Another Successful Brews With Attitude Craft Beer Fest Under Our Belt
For the eighth consecutive year, the Brewers Association has declared American Craft Beer Week (ACBW), a celebration of U.S. craft brewers across the country. From May 13-May 19, the tradition has continued and ACBW provided the opportunity for small and independent brewers, craft beer enthusiasts and the community of better beer retailers to celebrate the ever advancing beer culture.
As Pepin Distributing Company, we celebrated Third Annual Brews with Attitude Craft Beer Fest on the grounds of the exquisite T.Pepin’ s Hospitality Centre with over 1300 consumers, brewery partners and retailers. The festival was an exciting opportunity for local and national craft brewers to commemorate their art and tradition with enthusiasts across Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay beer lovers enjoyed delicious brews, great food from the 10 food trucks, hand rolled cigars and live music at the festival. There were more than 100 craft brands available to sample from. The festival hosted multiple sampling tents to house the breweries and provided the consumers with the opportunity to meet and greet with the nation’s top brewers.
Thank you Tampa Bay for helping us make the Third Annual Brews With Attitude Craft Beer Fest the best craft beer festival of Florida.
Check out our Facebook page for photos from the event here.
Third Annual Brews With Attitude Craft Beer Festival
Tampa's ultimate annual craft beer festival is back for its third year and this year it is going to be even bigger than the last two! Join us as we celebrate American Craft Beer Week during our Brews with Attitude Craft Beer Festival. If you have never been to one of the best Craft Beer Festivals in the Bay, check out the pictures from last year here.
So, what should you expect at this festival?
- Over 100 Craft Beers to sample from
- Tampa's favorite Food Trucks
- Live Entertainment
- Meet The Brewer and receive a complimentary photo
- Premier of a mystery brew that is not available in the market
- Variety of hand rolled cigars, and more.
Individual tickets are available for $30. Limited 6-pack tickets are available for $20 a piece. Click here to purchase your tickets.
Admission includes sampling of over 100 craft beers with the official Brews With Attitude tasting cup. There will be food, non-alcoholic beverages and cigars available for purchase.
Click the Facebook logo to add to your events calendar
Goose Island is Finally in Tampa Bay
GOOSE ISLAND, A FAVORITE LOCAL BREW IN CHICAGO IS NOW IN TAMPA BAY
Thanks to Pepin Distributing Company, Goose Island's 312, Honker's Ale, India Pale Ale and Mild Winter is pouring at several bars and restaurants all around the city of Tampa. The company had originally opened in 1988 at its Clybourn Avenue brew pub of Chicago. After several years of successfully brewing some of the best beers, the brewery built a big craft beer following all around the nation. The response in the Tampa Bay community has been very welcoming, which is exciting both for Goose Island and Pepin. Several Tampa bars are having Goose Island Brewery Nights throughout November and December to celebrate the city's newest and perhaps one of the most delicious craft beers.
Here are the taste profiles of the Goose Island brews available in Tampa Bay as of now;
Honker's Ale: Inspired by visits to English country pubs, Honker’s Ale combines a fruity hop aroma with a rich malt middle to create a perfectly balanced beer. Immensely drinkable, Honker’s Ale is not only the beer you can trust but one you’ll look forward to time and again.
India Pale Ale: Our India Pale Ale recalls a time when ales shipped from England to India were highly hopped to preserve their distinct taste during the long journey. The result is a hop lover’s dream with a fruity aroma, set off by a dry malt middle, and long hop finish.
312 Urban Wheat Ale: Inspired by the city of Chicago and densely populated with flavor, 312’s spicy aroma of Cascade hops is followed by a crisp, fruity ale flavor delivered in a smooth, creamy body that's immensely refreshing.
Mild Winter: Toffee brown, medium-bodied, with a creamy head and an aroma of raisins and freshly baked dark bread. Mild Winter’s rich caramel malt and spicy rye flavors are sure to take the bite out of whatever Old Man Winter brews up for you this year.
Next time you are out at a bar, don't forget to try one of Goose Island's delicious brews. Cheers!
