Some really exciting news to report today as there are plans for a new brewery in Orlando.  We don't yet have too many details but received a post on our Facebook page yesterday that stated the following...

    "Well it's official, we are starting a brewery in Orlando!   We've got over 80 years of brewing experience, a hops farm in the family, and now there will be a brewery,  Dead Lizard Brewing Company. Start spreading the word now, the faster word spreads the sooner you'll be enjoying our tasty brews!  You can also follow us on twitter at DeadLizardBrew."

   
     We haven't  spoke to anyone from the new brewery but plan to very soon.  They list their address as Alden Road which is in Orlando's Ivanhoe village area.  We did a little snooping around on their Facebook page and were able to find the following in their "About" section...

    "Dead Lizard craft beers are big, bold, and full of flavor yet subtle and distinct. We believe quality ingredients are the cornerstone of the highest quality product. We strive to create full flavor, artisan craft beer for all discerning beer drinkers."

    Stay tuned to Orlando Beer Guide for more details as they become available.  It is unknown how far along they are or when they plan to be open to the public.  Hopefully we will not have to wait too long.  Cheers to new beers in Orlando!

    It seems like just about everybody has their face buried in some kind of a cellphone these days!  Most of us know there's nothing worse than being out for a couple beers with a friend who can't keep their eyes off their phone for more than two seconds.  Bar Salve Jorge in Brazil recently came up with a very creative solution to this annoying problem.  Introducing the Offline Glass...  Hopefully this unique vessel will be coming soon to an Orlando beer drinking establishment near you!

And there's a video too...

    There will be an Orlando Brewing spotlight this evening at World of Beer Dr. Phillips. It's the first time we've seen Orlando Brewing featured at an area WOB so it should be an event worth checking out...  Orlando Brewing is Florida's only certified organic brewery and one of only about ten in the United States! 

    Our friends at World of Beer Lake Mary are having a major Dogfish Head event this Saturday starting at 12:00 pm!  There are currently 26 Dogfish beers that will be on tap that day and possibly a couple more before the big day arrives.  This very special Beertopia Event will include raffles and a private tasting for any WOB 500 Loyalty members!

    

    There is some more really awesome news for Orlando Beer Enthusiasts this evening.  Cask and Larder's brews are hitting the town tomorrow night!  Five of Head Brewmaster Ron Raike's brews will be on tap at Redlight Redlight.  The selection will consist of Cask & Larder's Cask Conditioned IPA, Grätzer, Red Drum Ale, Saison, and Barley Wine!

    It's probably worth the price of admission (even though there isn't one) just to stop by and try some of the Grätzer .  I  had a chance to try it recently and I really wish I could have had a few more!  It's only about 2.8% ABV with a slight smokiness and is made with 100% snow oak malted wheat. 

     A beer that is certainly like no other you've had before, Grätzer (named after a small town in Poland) was a nearly extinct style that has recently gained some recognition here in the United States amongst craft brewers.  It is a very sessionable beer that is perfect for our hot Florida summers.  I just hope they have enough!

    Here's a good one for those of you who are interested in the politics of beer...Lawyers from Anheuser Busch are threatening legal action against upstart British craft brewery Bellville Brewing according to a report from Daily Mail.  The potential litigation stems from the fact that Anheuser Busch produces a Belle-Vue beer in Europe and doesn't want consumers to confuse the Bellville and Bell-Vue products.

  According to the article by Martin Delgado of Daily Mail, a letter written by Anheuser Busch lawyers states "‘As a result of this considerable degree of  similarity .  .  . your use [of the name] is bound to lead to deception and  confusion among the public and our clients’ consumers and potential  customers."  

    The article goes on to state that Anheuser Busch  "demands the destruction of all packaging and promotional material bearing the  microbrewery’s name and the removal of any references to Belleville on the  company’s website within 28 days."  Read the entire article HERE.

    Definitely some interesting stuff!   Do you think AB has a legitimate argument here?  Or is this just another example of big beer making another attempt to crush the little guy?  Let us know what you think.


 

    Beer enthusiasts and Simpson's fans no longer have to wonder what Homer's favorite beer might taste like.  The Simpson's Fast Food Blvd portion of the Springfield attraction at Universal Orlando opened on Saturday June 1st. 

    
    Universal's Springfield features a replica of Homer's favorite hangout and will soon be opening an outdoor beer garden as well.  Both Moe's Tavern and Duff Gardens will feature 3 real life versions of Duff Beer that is being brewed by Florida Beer Co in Melbourne.  The three locally brewed beers will consist of Duff Beer, Duff Dry, and Duff Lite. 

    Florida Beer Company's portfolio of beers currently consists of respectable craft brews like Swamp Ape Double IPA and Gaspar's Porter as well as more sessionable beers like Key West Sunset Ale and Florida Lager.  We are hoping to visit Universal this week sometime to get some pictures and try the beer.  In the meantime, here is a video and some excerpts from the official press release.

    I've always wished I could have been alive in the 1920's.   The rebellious culture of the Prohibition Era  has long been a fascination of mine.  Consequently, the recent trend of local establishments that have chosen "speakeasy" themes has been very exciting for me.  I had an opportunity to enjoy beers at one of Orlando's newest speakeasy themed restaurant/bars last evening in the Dellagio Town Center.

 

    
    The Pharmacy is tucked away in a very unassuming corner of the Dellagio Town Center right in the midst of Orlando's "Restaurant Row".  To enter, you must go through an unmarked elevator which opens up to a very intimate restaurant and bar.  I was very impressed by a meaningful selection of top shelf and craft liquors at the bar.  They only offer the really good stuff here and don't even carry Jack Daniels!  There was no draft beer but they did have some nice crafts available in bottles and cans.  I didn't hear the full beer menu but I had a Cigar City Jai Alai IPA.

    
    We did not have an opportunity to enjoy any of the food at The Phamacy.  It was about 10:30 pm and the kitchen was closed.  However, everything here is said to be made from local, organic, and sustainable foods.  Everyone we have spoken to says that the food is first rate here so we're looking forward to going back a little earlier next time so we can have some really good food to go along with those really good drinks.  Cheers!

    Orlando's Imperial Wine Bar and Beer Garden made it into Draft Magazine this month as part of its "Pubs we Love" section.  Draft writes that The Imperial is "Situated inside quirky Washburn Imports, a furniture store specializing in Southeast Asian antiques, this funky bar merges craft beer, boutique wine and eclectic decor. "

    The Imperial is located on Ivanhoe Row which is just north of Orlando on Orange Avenue.   Ivanhoe Row has been known for its antique shops and eclectic restaurants for quite some time.  More recently, beer and wine enthusiasts have also taken note of this cool little neighborhood because a couple of interesting beer and wine bars have opened there in the past couple of years including The Hammered Lamb which is located just a stone's throw away from the Imperial.