Florida Beer Company - Swamp Ape

This 2010 & 2011 Bronze medal winner in the fiercely competitive Double IPA category of the U.S. Open Beer Championships presents an attractive copper-amber hue in the glass as its robust cap of tight, off-white foam slowly recedes to a lasting collar while lacing nicely. Big, fruity citrus notes emerge in the aroma, offering some orange, tangerine, and grapefruit, joined by soft, floral overtones and a noticeable undercurrent of caramel. On the palate, look for the malt backbone to be robustly realized with caramel notes and light toastiness, providing the sturdy core necessary to hold up such a big, hoppy brew. Also look for some added complexity from an intriguing smoky hint which pops through here and there as well, thanks to the unusual use of cherrywood smoked malt in this double IPA. The hops come through brightly citric and firmly bitter, with 85 big IBUs and some fruity and spicy booziness working together to dry this brew out in the lingering finish. For pairing options, the brewery suggests steak, grilled and well-spiced cedar plank salmon, spicy chili or stew, or a burger topped with sharp cheddar. Enjoy!

The Florida Beer Company has been among the leaders of Florida’s craft brewing renaissance. Founded originally in 1994 as Ybor City Brewing Company by Humberto Perez, a third generation brewer (his grandfather began one of Venezuela’s largest breweries back in 1929), the company grew to feature several different beer brands, with each offering a sense of Floridian pride in their beer names and label art. Around 2003, Perez moved brewing operations from their original Ybor City location to another brewery in Melbourne, FL: Indian River Beverage Corp., mid-way down the state’s Atlantic coast.

Not long after, Jim Massoni and Ed Scott purchased the company and renamed it Florida Beer Company. Between 2012 and 2014, after reaching capacity at the old Melbourne location, brewing operations transitioned to a new, much larger facility in Cape Canaveral. Residing in the former home of Chrysler’s missile operations, which supported such NASA programs as Mercury and Apollo, FBC boasts a new visitor center and tap room where you can sample all of their tasty brews. For more information about the brewery, their tap room, and tours, call 321-728-4114, or visit them at www.floridabeer.com.