Pepin Distributing Brings SweetWater to Tampa Bay
SWEETWATER BREWERY TO START FLOWING IN TAMPA BAY AREA THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 15
The South’s second largest craft brewery announces distributors and launch festivities
ATLANTA (October 5, 2012) – Kicking off the week of October 15, Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater natives will officially be able to get their hands on SweetWater Brewery’s lip-smackin’ lineup. “After an arduous and comprehensive wholesaler assignment process, we are glad to announce that we’ve selected Pepin Distributing Company for the Tampa market, and Great Bay Distributors for St. Petersburg and Clearwater,” said Dave Guender, Director of Sales for SweetWater Brewing Company. “We are stoked to be adding these great markets to our distribution footprint, and the anticipation of our fine brews making their way further into southwest Florida has been fantastic.”
SweetWater is bringing “the beer you’ve been training for” to thirsty locals starting with 420 Extra Pale Ale on draft at bars and restaurants, following later in the week with distribution of SweetWater brews in 12-ounce bottles to include the following brands:
• 420 Extra Pale Ale - SweetWater’s 420 Extra Pale Ale is a West Coast style pale ale with big hops and a crisp finish. First brewed
on April 20, 1997, this beer has developed quite the following in the Southeast. 420 is extremely well-balanced which makes it
a perfect introduction to a new town…that’s why we say “drink ‘em if you got ‘em!”
• SweetWater Blue - SweetWater Blue is a unique, lighter-bodied wheat ale enhanced with a hint of fresh blueberries. This
brew’ll give folks a good whiff of a blueberry influence, with a subtle taste and an extra clean finish. This ain’t no fruit beer, but
it is our breakfast beer, and perfect for hanging outside in the Florida heat.
• SweetWater IPA - This mammoth India Pale Ale (IPA) is dry-hopped to the gills delivering a kick-you-in-the-teeth hop chop. The
brew is unfiltered and, like all of our beers, always unpasteurized to leave all the natural flavors intact. SweetWater IPA
recently won first place in a blind tasting against 15 of the best IPA’s in the country held by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Get in on the action! A crew from SweetWater Brewery, along with its Founder and Big Kahuna Freddy Bensch, will be flooding the
market with sampling celebrations and sponsored festivities including:
• Weds., Oct. 17 – Pub crawl featuring SweetWater samplings, specials and meet-and-greet with Freddy in Tampa
• Thurs., Oct. 18 – Pub crawl featuring SweetWater samplings, specials and meet-and-greet with Freddy in St. Petersburg
• Fri., Oct. 19 – SweetWater’s presents Olde Bay Café’s Craft Beer & Crab Festival at Edgewater Park in Dunedin from 2-10 p.m.
• Fri., Oct. 19 – Brews featured at Safety Harbor 3rd Friday in downtown Safety Harbor from 6-10 p.m.
• Fri., Oct. 19 – SweetWater will be flowing at the JJGrey & Mofro show at Jannus Live in St. Petersburg at 8 p.m.
Online fans can wet their whistles too by following SweetWater’s Florida Facebook page at facebook.com/SWHeadyPeddlersFlorida for
details on how to enter the “Catch a Trout Tap” contest. The challenge rewards the first 20 folks to spot, capture and post photos of the
brewery’s iconic trout tap handles around town with SweetWater Schwag.
To learn more about SweetWater Brewing Company and its full lineup, visit www.sweetwaterbrew.com.
Omission Beer is in Tampa – Thanks to Pepin Distributing
Omission is the first craft beer brand in the United States focused exclusively on brewing great tasting craft beers with traditional ingredients, including malted barley, specially crafted to remove gluten. Omission beer comes in two varieties:
Lager - A refreshing and crisp beer, brewed in the traditional lager style. Perfect for a variety of beer drinking occasions, Omission Lager’s aromatic hop profile offers a unique, easy-drinking beer for those looking for a lighter and approachable beer style.
Pale Ale - Bold and hoppy, Omission Pale Ale is a hop-forward American Pale Ale, brewed to showcase the Cascade hop profile. Amber in color, Omission Pale Ale’s floral aroma is complimented by caramel malt body, making for a delicious craft beer.
