A Fond Farewell to Florida

It is my last day in FL, and I had a 6PM flight out of Orlando, which means check-in at 4PM, and leaving the coast no later than 2PM.  It’s sad, but that is how I think.  And I was tired of traveling, so I got up early and headed to Dunedin to check out two beer stops that are right next to each other.

I was hoping there was a beach, but there wasn’t, just a marina that I hung out and watched Sportscenter.  So I went for a walk and hung out at the Olde Bay Café, watching the boats, and sippin’ on a Florida Avenue Pale Ale.  I waited until 11AM, and then headed over to Dunedin Brewpub.

Dunedin brewery was one of the first brewpubs in FL, and they offered a large selection of beers to go with their menu.  I got the fish tacos (what else) and a sampler.  The beer was decent, but I got the impression that the place has had quite a turnover at brewmaster over the years by talking with the owner.  It was hot, so I really enjoyed their Apricot Peach Ale, and their 15^th Anniversary Imperial Pilsner.  I also liked their Biere De Café, a coffee infused ale that was really good.

Next I went to the Dunedin House of Beer, one of Draft magazine’s top 100 bars in the country.  I got to say, I was disappointed.  The barmaid didn’t know about the beers, and the only two I hadn’t had before was the Starr Hill Boxcar Pumpkin Porter and their Double Platinum (an Imperial IPA).  I would think they would have had a better selection.  Since the selection was slim, I had time to head back over to Cigar City to take advantage of their beer event appetizer, trying their Guava Groove on draft and getting another bottle to bring back with me (again, what is the weight limit?).  With my suitcase packed I headed back to Orlando.

I made it to the airport in time (Thrifty is trying rip me off though, watch out for them signing you up for those optional features), and checked in.  My suitcase weighed 37 lbs on the way down, but the bottles put me over the top at 55 lbs.  I had to rearrange my luggage to avoid a $50 penalty, but I did it.  I had a great time, participating in the business of the Church, and exploring the FL beer scene.  I have a new favorite brewery, Cigar City, and I’m hoping their beers wil be able to make there way up here to Upstate NY. – 5795/11323

"Beer is an improvement on water itself." – Grant Johnson