Hey guys and gals,
Got back from Tampa Yesterday morning and boy was that a trip good times though. First things first...
I was hoping to go from NY rainy gloomy weather to FL sunshine 60's. Boy was I wrong, rain rain and more rain.
So I start the day Thursday at work, itching to get to the airport and fly down to Tampa that morning but alas because I'm still on probational period at my new job, taking too much time off is frowned upon and does not help me case if they are on the fence for keeping me. Anyways, I call the day before to a contact I had made through my local beer distributors and was advised not to bring too many bottles to share because a bunch of people were bringing bottles. I proceed to dig through my "suitcase" into the 6 bottle shipper to remove two bottles (Olde Rabbits Foot and a Captain Lawrence Extra Gold). I had packed a second suitcase as my carry on filled with towels and electrica tape which I decided not to bring on my carry on (kind of made me feel like a terrorist so I packed the electrical tape in my check in). I take the train to JFK which was not bad and I of course was way early for my flight.
Got back from Tampa Yesterday morning and boy was that a trip good times though. First things first...
I was hoping to go from NY rainy gloomy weather to FL sunshine 60's. Boy was I wrong, rain rain and more rain.
So I start the day Thursday at work, itching to get to the airport and fly down to Tampa that morning but alas because I'm still on probational period at my new job, taking too much time off is frowned upon and does not help me case if they are on the fence for keeping me. Anyways, I call the day before to a contact I had made through my local beer distributors and was advised not to bring too many bottles to share because a bunch of people were bringing bottles. I proceed to dig through my "suitcase" into the 6 bottle shipper to remove two bottles (Olde Rabbits Foot and a Captain Lawrence Extra Gold). I had packed a second suitcase as my carry on filled with towels and electrica tape which I decided not to bring on my carry on (kind of made me feel like a terrorist so I packed the electrical tape in my check in). I take the train to JFK which was not bad and I of course was way early for my flight.
While in line to check in I just so happened to glance over toward the rest rooms and see a women walk of the othe ladies rest room and call her son over and whisper something as they both stare at the entrance to the bathroom, all of a sudden a thugish looking guy walks out as if nothing were wrong. (The last time I did that I realized my mistake because of all the stalks and NO URNIALS) Anyways I check my bags in walk through the metal detectors and make my way to checkout my gate. With over an hour before my flight I decide to get as burger from Cheeburger Cheeburger and onion rings with ranch dipping sauce(the red font will be explained). (FYI do not buy onion rings from the airport they flippin suck). I pay for my food and get situated at a tall table alone of course and proceed to text and eat. Low and behold the one device that I could not lose or damage falls baby maker (BlackBerry holy spot where the charging port, head phone jack and camera are located) first into the ranch dressing splashing sauce all over my Surly Work shirt. I get cleaned up and try to attempt to get the suace out. Alas it would not charge, and with 3/4 of my baterry left I was screwed as far as communication.
I get on the plane and get seated next to two young ladies and off we went to Tampa, FL. Three hours later I land and recover my huge "suitcase" and make my way to the car rental company. Apparently I went to Tampa just as the Yankees started spring training and all the cars were rented. The only car available amongst all the companies there was a SUV, the gentlemen behind the desk quoted me at $280.00!!!!!! I remember talking to Wayne the Head brewer at Cigar City and vaguely remember him saying that the brewery was rather close to the brewery. I asked the guy behind the count where spruce was and he said not too far and recommended I take a cab. <--- good idea!!!! I finally hail a cab and make my short journey to a The Days Inn and negotiated with the guy at the counter who was rather short and kind of a dick... lol and was able to get a room for two nights. I forgot to mention it was POURING in Tampa, FL. I proceeded to walk to my room outside in the rain. I unpack my suitcase and try to charge my Ranch Phone... lol I fall asleep to some old re-runs. Friday morning rolls around and alas the rain has yet to stop and I make my way to get my continental breakfast which consisted of room temp apple juice and Frosted flakes in pre-packaged containers. I get a cab and head off to Cigar City to get on the huge line.
