5 Collaboration Beers That Show the Flavors of Jacksonville
One of the many wonders of craft brewing around the world is that breweries, who are competitors out in the marketplace, often come together to create a beer for a purpose, cause, or idea.
Jacksonville's breweries regularly collaborate with each other and with organizations outside the brewing world to make beer to spotlight causes and organizations that are important to them. Sometimes those beers are available on a limited basis, and sometimes drinkers are fortunate enough that these collaboration beers stick around or make regular appearances, repeatedly showcasing the flavorful ideas the brewers have.Here are five collaboration beers that Jax Ale Trail craft brewers have made that showcase their flavorful talents:
1. Aardwolf and Southern Swells Brewing collaboration “Where the Citra Things Are Session IPA.”
When Southern Swells Brewing of Jacksonville Beach was celebrating their anniversary, they had neighboring brewers over to the brewery and showcase their beers. Before the party, Southern Swells brewers decided to make a beer with San Marco-based Aardwolf Brewing, and it would be a low alcohol session IPA that used Citra hops, the most popular hop in craft brewing. Well, Aardwolf owner Preben Olsen had the idea to not only use Citra hops, but to use as many as possible in every part of the brewing process. The beer - a hazy session IPA called “Where the Citra Things Are” – illustrated what deliciousness happens when an excess of flavorful hops are crammed into a 4.5% session IPA.
3. Myrtle Avenue Brewing and Pink Boots Society collaboration “Need Help With That? Pale Ale.”
The Pink Boots Society is an organization in the brewing community whose mission is “to assist, inspire and encourage women and non-binary individuals in the fermented/alcoholic beverage industry to advance their careers through education.” Each year, the Pink Boots Society selects a blend of hops that is only available to members and members work with a professional brewery to craft a beer using the Pink Boots Society hop blend. This year, Florida’s Pink Boots Society Jacksonville members brewed a 5.4% ABV pale ale called “Need Help with That?” at Myrtle Avenue Brewing in the Rail Yard District.
5. Veterans United Craft Brewery and 2 Caps Brewery collaboration “D-Day IPA.”
The majority of the staff at Veterans United Craft Brewery on the Southside of Jacksonville have served in the military, and the names of many beers refer to the military or some item of military service. D-Day IPA was first brewed to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day operations and it was brewed in collaboration with 2 Caps Brewery in Normandy, France. “Since 2019, both Veterans United and Brasserie des 2 Caps have continued to brew the beer annually and distribute it in our respective local markets,” says Veterans United President and Brewmaster, Ron Gamble. “For 2020 and 2021, the beer was only available on draft. In 2022, we launched the beer on draft AND in 12oz cans. This Franco-American IPA was brewed using French malts and American hops. The result was a hazy & juicy IPA that was made with copious amounts of Citra and Mosaic hops.” The 2023 batch was just brewed with the intention of having the beer finished and available to purchase before June 6.
This list is only a taste of some of the flavors that Jacksonville’s craft brewers are producing today. While some of these beers may be available on a limited basis, others are on tap or in cans and bottles right now. And all of these beers require a visit to the always-growing Jacksonville beer scene to enjoy, whether in one of the city’s craft breweries, taprooms, bottle shops, or venues.