Great news for Tampa's beer lovers that suffer from Celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance, Pepin Distributing brings Omission beer to Tampa. Celiac disease is a genetic disorder affecting at least 1 in 133 people in the U.S. Keep in mind that, Widmer does not call Omission "gluten-free", because beer brewed with barley cannot be labeled as such. It is possible that the beers will contain some gluten -- but far less than is problematic for people with celiac disease. For the consumer's peace of mind, each batch of Omission Pale Ale and Omission Lager is tested by an independent lab using the R5 Competitive ELISA for gluten content. Feel free to enter the code from your bottle and take comfort in knowing the results of your beer’s R5 Competitive ELISA test results here.
Where can you get Omission Beer in Tampa? Click here for our product locator. Cheers!
Welcome to the Sunshine State Green Flash Brewing Co.
We couldn’t be more excited to announce that Green Flash Brewing Co., one of the largest Breweries in San Diego, California has joined out craft beer portfolio. This innovative brewery stays true to their original “Beer First” philosophy- to passionately craft cutting edge and pioneering craft brews with an unforgettable, assertive and distinctive style.
Join us in welcoming Green Flash Brewing Co. to Florida and Tampa is lucky to be the ONLY distributor in Florida! Green Flash Brewing Co. Brands include: West Coast IPA (India Pale Ale), Le Freak (Ale), Hop Head Red (Red India Pale Ale), Imperial (India Pale Ale), Rayon Vert (Belgian-Style Pale Ale) & the Double Stout (Black Ale).
Green Flash Brewing Co.
So, where does “Green Flash” in the name come from?
Well, this very unique explanation goes something like this, “Known to sailors and coastal dwellers, the legendary Green Flash is one of nature’s true marvels. Only under perfect weather conditions, just for a sudden second, the day’s last rays of sunshine turn a blindingly brilliant emerald on the horizon. It is said, by those lucky enough to witness it, that it makes for the perfect end to a perfect day.”
Lucky for us the sun is always shining in the Sunshine State! And Green Flash Brewing Co. reminds us “Next time you are enjoying the sunset, raise a glass of our fine ale and toast to those rare things in life that make for a perfect day. Taste it once, remember it forever.”
Want to check out all of the hype (we PROMISE you will NOT be disappointed)? We have you covered and we are really stoked to launch the brands and do some sampling at a few local brew pubs this weekend on Friday, Feb. 10th and Saturday, Feb. 11th and Green Flash Brewing Co. will be available in many local Tampa Brew Pubs and Retail Craft Beer Establishments starting officially on Monday, Feb. 13th, 2012.
Friday, Feb. 10th: The Pour House at 7pm, World of Beer- Westchase, Brass Tap-Wiregrass & Brass Tap-Brandon.
Saturday, Feb. 11th: World of Beer-New Tampa, World of Beer-Carrollwood, World of Beer-South Tampa, World of Beer-Land O’ Lakes & Mr. Dunderbak’s.
Cheers to the Perfect Ending!
Happy Woodchuck Day!
Happy Woodchuck Day!
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
This is a question for the ages to be sure and yet an answer so elusive, so shifty, and so slippery that the almighty Google itself is incapable of providing one. In fact, should you search for this answer you’re far more likely to stumble across a reference to the erstwhile overlord of the internet, Mr. Chuck Norris.
This may not seem appropriate however, I submit for your consideration: Chuck Norris reminds us all that beards are not to be trusted as they may contain fists; that ghosts sit around campfires and tell Chuck Norris Stories; that while some magicians can walk on water, Chuck Norris can swim through land. In short, Chuck teaches us to dig deep and believe in ourselves. Or just work out a lot and punch things, I’m honestly not too sure I tend to confuse those two.
The point is this: today is groundhog’s day. Groundhog sounds a lot more like a disappointing chili base, and a lot less like a badass who punches things to death with his face. If I had my choice, I’d pick bearded glory any day of the week over being afraid of my own shadow. So this year, join us in the revolution. No longer will we sit idly by while rodents soak all the glory. Today, we declare it to be WoodChuck day. Capital C (otherwise, we fear the come-uppance from Mr. Norris).
