It took me a long time to figure out how to start this article, I’m not totally sure I know what to do with it even now.
If we start by talking about Chuhai, which is sort of like an alcoholic ramune. If you don’t know ramune, it’s the famous Japanese marble soda, which is basically Sprite but with the added fun of having to shove a giant glass marble out of the way to actually consume the beverage.
Chuhai adds alcohol to said beverage. Some sort of clear alcohol.
But this is Spanish Marie we’re at, they have a brewery, and I’m fairly positive this is either a seltzer or, you know … This is a seltzer. It’s even listed as gluten-free, so I’m fairly positive I’m dealing with a seltzer here.
I would love for somebody from Spanish Marie to correct me on this.
Regarding Spanish Marie, this Kendall-based hype house has a fantastic brewery that is a complete shocker once you enter the frosted doors halfway down one alley in a quiet, unassuming industrial park over by Miami Executive Airport.
Inside is awash with bright vibrant colors and a massive two-story greenery wall containing the taps and coolers. It has to be seen in person to be believed.
I inadvertently arrived for the release for Dragumball Ramune (Gluten Free, 5% ABV).
And when I got the beer, or seltzer, or chuhai, or whatever this is, I thought a few things:
First, this is way too crystal clear to be just a standard beer. I understand that most breweries can put their beers through a whirlpool and get it nice and clear, but this is even more clear than that. I think this is a little something different.
Second, it’s blue. The blue that you get with a cheap mouthwash. So right off the bat, it’s a little interesting.
The aroma is straight gumball. And I have to say gumball because it was actually conditioned on gumballs, along with the eponymous lemon lime soda, that ramune.
I’ve never heard of this before, I’ve never seen this before, I may not see it again, and while I know Spanish Marie can make standard beers, and there’s a few standard beers on tap I’m really looking forward to having. All of this is to say what I’m drinking is definitely not a snobby beer drinker’s beer.
I know plenty of beer snobs and plenty of brewers in this state that, if they were to see this being served, they would immediately stand up and walk out. But if you’re looking for something bizarre and unique and adventurous and well outside the norm, congratulations. You have found it.
Interestingly enough, this is slated to be the first in a whole line of ramune-inspired beverages that Spanish Marie is going to be making. I can’t wait to see what is going to be coming down the pipeline.
In the meantime, if somebody from Spanish Marie can please reach out and give me the details, that would be greatly appreciated.
Drink Florida Craft,
Dave
@floridabeerblog
floridabeerblog@gmail.com
Florida Beer Blog is a part of Florida Beer Media. Find us at FloridaBeerMedia.com.
Listen to the Florida Beer Podcast – Powered by Florida Beer Blog on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more!
Get 10% off a new Stone Brewing mini fridge from NewAir with code FLORIDABEER10!
If you’re looking for awesome beer glass or cigar gifts, make sure to head to GroovyGuyGifts.com!
Florida Beer Blog 