By DCBeer contributor Josh "JP" Perry
Name: Cigar City Brewing
Location: Tampa, FL
Website: http://cigarcitybrewing.com/
Type: Production Brewery
Available in DC Market: Yes
Brief History: Started by Joey Redner and Wayne Wambles in 2008 Cigar City Brewing has put Florida brewing on the map and has allowed for the growth of craft beer to be widely accepted in the Sunshine State. Large volume of their portfolio are IPAs (best known among them is Jai Alai), but they are also well known for their Hunahpu Stout (which incited a bit of controvery this year at Hunaphu Day).
Beer 1: Guava Grove (Saison / 8% ABV)
Beer Description: Guava Grove is brewed with a French strain of saison yeast and sees a secondary fermentation on pink guava puree.
Food Pairing: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie (Tart shells filled with poached rhubarb and fresh strawberries.)
Our Thoughts: This is a solid offering from CCB and something I actively look for when I am back home in Florida. The tart and fruit is well balanced and keeps the saison yeast at bay, allowing for a more rustic character to take over. I am concerned that the rhubarb and strawberries will detract from the guava, but this will be on my radar for the evening.
Beer 2: Invasion Pale Ale (American pale ale / 5% ABV)
Tasting Notes: CCB's rendition of a sessionable (refer tohttps://dcbeer.com/news/
Food Pairing: Broccoli Rabe and Pancetta Stuffed Mushrooms. Oven roasted mushrooms stuffed with a mixture of broccoli rabe, pancetta, mushrooms and shallot.
Our Thoughts: I have yet to have this beer and look forward to trying it. My one hesitation is the how the hops are balanced to give the fruit flavors while staying balanced enough to be a sessionable beer.
The earthy aspects of the mushrooms should be a great counterbalance to any pale ale.
This profile is a part of the DCBeer.com SAVOR Brewery Profile series. For more information, follow the link to see profiles of all 2014 SAVOR participants.
