I was lucky enough to have my first introduction to J Dubs a few weeks ago at a local craft beer festival. I was impressed that such good beer was coming out of Sarasota, so I had to make the effort to stop by on my way home from St. Petersburg.

J Dubs is to me the typical microbrewery– it sits a little off the beaten path in a light industrial building, is minimalist in terms of furnishings, and has a friendly staff and clientele.  This is the kind of place that makes me think that the priorities are right– beer is number 1.  The beers here don’t disappoint and the selection is quite good.

I am generally not a fan of “funky” beers where it seems the brewer just wants to create something to be different.  However, I have to say that J Dubs had a couple of these that I found intriguing.  The Honey Habanero was a altbier brewed with honey and habanero peppers. It was quite spicy but good.  Unfortunately, my gastrointestinal system doesn’t let me enjoy the spicy like I used to– so I only had a couple of sips.  The Ay Caramba was a much milder form of a pepper beer. This featured the Up Top IPA brewed with jalapenos. It had a very jalapeno nose but a surprisingly mild jalapeno flavor. I must point out I was there around Cinco de Mayo– hence the focus on peppers.

The Blonde de Tramp was a Belgian blonde with a very sweet floral nose and mild flavor. The House Pale Ale was surprisingly piney and hoppy for a pale ale as it was dry hopped with Chinook hops– this was my favorite beer here.  The Up Top IPA was my introduction to J Dubs and a good easy drinking IPA with mild hops.  The Kettle Monster was a collaboration done with Cigar City.  This beer had a light nose but a rich, burnt malt taste on the tongue. It left a solid, lingering aftertaste of a classic dark lager.

I must say I am waiting to see what future beers come out of this brewery.  Sarasota is really a quick hour and half drive on a bad day so it will be well worth another trip as they get their brewery up and going!