To compare and contrast two beer bars in two very different beer cultures

While we were in Florida last week we happened to notice, in the newspaper, that a place called World of Beer had just opened up in a location that was, in a round about way, on our way back from The Keys. Thankfully, my lovely In-Laws actively support our love of drinking and we decided we would stop on the way back. And now for a little background on the Florida beer culture. There is none, like all things in Florida; mass marketing rules. I'm sure I have missed some great beer bar hidden away in a small downtown somewhere but even compared to Charlotte my home is a vast wasteland of mega-brew. Luckily, on our way we stopped at the Lincoln St. Mall and got lunch at The Hofbrau Haus, a restaurant owned and operated by the Hofbrau Brewery in Munich, for some sausage and decent dark german beer. I did appreciate that they even had Bundesliga on the tele, and it was even Munich playing. But I digress. On we went to World of Beer a beer bar in a giant Florida strip mall. We had the dogs with us so we sat outside. The weather was fairly agreeable, the beer list was less so. World of Beer had at least 40 taps, all of them filled with the giants of the micro brew world and only top sellers. No specialty kegs to be seen. The bottle list was slightly more interesting if only because it was huge. With over 300 bottles it took awhile to get through and still there was nothing that really interested me. I went back through and ordered a Cotleighs bitter. I had heard of Cotleighs and being a big fan of English Bitters was interested to try it. The Mrs. got a Victory Storm King and The In-Laws each got a Youngs Double Chocolate. I ventured in to find the rest room and found that it was basically a TGI Fridays for beer. When I returned, my beer was waiting for me. It was a fine example of a bitter, malty and earthy, but lacking anything special. For food they are set up much like our own Courtyard Hooligans, they have no food of their own, just menus from the surrounding restaurants. We had just eaten so this was not a problem but was a little put off. I forgive Courtyard Hooligans for this as they are shoehorned into a space the size of a refrigerator. World of beer is in a half empty strip mall.

In comparison, when we returned home, Growlers was supposed to be open and we had planned on eating there but no dice. We would have to wait until Wed. And so there I was 15 minutes after opening to christen my new neighborhood bar, owned by the same folks who brought you the Crepe Cellar. I should also take the time to let everyone know I did a fair amount of millwork for the bar. I do not believe that this will influence my opinion, as my bill has already been paid. The draw for beer lovers here is the cask ale. A live beer that has had the bugs thrown in the special keg known as a firkin with the beer to ferment. I believe it is something a kin to bottle conditioning on a larger scale. I had contacted a couple of the usual suspects to meet me but they were not available so I met up with the unusual suspects. I was hanging having my beer and facebooking about it when I notice strolling over is Mr. Hops (also known as Mr. Inappropriate) So we get to chatting and I give him the low down on the place. It is a great space. Brick walls, concrete floors, open ceiling; They even got all the seating and tables second hand to make the place seem lived in. It worked. For my part, the back bar is and looks new but fits in and the bar top is antique yellow pine that the owners got from Myrtle Beach and had me plane and joint into a countertop, it looks fantastic and really lends a lot of character. So as we are talking in walks Mr. State (also known as Mr. I'm not a B) which is a really funny story I'm sure he would love to tell you. Growlers has 14 taps plus 2 beer engines. Upon opening the taps were fairly safe with a little bit of everything. The plan is to keep styles on the taps with a rotation of brands within those styles. I was there for the cask, which was a special version of the Highland Gaelic Ale that had been dry hopped with Simcoe Hops. It was a nice variation on what is already a solid beer. I put down my fair share of Gaelics and then to finish the night I had a Hop Rod Rye from Bear Republic, which is a good way to finish since it completely dominates your tastebuds and renders them useless for most anything else. As I was leaving I noticed the place had filled up nicely and looked forward to my next visit.

In conclusion, you don't need hundreds of beers to make people happy. You need a well thought out selection that rotates regularly, a knowledgeable staff and ambiance. The best places to drink feel like an extension of your own home. A couple big ass TV's doesn't hurt, but it's not necessary.