This evening, at the following fine establishments we will be celebrating the harder side of Woodchuck day:
World of Beer South Tampa- Featuring Woodchuck Amber, Woodchuck Spring, Woodchuck Pear and Woodchuck Granny Smith
World of Beer Carrollwood- Featuring Woodchuck Amber and Woodchuck Spring
World of Beer Westchase- Featuring Woodchuck Amber, Woodchuck Spring, Woodchuck Pear and Woodchuck Granny Smith
Let me get a “Cheers” to Happy WoodChuck Day!!!!!!
Know the rules for Gasparilla!!!! Stay safe & have FUN!!!!
Please take a moment to view the Press Conference from The Tampa Police Department.
Pepin Distributing is proud to sponsor such a great event and we want to make sure our favorite Tampa Pirates stay safe for 2012 Gasparilla! Responsibility is key!
"Enjoy an ice cold Budweiser, benefit those charities at the Gasparilla parade, but enjoy responsibly." says Bill Gieseking, Director of Marketing for Pepin Distributing.
There is a ZERO-tolerance policy! Check out the video HERE!
The Legendary Clydesdales are Coming to Tampa Bay!
Don't miss your chance to see the world-famous, eight-horse Budweiser Clydesdale hitch that will make special appearances at several local establishments while in town for Gasparilla.
The Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to Tampa Bay!
Anheuser-Busch’s Budweiser Clydesdales make hundreds of appearances each year. The Clydesdales are an American icon and one of the world’s most recognized corporate symbols.
To qualify for a hitch, a Clydesdale must be a gelding at least four years of age, stand 72 inches at the shoulder when fully mature, weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, have a bay coat, a blaze of white on the face, four white legs, and a black mane and tail.
"We are proud to welcome the Budweiser Clydesdales to the Tampa Bay Market specifically for the Gasparilla Parade. Gasparilla is one of the most important events in our Tampa Bay Community and is worthy in that the Clydesdales continue to lead the parade for 5 consecutive years." Tom Pepin, President and CEO of Pepin Distributing.
Dates and Locations:
Thursday, January 26th: Town Centre, SR 54 and Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel (By the Beef O' Bradys and Sweetbay) 4p-6p
Friday, January 27th: Racetrac, Brandon Blvd and N. Oakwood Ave., Brandon 1p-3p (2 Horse Dressed Appearance- not a Full Hitch Appearance)
Saturday, January 28th: Leading the Gasparilla Parade on Bayshore Blvd. 2p-4p
Sunday, January 29th: The Avenue at Westchase on Linebaugh Ave., Tampa 1p-4p (Enjoy $1 Budweiser Longneck Bottles Here)
For the complete Budweiser Clydesdale press kit, including photos and fact sheets, visit http://www.anheuser-busch.com/clydesdales/clydesdales-budweiser.html
Ringing in the New Year at the 2012 Outback Bowl
What a way to ring in the new year…. at the 2012 Outback Bowl.
- Bill Gieseking, Director of Marketing for Pepin Distributing on the sidelines at the 2012 Outback Bowl
WOW, what a show down!
This year on January 2nd Raymond James Stadium opened up their football fields to one of Tampa Bay’s best college sporting events, The Outback Bowl. Michigan State and Georgia went head to head, full throttle and competed in one of the best, heart-pounding, gut-wrenching football game ever experienced in college football. Michigan State’s wide receiver, Keith Nichol hugged the ball in his chest for a memorable touchdown catch in the second half which was just the beginning of the giant plays to come by Michigan State leading them to a 33-30 triple-overtime win against Georgia.
The Outback Bowl brings more than just great college athletes, it also brings thousands of visitors to explore and enjoy our city of Tampa Bay. "The Outback Bowl obtains national TV coverage for our community and brings thousands of visitors to our city. The economic impact is significant!” said Tom Pepin, President and CEO of Pepin Distributing.
Pepin Distributing could not be prouder to support and continue their partnership with the Outback Bowl. "We are very proud to continue our partnership with the Outback Bowl.
Bill Gieseking, Director of Marketing for Pepin Distributing & Chris Sullivan, Founder and CEO of Outback Steakhouse
My father, Art Pepin was a founding father of the bowl over 30 years ago.” said Tom Pepin, President and CEO of Pepin Distributing.
Art, your legacy here at Pepin Distributing continues… Tampa Bay thanks you!
Cheers to 2012, may it be the BEST yet!