Brew Review – Astronomical Axolotl by Ology Brewing

Axolotls are everywhere.

And I do mean everywhere.

Video games, backpacks, figurines, there’s even a gigantic stuffed axolotl on my couch my daughter loves, mostly because it’s roughly the same size as my daughter.

If you’ve never heard of axolotls, I’m not entirely shocked. Up until a few years ago they were almost completely unheard, at least in the US. Axolotls (pronounced AXE-oh-lot-uhl) are kind of Mexican fish lizard with a fluffy, almost Elizabethan-looking collar around their necks.

Brew Review – Keybilly by Brew Hub

A classic.

And a surprisingly solid part of the beer lineup in our household at this point.

In many ways, Keybilly could be considered the flagship beer of Brew Hub, the Lakeland-based contract brewer with a considerable tap room and list of self-labeled beers as well.

Brew Review – Tivvy Tmavé by BarrieHaus Beer Co.

It’s been a while, but the last time I went to BarrieHaus Beer Co., the lager wonderland in Ybor City, I was with my beloved daughter. I knew I had to get something to go, and I let her choose because, why not?

When faced with a bunch of various labels, one of which contains a cat riding a rainbow-trailing bag of malt through space while holding a mash paddle, and you ask a 6-year old girl to choose which beer you want, you’re getting the beer with the cat riding the rainbow-trailing bag of malt through space holding a mash paddle.

Brew Review – NOBO Brewing, June ’22

It’s funny that we released the episode of the Florida Beer Podcast with our interview with NOBO Brewing co-founder Tim Dornblazer weeks ago. Weeeeks ago.

I’ve been speaking with him for years, I’ve been drinking his beer for years, and it’s not like the brewery hasn’t been on my radar. I was just happy that it was finally time to sit down with the man and actually hear his story, plus record it so that we can broadcast it for all to hear.

Brew Review – Summer ’22 at La Tropical

I hate that I had this article on the back burner for so long and am finally getting around to publishing it.

One thing that provided the impetus in doing so was their recent shipment of their traditional Ambar Lager to the US Embassy in Havana, Cuba.

Brew Review – Alba & Petraea Saison by Odd Breed Wild Ales

It is insanely difficult to write anything about the beers at Odd Breed Wild Ales.

Not because they’re not good, they are. In fact, it’s one of the best breweries in the state, if not the planet.

It’s just difficult to find anything to say that doesn’t mirror or outright plagiarize the absolutely incredible notes that founder and brewer Matt Manthe delivers for each and every one of his beers.

Brew Review – Tropical Hefe by 3 Daughters

I will admit, I love 3 Daughters regardless, I will try any of their products, but this beer attracted me not so much because of the beer or the brewery, but the label art.

It is dripping with the post-World War II faux-Polynesia that may only have a fleeting attachment to reality, but is still oddly satisfying in a ‘Disney’s Polynesian Resort’ sort of way.

Brew Review – Spanglish (Chopp Style) by Veza Sur

Let’s get a few things out of the way.

First, I’m fully aware of who owns this business.

It’s Anheuser-Busch. You know this, I know this, everybody knows this, the people that work there don’t try to hide it, we all know AB-InBev.

Even with such deep pockets, Veza Sur is far from the flashiest or most extravagant brewery in Wynwood. It’s relatively down home, and the inside tap room is kind of a fun library-esque wooden shelving space filled with books and knick-knacks.