Last year, I introduced you to JR and Mika Rivera, the dynamic duo behind Typsy Unicorn’s Brewery, a spot that’s been shaking up the local beer scene. Fast forward to today, and these two are celebrating their one year anniversary with a brand-new brew: Flannels and Flip Flops. And let me tell you, this spiced amber is brewing up to be something special.

Flannels and Flip Flops Brewing Process

So, there I was, hanging out at Typsy Unicorn with JR, ready to learn the ins and outs of how this new beer is coming together. The process starts with grains – the heart and soul of any good beer. For Flannels and Flip Flops, JR picked a malty blend that’s designed to give the beer a smooth, mellow base. The grains get milled just right – not too coarse, not too fine – so they can release their starches when they’re mixed with hot water in the mash.

Here’s where things get interesting: the mash. This is the step where the starches in the grains get converted into sugars. And JR’s got it down to a science – he keeps a close eye on the temperature, making sure it’s in the sweet spot for optimal sugar release. The smell of that mash is unreal – like warm, freshly baked bread. It’s comforting, almost too good to be true. As JR tells me about all the things that could go wrong if the mash isn’t spot-on, I’m just over here inhaling that smell like it’s a freshly made loaf of bread.

Once the mash is done, the grains are removed, and what’s left behind is a sugary liquid called wort. Now, here’s where JR pulls out this little gadget called a refractometer.

It looks like a mini telescope, but it’s actually used to measure the sugar content in the wort. This thing helps JR figure out how strong the beer will be by checking the specific gravity. It’s a little piece of equipment that makes a huge difference in brewing, and I couldn’t help but geek out over it for a second. Afterwards, the spent grains are scooped up by “the guy with the cows” (affectionately known as such) who feeds them to his livestock so nothing goes to waste… except for the cows’ waste. Woo hoo, hilarious!

At this point, we take a sip of the wort. Spoiler alert: it tastes nothing like the final product. It’s warm and sweet but kinda like bread water. Not exactly a drink I’d take to a party, but hey, it’s all part of the process.

Next up, it’s time for the wort to hit a boil, and that’s when JR adds the hops. For Flannels and Flip Flops, he kept the hops in check, making sure they didn’t overpower the smooth malt flavors. It’s all about balance – hops for bitterness and aroma, but not too much. After the boil, the wort gets cooled down and transferred to the fermenter, where yeast is added to kick off the fermentation process.

Now, fermentation is where the real magic happens. JR explained how yeast gobbles up the sugars and turns them into alcohol and carbonation. It’s a slow process that can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, but for Flannels and Flip Flops, JR expects it to be ready in about a month. The beer needs time to develop its character, and JR’s got the patience to wait for it.

Typsy Unicorn’s Brewery Menu

Typsy Unicorn’s Brewery features a full scratch kitchen that’s all about fresh, made-from-scratch dishes. Their menu offers a variety of options, from house-made pickles that add a perfect crunchy bite to their selection of handcrafted charcuterie boards, loaded with a mix of meats, cheeses, and flavorful accompaniments. They also serve up homemade soups that are perfect for pairing with their beers. The kitchen takes pride in preparing everything in-house, ensuring each dish is as fresh and flavorful as possible, adding a unique touch to the brewery experience.

Mark Your Calendars for the Tap the Keg Party

But here’s the best part: Flannels and Flip Flops won’t be available until December 21st, when JR and Mika are teaming up with me and the ECC and throwing a Tap the Keg party from 2 to 4 p.m to debut the beer and celebrate the holidays! It’s going to be an event you don’t want to miss. All you East Coast Current readers and Typsy Unicorn regulars – this is your chance to be the first to try this new brew. You’re not just getting a fresh beer; you’re getting a taste of everything that makes Typsy Unicorn a one-of-a-kind spot.

I’ve had the chance to see just how much love and attention JR has poured into this beer, and I know it’s going to be worth the wait. The balance between smooth maltiness and just the right amount of hop bitterness? Perfect. Pair that with some of Mika’s scratch-made food, and you’ve got a recipe for a fantastic time.

So, mark your calendars for Saturday, December 21st and get over to Typsy Unicorn for the Tap the Keg party form 2-4 p.m. You’ll get your first taste of Flannels and Flip Flops, enjoy some incredible food, and celebrate with the folks who made it all happen. Cheers to great beer, great food, and a year full of awesome memories at Typsy Unicorn’s Brewery!

Bobby G… out!

TYPSY UNICORN’S BREWERY
(386) 444-3047 | typsyunicornsbrewing.com
2140 S Riverside Drive | Suite 19/20
Edgewater, FL 32141

TRIVIA THURSDAYS 6:30-9PM
KARAOKE WEDNESDAYS: 6-9PM