a requirement so first task was to ensure that they had it on the menu. Sho 'nuff and we go in to see what is going on. they had Abita Root Beer on draft! I love Abita Root Beer on draft. Ordered one - they were out. Damn! Changed my order to a Modelo Especial - out. Damn! The waitress brings me a Dos Equis instead - on the house. YES!!! Great food and a great hot sauce to boot - Mexican Butt Blaster.
Rip had wanted to hit the water since we arrived and outside of a brief jump in the water at the beer festival, we hadn't had salt outside of that that was on our tortilla chips at Amigos. Therefore, we looked for a boat to rent. Something to get us out in the ocean and something we could use to jump into the deep blue for some time. Sold out. Labor Day Weekend, duh. We shoulda planned this better.
Instead, we found they had a few seats left on a giant catamaran that offered all you can drink beer and sparkling wine. Done.
The company was a massive one in Key West called Fury Water Adventures and they have all kinds of kiosks set up around town trying to sell you different stuff. I'm not normally into this big corporate stuff, but we had little choice and the catamaran seemed fun enough. The tickets were $37. Pretty cheap so I wasn't expecting much considering that it included free beer. The image in my head was one of an over-packed trip into the water with a bunch of sweaty, smelly tourists sitting elbow to elbow. not an appealing idea.
When we got onto the boat, we walked up to the third level and found a few people sitting around, mostly in their early 20s taking in some sun and awaiting the captain's orders. We took a seat on the ground and started taking some pictures. When the captain finally came on to announce our instructions, he let us know that although we were on the third level and the booze was being poured on the first level, the staff would bring around pitchers of beer and bottles of wine to keep our glasses full. "Yeah right" I thought to myself. "We'll be lucky to see these guys once."
Once we got out onto the water, the first round of drinks came out and filled up our cups. About halfway through, another round. Then another. Another. These guys rocked! And they were super friendly. Nice, polite fellas who seemed to be enjoying spending time with all we smelly people. The captain was super friendly and we sailed straight at the sun until it started to hit the horizon at which time we started back. Great picture opps the entire time and I wish I had had a better camera.
For $37, Rachel pointed out we would have spent more than that at a bar having drinks. This way, we got a cruise and really cool people. I would highly suggest this trip if you head down to Key West.
After the boat, we were whipped. Back to the room and the end of our trip. A great few days and I feel very, very lucky to have been able to take part. Thanks to everyone who made it happen and as always, Cheers!
The Waterfront in Anna Maria Island sits on one of the most beautiful little pieces of land in Florida. A breathtaking view and a laid-back island attitude make this little island a paradise away from the bustle surrounding it. Add a view of the tallest bridge in Florida off in the distance, and this is a place I could just sit and look at for hours (a little inside joke for Renegade Rip). 
This being said, The Waterfront is no "walk up and grab a sandwich" type restaurant. The Waterfront takes their food seriously in a setting that says "step off the beach in your sandles, lap up a cloth napkin, watch the sunset, and have some big city food while chillin'." Perfect atmosphere for those who want to have great food and leave the stuffy at home. The staff is always very nice and Bill the manager is always fun to hang with. Dig the Waterfront.
Tonight we had a great tasting with Lazy Magnolia and Boulder Brewing. Very exciting because we were going to be premiering in the area, the Lazy Magnolia Southern Hopspitality IPA on draft as well as the Hoopla Dry Hopped Pale Ale in cans. 
The Waterfront throws these shindigs every month where they pair a brewery with some appetizers and sell tickets beforehand. nice idea as it just kinda becomes a little party where you get to know the folks who attend and get to take advantage of a "cocktail party" type of setting. A great spot to premier a new beer since it gives an opportunity to chat with folks independently about what you've got going on in their glass. 
