Super Suds from The South

Beer Luvvas,

I've finally got around to sampling this month's Microbrew of the Month Club, and boy was I surprised when every offering was from below the Mason-Dixon Line: Florida Beer Company, Melborne, FL; and Diamond Bear Brewing Company, Little Rock, AR.

Florida Beer Company Hurricane Reef Pale Ale - This pale was shockingly flavorful, then I read the tasting notes: Cascade and Mt. Hood hops. Well I guess the NW hops secret is out! Needless to say it's a fine quaff. Just enough crisp hop finish to balance a mellow malt flavor.

FBC Key West Golden Lager - Another crisp summer quaff, perfect from one of the 2 lands of endless summer. Brewed in the 'German Lager Tradition,' Key West was very, very, very, very mellow. Nothing jumped out and grabbed you. If it came in a can, it would be a perfect boat drink. Look out Landshark Lager!

Diamond Bear Brewing Paradise Porter - Now here's a beer that scared me more than a bit. Outside of the Dixie Blackened Voodoo Lager, I've experienced nothing but bad dark beers from Southern Gentlemen brewers. Luckily, things are looking up for darker brews down south. Paradise has a nice roasted flavor and a smooth finish. Well done. Well done.

DBB Presidential IPA - The prize of this month's package! Amarillo, Cascade, Goldings and Fuggles hops. This IPA is worthy of the Ruler of the Free World moniker. An excellent example of an IPA. But should we worry that all IPAs are starting to follow the same flavor pattern? Not in my book.

Prost to another worthy Microbrew of the Month shipment! Prost to the Southern Brewers!