The brewery ends up being literally two blocks from my hotel, so I have the cab driver bring me to Target so I can purchase an umbrella for $2.50. Seeing that it was early I made my way to the whole foods to check out their beer selection, which by the way was not bad. After checking it out I walk to the brewery and stand outside to do what Suitcase Jon does best...
Stand and wait till the tickets were being given out.
Joey the owner saw me pace in front of the brewery and being the cool guy he is let me into the big tasting room to let me get out of the rain. Great guy Joey, THANKS!!
Walking into the tasting area, the first thing I notice, all the empty bottles lining the I beams around the brewery.
As always I meet some cool people, as well as some good ole release buds like.
Jay, Tommy, Phil, Paul and Mike.
We get our tickets, and grabs some brews in the smaller tasting room. The Hunahpu on tap was simply amazing, as well as the Big Sound Scotch ale and the Humidor Jai Alai.
Alas I pick up my beer paraphernalia and make my way to get my growlers. (a rant is coming up real soon) For the growlers, they had forms that we were allowed to fill out and of course I brought flip-top growlers. As I was about to order, the lady at the register informs me that all of my flip-top growlers are too big (they were 33.5oz) and she would not fill them.
Apparently in Florida, they are only allowed to fill growlers 32oz and less, OR 128oz or more.
Luckily Jay drove down and agreed bring them to the next release.
With my new growlers in hand, I stop by the Days Inn and drop off my merchandise. I figure I should get some food before I get trashed, so off to Sonic. On a side note there are TONS of strip clubs on the way to Cigar City Brewing Co. (CCB). I pick up a root beer float and food and head over to CCB for some beers and to hang with buddies.
As the night goes on bottles get popped, glasses get downed and low and behold I create the Hunahpu float (with my left over ice cream). If you ever get a bottle you wont regret this.
After the release Jay, Tom and their buddies pick me up to chill with them at a sandwich place but get turn away because the kitchen was closed, lame. So we head over to a semi upscale resturant where we grab food and had a great time. Oh yeah Brodie and your wife, you guys are awesome!!! and I hope to see you guys soon!!
Sorry again for the LATE post.
The brewery ends up being literally two blocks from my hotel, so I have the cab driver bring me to Target so I can purchase an umbrella for $2.50. Seeing that it was early I made my way to the whole foods to check out their beer selection, which by the way was not bad. After checking it out I walk to the brewery and stand outside to do what Suitcase Jon does best...
Stand and wait till the tickets were being given out.
Joey the owner saw me pace in front of the brewery and being the cool guy he is let me into the big tasting room to let me get out of the rain. Great guy Joey, THANKS!!
Walking into the tasting area, the first thing I notice, all the empty bottles lining the I beams around the brewery.
As always I meet some cool people, as well as some good ole release buds like.
Jay, Tommy, Phil, Paul and Mike.
We get our tickets, and grabs some brews in the smaller tasting room. The Hunahpu on tap was simply amazing, as well as the Big Sound Scotch ale and the Humidor Jai Alai.
Alas I pick up my beer paraphernalia and make my way to get my growlers. (a rant is coming up real soon) For the growlers, they had forms that we were allowed to fill out and of course I brought flip-top growlers. As I was about to order, the lady at the register informs me that all of my flip-top growlers are too big (they were 33.5oz) and she would not fill them.
Apparently in Florida, they are only allowed to fill growlers 32oz and less, OR 128oz or more.
Luckily Jay drove down and agreed bring them to the next release.
With my new growlers in hand, I stop by the Days Inn and drop off my merchandise. I figure I should get some food before I get trashed, so off to Sonic. On a side note there are TONS of strip clubs on the way to Cigar City Brewing Co. (CCB). I pick up a root beer float and food and head over to CCB for some beers and to hang with buddies.
As the night goes on bottles get popped, glasses get downed and low and behold I create the Hunahpu float (with my left over ice cream). If you ever get a bottle you wont regret this.
After the release Jay, Tom and their buddies pick me up to chill with them at a sandwich place but get turn away because the kitchen was closed, lame. So we head over to a semi upscale resturant where we grab food and had a great time. Oh yeah Brodie and your wife, you guys are awesome!!! and I hope to see you guys soon!!
Sorry again for the LATE post.
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