Florida has some strange bottling laws that basically prohibit brewpubs from selling their specialty beers anywhere but in house. As a result, the only way you can usually get locally crafted beer is going down to those restaurants and ordering a pint. Well, that changes today, beer fans. The
Third Annual Jupiter Craft Brewers Festival is taking over Abacoa Town Center Saturday at 2 p.m., bringing with it a host of local micros from pubs like Brewzzi, Big Bear, and Corner Cafe, in addition to a huge selection of specialty beers from all across the U.S. That means you’ll get to sample freely of local favorites like Big Bear’s Double Bourbon Barrel IPA — a furiously-hopped ale that’s aged in oaken Jack Daniels barrels — just feet away from new-to-the-state micros like those from Michigan-based innovator Larry Bell of Bell’s Brewery. Other notable brews on tap: tart Belgian-style saisons from Saints Somewhere Brewery out of Tarpon Springs; Scottish IPA from Pennsylvania’s Selin’s Grove Brewing, another first in state; and a Pabst-style lager from New England’s Narragansett Beer.
Those looking to experience some homebrew are in luck as well: BX Beer Depot’s Lagerhead Brewers Club has whipped up 40 gallons of suds, which they’ll pour over homebrewing discussion at their two booths. Plus, crafters from the Palm Beach Draughtsman and Treasure Coast Homebrewers will serve as sample pourers throughout the event, and the Palm Beach Post’s own beer guy, Dan Oliver, will be emceeing. Toss in great food from local restaurants like Rooney’s Public House, JJ Mugg’s, and more, and this is a beer event not to be missed.
What are you waiting for? Get to Abacoa Town Center at the 4200 block of Parkside Drive in Jupiter. But hurry — co-organizer Fran Andrewlevich promises the event will be kept small to preserve easy sampling (limited to about 3000 people). Get your tickets for only $22.50 at jupitercraftbrewersfestival.com. Also check out the Field of Beers food and brew pairing on the field at Roger Dean Stadium on Friday night.
Fri., Jan. 23, 7 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 24, 2 p.m., 2009
