Sorry for the lack of blog updates, but it hasn't been for a lack of work! Between running around to festivals and trying to get the brewery open, it has been crazy. I realize I might sound a little whiny complaining about having to be at beer festivals, so feel free to give me a little smack if you see me. Just give me fair warning, I don't want to go out like Houdini.

Last week we went to Charleston, South Carolina. First off, if you've never been there, make plans. Amazing food, culture and people. The fest we attended, Brewvival, was amazing. A great beer crowd that really knew there stuff. Morgan, our brewing apprentice, was often heard yelling "Why are people so nice here!!" Needless to say, if we get the invite, we are going back next year.

Next on the tour are two trips to Tampa. This weekend is the Florida Brewer's Guild Beerfest. Really a great showing of most of the breweries and brewpubs in Florida. The following week we hit CCB for their Hunahpu's day. We won't be pouring, but CCB will be serving a few our beers. This is something I look forward to all year. Great music, food, beer and the release of one my all time favorite imperial stouts, Hunahpu's. I'm in!

Below is a recent blog post from someone who had a chance to try us at Brewvival. Quite flattering!

http://drinkblogrepeat.tumblr.com/post/18438719600/funky-buddha-wins-brewvival

Cheers,

Ryan

So it has been a few weeks since our first update and we continue to make progress towards opening our production brewery at the end of 2012. Looking at distribution, equipment, marketing and even locations. Our first draft of our tap handle is below. Please comment and tell us what you think.

We will be doing quite a bit of traveling in the next few weeks, sharing our beers with the masses. Hopefully if you are in one of these areas, or would like to make the trip, you can come by and say hello.

January 28 - 6th Annual Jupiter Craft Brewers Festival 
February 3rd & 4th - Extreme Beer Fest in Boston, MA
February 25th - Brewvival in Charleston, SC
March 3rd - Florida Brewer's Guild Beerfest Tampa, FL
March 10th - Cigar City Hunahpu's Day

In the meantime, you can always come by the Funky Buddha Lounge and try our beers before we hit production and become uncool. This Tuesday, January 24th, we celebrate South Florida Beer Week with beers from 10 Florida breweries and we promise to break out some good stuff!

Cheers and Drink Local!

Ryan

We are excited to announce that 2012 will be a big year for the Funky Buddha Brewery. In just a few short months, March 2012, Funky Buddha Brewery will begin distribution of our beers. Many of you are shaking your heads and wondering how we are distributing on our modest 1.5 barrel system. Well, we're not. One of the most amazing things that we have covet about this business is the generosity and overall feel of community in this industry. Cigar City Brewery has continued to strive to put Florida Beer on the map, and are allowing us to brew on their system. We are going to launch one, possibly two of our core brands as we plan for our full brewery expansion. Yes, that's right...the Funky Buddha Brewery will be a full scale production brewery in South Florida in 2012! We would like to take this opportunity as 2011 comes to an end, to thank all of those who have supported and championed our growth and success. We really appreciate the support and encouragement! It's because of our great customers, passionate bloggers, tweeters and friends that have helped spread the word and share the love. We truly thank you for your continued support. We are excited to have this opportunity to blog our experience and blog step by step of our growth with everyone. We will be updating this blog throughout this journey. We would like every one of you to share in the experience with us, because if it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be here. From the Funky Buddha Family to yours, have a Happy and Healthy New Year.

CHEERS to 2012!