JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Ahoy! First Coast Brews set sail with Engine 15 Brewing last week for their nine-year anniversary, and it did not disappoint.
The brewery celebrates their anniversary each July with the release of their boozy Chupacabra Imperial Stout. For the past five years or so, they've celebrated this beer by holding a vertical tasting of the previous year's bottles.
It's been interesting to see the difference one year can make in aging and the change in brewing. For example, the 2017 vintage was brewed in the Downtown Railyard facility, while previous years had been brewed at Jacksonville Beach. The difference that water and temperature can make is interesting.
This year they decided to shake things up and host the event on a scenic river cruise on the St. Johns River.
Due to liquor license rules, they gave us beer to bring onboard the boat and 60 people set off with a LOT of beer and happy hearts.
We got a Ploughman's Lunch style dinner which was perfect with cured meats and cheeses, bread and crackers, and even dessert; a Pot De Crème, made with Chupacabra.
A gentle rain eventually gave way to a beautiful sunset. It was a perfect event and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
- Steph
