Don’t freak out, but Denis Phillips kind of wants to have a drink with you this weekend.
The iconic weatherman’s Rule #7 “Don’t freak out unless I’m freaking out,” has been around since 2004 when hurricane Charley struck the Bay Area, but it was after Hurricane Irma hit that the dad-shoe-sporting, suspender-wearing weatherman was honored with his very own beer.
He’ll even be there to watch you taste the latest edition of Crooked Thumb Brewery’s “Rule #7” beer on Friday during Bolts Brew Fest at Amalie Arena.
[content-1] Phillips, 62, is a voice of reason during the chaos of a hurricane, and Crooked Thumb created this year’s tropical pale ale as part of its ongoing nod to his trustworthy hurricane coverage and involvement in the community.
“Denis has this incredible way of keeping people informed and prepared while still making it fun and relatable,” Sherri Kelly, Crooked Thumb co-owner, wrote in a press release. “We both love being part of this community, and Rule #7 is our way of reminding everyone to stay calm, be prepared, and enjoy yourself, even during hurricane season.”
The citrusy IPA is brewed every summer. Last week, Phillips was at another sports venue, BayCare Park in Clearwater, home of the Threshers, to watch fans get a sip.
“This year, the meet and greet started at three, and was supposed to end at five. It went through nine, and they sold-out entirely that night, so many people showed up,” Phillips told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “I mean, there were two hour lines for saying hi and getting autographs, and it was crazy.”
It’ll be hard to forecast the line at Bolts Brew Fest, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s annual beer festival thrown in conjunction with CL—just don’t ask Phillips to shotgun a “Rule #7” tallboy with you.
“I am still going to be on the clock,” Phillips said, noting that he’ll do live spots for WFTS at the arena.
Denis Phillips’ signature “Rule #7” beer can also be purchased at Safety Harbor’s Crooked Thumb Brewery, which it on tap and in 16-oz. four-packs.
Tickets for Bolts Brew Fest at Tampa’s Amalie Arena on Friday, Aug. 1 are still available and start at $52. UPDATED 07/30/25 11:23 a.m. Updated to make clear that Phillips will not be pouring or serving beer as part of his appearance at Amalie Arena.
