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!
Know the Rules for Gasparilla 2012!
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!
Help us “Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful” this Gasparilla!
Ahhhh, Gasparilla.... It is almost time for the pirates to invade Tampa Bay! This Gasparilla, Pepin Distributing is proud to sponsor the "Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful" initiative.
"Recycling, responsible consumption of alcohol and overall responsible behavior has been the key initiatives since Budweiser and Pepin Distributing Company agreed to be a presenting sponsor of Gasparilla" said Tom Pepin, CEO of Pepin Distributing Company.
Since 2009, Pepin has supplied hundreds of recycling bins for the parade route and initiated the "Responsibility is the key" program.
Our new partnership with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful is a major step in doing an even better job with the recycling effort for the 2012 parade" said Tom Pepin.
Volunteer Opportunity: Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful
If imagining litter from the Gasparilla Pirate Festival makes you say, “Argh!” in frustration, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful would love to have you on its cleanup crew.
- By Valerie Kalfrin
- Email the author
- December 27, 2011
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful
401 E Jackson Ave., Suite 1825
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 221-8733
If imagining litter from the Gasparilla Pirate Festival makes you say, “Argh!” in frustration, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful would love to have you on its cleanup crew.
Formed in 1989, this volunteer organization is the local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. It organizes local efforts of the International Coastal Cleanup, the Hillsborough River and Waterways Cleanup, and other beautification programs in neighborhoods. It also focuses on litter prevention, recycling awareness, and environmental stewardship and education.
This year the organization is partnering with the City of Tampa and Pepin Distributing Company to help “green up” Gasparilla, scheduled for Jan. 28. According to VolunteerMatch.org, the group needs volunteers to collect recyclable material and litter from the crowd as the krewes and floats charge north on Bayshore Boulevard.
Volunteers are needed from 11am to 4pm on parade day and would meet at 4900 Bayshore Blvd. Seniors and groups in particular are encouraged to apply.
If interested, call (813) 221-8733 or e-mail Daisy Packer at dpacker@keeptbb.org.
About this column: Looking for a way to give back to the community but don't know where to start? Every Sunday, Seminole Heights Patch will highlight a local volunteer opportunity for your consideration.
Grab Some BUDS- Good times and great Beer Specials are waiting
As the end of 2011 draws upon us- we sit back and reflect the good and the bad times as well as moving forward into 2012. This Holiday before we get into 2012- Grab Some Buds and make a toast!
Maybe you will toast a new beginning, the end of old habits, or count your blessings. Whatever it may be- we hope you will "Grab Some Buds".
To make it easier to "Grab Some Buds" we have included our local Budweiser Beer Specials that will be taking place now until the end of December 2011. And as always you can always check our website for updated Events and Promotions.
http://www.pepindistributing.com/events/promotions
So Grab Some Buds-The Good Times are Waiting...
All Day-Every Day Budweiser Specials
CJ's Saloon: $1.50 Bud Pints & $5.50 Bud Pitchers
Tadpoles: $1.50 Bud Pints & $5.50 Bud Pitchers
Crabby Bills: $1.50 Bud Pints
McKenzies: $1.50 Bud Pints
Cornerstone Pub: $6 Bud Pitchers
O'Briens in Carrollwood: $5 Bud Pitchers
KoJak's BBQ: $1.95 Bud Drafts
Primetime Sports Bar:$6 Bud Pitchers
Monday Budweiser Specials:
Tampa Tap Room in Carrollwood: $1.50 Bud Drafts
Wednesday Budweiser Specials:
The Red Dog in South Tampa: $1 Budweiser Drafts
Thursday Budweiser Specials:
Copper Top Pub: $8 un-limited Bud drafts
Friday Budweiser Specials:
Bilmar Station: $1 Bud drafts
2012- Here We Go! Cheers!
A “Southern” Thanksgiving
A "Southern" Thanksgiving
A favorite Holiday loved by all, full of food, drinks and family. We take this holiday to remind ourselves of all of the things we have to be thankful including beer, the social lubricant that keeps most of us sane over the Holidays when we are forced to deal with our family in small spaces. Don’t worry, don’t fear we have a Southern Thanksgiving meal, paired with our favorite Southern Tier Craft Brewery beers to help get you through the Holiday.
The Summer Salad with strawberries and citrus vinaigrette- paired with Southern Tier’s 422
The strawberries will add an interesting level of complexity to your summer salad particularly paired with citrus vinaigrette. The goal here is not to “overdo” anything or step on those flavors when choosing your beer pairing. We chose the Southern Tier 422. With its subtle citrus flavor, it will increase the contrast slightly, while providing a smooth grain and along with the wheat flavor base for the other fruity flavors to build on.
The Main Dish, Option 1: The Honey Baked Ham with green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potatoes and Marshmallows with Brown Sugar- paired with Southern Tier’s IPA
The honey glaze on the ham becomes crispy and sweet with its underlying burnt texture. The green bean casserole is rich and thick with cream of mushroom soup and crispy onions. The brown sugar and marshmallows caramelize on the sweet potatoes, making a sweet thing crust. We chose the Southern Tier IPA which has enough malt sweetness to help enforce that underlying theme, while the hop profile will draw out some of the salted flavor of the meat and the onions in the casserole turning the entire dish into a roller coaster of your taste buds.
