The second annual Tampa Bay Beer Week is in full swing, running through Sunday, March 10. There is plenty to see, do, and drink. Get out to one of the area events this weekend for some suds in the sun.
THURSDAY, MARCH 7
Dunedin Brewery and Terrapin Beer got together to make a special batch of Southern Rye Scotch Ale. Head out to Dunedin Brewery to get a pint, hot off the tap in a special glass to take home (while supplies last) starting at 11 a.m. A limited supply of bombers (22 ounces) will be available for purchase at 5 p.m. 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 727-736-0606.
Mr. Dunderbak’s host’s the owner and brewer of Bear Republic Brewing for an evening of complimentary samples and conversation. 8 p.m. 14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, 813-977-4104.
Café Hey and North Coast Brewery present an evening of food and beer pairings. For $30, enjoy food and beer selections from the brewery and local café. 6 p.m. 1540 Franklin St., Tampa, 813-221-5150.
FRIDAY, MARCH 8
Head out to the epicenter of local homebrewing, Southern Brewing and Winemaking, for the Best Florida Beer Championship Leftover Party. The Best Florida Beer Championship gets hundreds of entries every year, but only one or two are needed for judging. That means over 800 bottles left for everyone’s tasting enjoyment. For just $10, you can sample the state’s best homebrewed ales and learn more about the brewing process. 7 p.m., 4500 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-238-7800.
Fleming's Steakhouse and Cigar City Brewing have a big dinner planned. Chef Ryan Mitchell prepares six courses, paired with a CCB beer. Brewers will be on deck to explain how the flavors work together and give insight on how they make their brew. $85 per person. 6:30 p.m., 4322 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-874-9463.
SATURDAY, MARCH 9
Dunedin’s House of Beer celebrates Tampa Bay Beer Week with Beerfest, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., at the Edgewater Park in Dunedin. Beerfest is a free and family-friendly get together, with dozens of beer selections from local breweries. Drink tickets are $5 each; proceeds benefit Dunedin Doggie Rescue. Beerfest ends at Dunedin House of Beer with a free show from Jimmy Needs Meds at 10 p.m. 927 Broadway, Dunedin, 727-216-6318.
Gainesville’s Swamphead Brewing is taking over the taps at Brandon’s Stein and Vine. The Florida brew-crew is bringing a specialty keg of 10-10-10 IPA, Stumpknocker Pale Ale, and Midnight Oil Oatmeal Coffee Stout. 7:30 p.m., 827 W. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, 813-655-4786.
SUNDAY, MARCH 10
New World Brewery presents the second annual Very Glorious Sour Beer breakfast to finish off beer week right. For $35 per person, you get to enjoy some tasty house-smoked cheeses, dessert pizzas, and breakfast items. Plus, plenty of sour beers from Rodenbach, Boon, Petrus, and Van Steenberge. 12 p.m., 1313 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4969.
Join the crew at 7Venth Sun Brewing in Dunedin for the release of a brand new recipe of doughnut porter (it’s a new version of the imperial porter). Lots of previously unreleased barrel-aged beers will be on tap including almond-aged Superfly. Breakfast foods trucks will be onsite for morning snacks. A special surprise is coming from Cigar City, TBA. Be sure to check out the first ever Buddy Brune horizontal tasting, beer brewed four ways with Buddy Brew coffee, available side by side. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1012 Broadway, Dunedin, 727-733-3013.
This article appears in Mar 7-13, 2013.