Linda Johnson is a BUZZ Contributing Writer (beer!) and founder of the beer and travel website, BrewNymph.com, covering all things Florida beer from news to events. She is the first female Level 2 Certified Cicerone® in the Jax area, one of six in the metro area, and the only Level 2-certified independent beer writer in the state.
Jacksonville’s first production craft brewery, Bold City Brewery, celebrates its 9th Anniversary — with what promises to be another epic party — at its Riverside location on Saturday, October 21, starting at 1pm.
Bold City’s annual anniversary bash might be well-known for its $2 pints, and that tradition will continue again this year, according to Kevin Miller, Sales Manager. Bold City fans can look forward to around 8-10 different Bold City beers on tap, including Barrel-Aged Duke’s Brown Ale, Miller adds.
Much had been made over the summer about the travails of the brewery’s encounter with the city Fire Marshal in July and subsequent renovation work required by the inspection. Miller confirms that work has been progressing, including the addition of several exit doors and accessible ramps. The good news for all concerned is that all three bars — the tap room, inside brewery, and outside bar — are expected to be up and running for the anniversary event.
The anniversary party includes raffles for free beer for a year, free growler fills for a year, and a brew day with a Bold City brewer.
Bands will play music all day: Brett Foster Band 1-3pm; Bold City Bandits 3:30-4:30pm; Ginger Beard Men 5-7pm; Bold City Bandits 7:30-8:30pm; Firewater Tent Revival 8:30-11pm.
The on-site food kitchen La Bodega will offer a food menu featuring bratwurst, chicken skewers, and pulled pork sandwiches.
It’s an all-hands-on-deck event for the Bold City crew, and the Bold City Downtown brewery and tap room will be closed for the day on October 21.
Bold City Brewery launched in 2008 when mother and son duo Susan and Brian Miller decided to say goodbye to their “day jobs” at an insurance company and pursue a life of malt and hops. Brian had also homebrewed since 2002 and realized his true calling. Situated in a warehouse next to railroad tracks, the brewery’s 20-barrel brewhouse is complemented by a few big-boy tanks, including several 80-barrel and 120-barrel varieties. Keeping those tanks company are two outside grain silos. Bold City began canning its beers onsite in July 2013, and the three core beers — Killer Whale Cream Ale, Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale, and Mad Manatee IPA — are widely available in virtually every local grocery and liquor store. In addition to the Jax/North Florida area, the distribution also extends to Tampa, Sarasota, Daytona, Orlando and Gainesville.
Bold City Brewery opened its second location on Bay Street in Downtown Jacksonville in April of this year. Bold City Downtown brews seasonal and special batch beers to complement the established Bold City core beers.
Get ready to party, Jacksonville! Congratulations to Bold City Brewery!
Cheers,
Linda Johnson, Certified Cicerone®
(excerpted from brewnymph.com)
Covering Florida’s Beer Scene, and locally around greater Jax
(cover photo: 2016 Bold City Brewery Anniversary; photo by Linda Johnson)
