TnDC #26 Field Trip Big Beach Brewing Co.

As the clan ventured out for the first time on a road trip (for 5), I was granted a trip to Big Beach Brewing Co. with my wife. These guys are doing something special with only a 10bbl system. The brewery's taproom boasts a wide open space with an open face stone fireplace for those cool winter ocean breezes and a mega industrial ceiling fan to slowly keep pushing air on us summer goers. The roll up door is both functional for delivery and patron entry in front and the side bar with taps on the sidewalk side. The best part is the yard area out front that has a monstrous live oak at it's center untouched by the brewery as the entertainment area encompasses it. We arrived for the Firkin Thursday offering of their NEIPA. This test beer was a haze monster of fullness enveloped in big chewy C hops. The 8.9%abv was barely noticeable and yet apparent after 2 pours. Next up, Mr. Tallymon hefeweizen. Nose of bananas meets you square on in this crisp clear beer. I could very possible destroy this all day. Especially at 5%. Then we slid into Strand Saison. This farmhouse ale at 6.3% has great subtle notes of bananas with a larger overtone of clove hidden in it's orange hue. Even Merry found this one to be an easy one to empty. Upon our exit, we tried one of their BMC conversion beers, Beach Express Blonde. A solid beer with good color but slight biscuit and bitter tones. Served daily for $3.50 a pint though. kind of wish I had thrown their Cream Ale in the mix for reference. If you get a chance to take in the southernmost brewery in the state, do so, you won't be disappointed.

2017 Semi-Annual Beach Balls 5k

This year's almost 5K race (3.4 miles actually) took place at Pine Beach Trail in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Listed as a moderate to intense 5.1 out-and-back, I put it at 3.4 from Live oak entrance to sea turtle breeding ground on the Gulf of Mexico. Starting out at the trail head marked by a live oak that measured larger than our Honda Pilot in circumference, the runners took off at a higher mph rate than usual thanks to the mosquito population. The first 1/4 mile through the oak canopy was intense but opened to a level compact trail lined on both sides with various pines (slash, loblolly, sand), myrtle oaks, yaupon and deer moss. As mile 1 passed the only passage between Little Lagoon (salt water) and fresh water Gator Lake was the running path itself. Off to the east,  thunderheads and sheets of gray dipped to the ground obscuring the skyline. Baby gators are kind of cute (and tasty when properly prepared). Then the real fun began with a 300-400 yard turn around in the dunes dodging ghost crabs that opened to protected breeding grounds (should have brought my wife) and nothing on the shoreline either way for over a mile. Brought it back to meet an armadillo on the way and finish with DFH's Flesh & Blood for an Untappd badge by 8am. Thanks to those who turned out;)

Our Tastes-- Blackberry Farms Summer Saison 2016

I've committed to now broadening my palate brush on saisons, kolschs, wits, wheats and blondes. So as I packed for this trip, BBF Summer Saison 2016 came with me. The picture says it all! While BBQing old school I decided I could imbibe this 750 with my wife (she oddly enough did not care for this saison). Color and head were remarkable. The thick foam this conditioned bottle poured with was amazing, color is as seen with further muddling as I reached the bottom. The subtlety citrus nose was followed by slightly bitter malty notes. Mouth feel was creamy and delightful on a hot humid day at the beach. Australian Summer and Citra hops make this one perfect for the grilled yard bird. 6.3% makes it all day fun.