The Main Dish, Option 2: The Oven Roasted Turkey with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Sweet Corn, Cranberry Sauce- paired with Southern Tier’s Phin and Matt’s
On the turkey you have all the heavy herb flavors- the basil, oregano, garlic and onion on top of the natural umami of turkey meat. The gravy is salty, but herbal as well and your mashed potatoes are rich with butter, salt and pepper. The sweet corn and cranberry sauce acts as a foil for the salty, rich flavors of the rest of the meal. We chose the Southern Tier Phin and Matt’s which has an excellent earthy and citrusy hop profile on top of a sweet caramel malt body, which really ties all the disparate flavors together.
The Dessert, Option 1: Pumpkin Pie- paired with Southern Tier’s Pumking or Southern Tier’s Mokah
This pairing is almost too easy…. Pumking is pumpkin pie in a glass! These would complement each other hand over fist. However, if you’re looking for a little diversity or to add some complexity, try Southern Tier’s Mokah instead. With rich coffee notes and a sweet cream flavor, this beer would be at delicious odds with the pumpkin pie and really create a cool flavor combination.
The Dessert, Option 2: Good ol’ American Apple Pie- paired with Southern Tier’s Crème Brulee or Southern Tier’s Choklat
Crème Brulee is such a great beer; with the added lactose sugar it would really expand on the brown sugar flavor in the apple pie. The lactose also works as a perfect bridge to the vanilla ice cream. You might be tempted to just pour your beer over your dessert… Honestly, it’s America- do it! No harm, no foul, no judgment there.
Here is our very own craft beer genius and extraordinaire- Jesse Morris with Brews with Attitude (Craft Beer Division of Pepin Distributing). Check out our video and join Jesse as he talks about a good ol’ “Southern” Thanksgiving.
Cheers to your family from ours!!!
a \"Southern\" Thanksgiving
Hey there Pumpkin! Our Fall Seasonal’s are in!
Ahhh... Fall, what a spectacular Season!
My favorite season, not only because I am obsessed with football and wacky Halloween outfits, but mostly because I love the “flavors” of Fall. Everything you drink and eat is filled with cinnamon, sweet and spicy aromas that warm you from the inside out making you want to give Fall a gigantic bear hug! It is also the time of the year to enjoy exclusive beverages that are not offered year round. No, we are not talking about pumpkin spiced lattes; I am talking about the good stuff- The Seasonal debut of Pumpkin Beers!
Pumpkin beers are an old trend that have had new life breathed into them by the recent boom of American craft beer. From an appearance and flavor, what consumers can expect is a deep orange hue, and generally a clear liquid with a soft white foam head. Aromatically, pumpkin beers can range from an earthy, ruddy pumpkin to a powerful blast of cinnamon or clove. The taste has the same range of possibilities, and a well-made pumpkin has a balance of flavor between the fruit and the spice. That’s something of interest; Pumpkin beers (traditionally ales) are actually part of the “fruit beer” category, which are beers made with the addition of real fruit or artificial fruit flavors.
It seems like nearly every brewer is making a pumpkin ale these days; from the Shock Top Unfiltered Wheat Pumpkin Ale to the Imperial Pumking by Southern Tier, pumpkin ales are certainly not lacking in variety. Some brewers like Maine’s Shipyard Brewery have begun brewing and releasing their pumpkin as early as July. Others are waiting until late September to even begin brewing.
In Tampa, you’d be hard pressed to find a bar or package store without at least one pumpkin beer available. As a caution, I actually see this rapid growth and increasing interest in Pumpkin Ales as an early warning sign of an impending implosion of the segment. Craft brewers and drinkers are constantly striving to separate themselves from the pack, and all too often I see a trend die off as quickly as it rises.
Break away from the pack and try a Seasonal Pumpkin Beer. New brands to the Tampa Market include:ShockTop Pumpkin, Blue Point Pumpkin and Wood Chuck Cider Pumpkin, but don’t forget the number one rated Imperial pumpkin beer in the country, Southern Tier Pumking at 10.2 ABV (a MUST try). The season doesn’t last forever, so get out there and start trying the flavors that Fall has to offer you! I guarantee the first sip will trigger that forgotten happy memory of the warmth and comfort of Fall.
Cheers Pumpkin!
For more information on our Seasonal Beers please visit: www.pepindistributing.com and click on products to find out where to get them.
Beer and Seafood- The Perfect Catch!
Zythology is an Anheuser-Busch InBev global program and is about sharing our passion for beer with others. "Zythology means the “study of beer” and is to beer what 'oenology' is to wine. A zythologist is a true beer connoisseur who can share many interesting facts about an immensely complex and sophisticated beverage, its ingredients and the roles they play in the brewing process." says Tom Pepin, President of Pepin Distributing.
Zythology
Facts on the Perfect Catch: Beer and Seafood
One of the great things about beer is its variety. With a range of styles, flavors, ingredients and taste profiles, beer offers endless opportunities and pairs well with a variety of foods, including seafood. While more heavily hopped beers can overwhelm your taste buds when feasting on more delicate fish varieties, they are the perfect match to fried seafood dishes. The hop character of Goose Island Honkers Ale or Budweiser American Ale balances the strong taste of fried shrimp or beer battered fried fish.
The Perfect Catch: Beer and Seafood
Beers such as pale ales (Bass or Alexander Keith's Pale Ale) and European-style pilsners (Michelob Lager) also complement smoked, boiled, steamed or broiled seafood. Or try smoked salmon with Stella Artois -- the body of the beer complements the strength of the smoke creating a great pairing on the palette. Beers are also a great complement to spicy cuisine – particularly dishes like broiled crab legs and spicy seafood gumbo. Budweiser is the perfect match for spicy dishes. The carbonation and slightly sweet flavors help to balance and refresh the palate. So the next time you're dining out or cooking at home, don't forget that a refreshing beer and a seafood dish are a perfect pairing.
AB Marketing