I found out a few weeks ago that I have a reputation locally as the girl who writes the beer blog and hates Cigar City. I thought it was interesting that I was known as hating the Tampa area brewery that gets such rave reviews from everyone else. Many of my friends also don’t like Cigar City– is that because we don’t like good beer or we don’t play into the hype? I believe it is the latter.

I don’t really hate Cigar City, except for a few of their off-the-wall brews that seem to have been brewed merely for the shock value. I just don’t find that Cigar City is all that exceptional. Most of the beers I have had there I consider average to a little above average–nothing to write home about but nothing to meet with all of the hype.  Since I was going to a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game and the stadium is right down the road, I decided to be open minded and give Cigar City a chance.

I did the early tour at the brewery which I considered less than stellar– of course, I have been on so many tours that I rarely hear anything new.  We did get to taste a seasonal brew called Lab Rat, which they admit is a knock off of the seasonal white IPA from New Belgium, Accumulation.  In fact, the beers taste exactly the same.  Apparently, Cigar City has bought New Belgium’s old bottling line. During the tour, I had a pint of Invasion Pale Ale which was a good solid pale ale.  I even bought a six-pack of it to bring home.  Therefore, I did not hate this brew!

Since we were on short time for a 1:00 kick off, we head to the game and returned back to Cigar City during the fourth quarter.  This time, I decided to do some samples of some of the stuff that was harder to find and more seasonal.  I was a bit disappointed that about half of the beers listed on the menu board were not available. I personally find it very annoying when something is promised, yet not delivered. Note to management– keep the board updated so this doesn’t happen.  The Tocobaga Red had hints of a pale ale hoppiness and was OK (not something I would go out of my way to get). My husband thought it was pretty good but he often enjoys red ales.  The Sean’s Dunkel was a bit nondescript to me, but again my husband enjoyed it.  Torcedores Kentucky Common was average with a slightly sour taste. The Guava sour was not very sour but I am not a fan of sour beers (I am not sure why anyone does this to beer). I was impressed that this sour was definitely not on the sweet side and had a good yeasty undertone. Hornswaggle was quite good as it was done in cedar which gave it a nice taste reminiscent of a bourbon barreled ale.  The Humidor Stout was a good solid stout but a bit smoky for my tastes.  Jose Marti is a much more solid stout, in my opinion, and another beer that I would actually drink regularly from Cigar City.  The My Boy Blue was described by my husband as tasting like armpit (not sure what exactly he meant)– I didn’t think it was that bad but just average.  I have a bottle of Black Ash, a black lager brewed with black ash, sitting in my refrigerator– hoping to try it this weekend.

So how do I sum all this up– I don’t hate Cigar City; I hate the hype; I think the beer is average.  However, should you find yourself in the neighborhood I do suggest you go and check it out!  Next stop– our newest local brewery Point Ybel