I spent a week in Florida with my family recently and had a wonderful time. Sorry, I am not trying to make anyone jealous, but it was really great. I got to catch up with the people I am closest to while soaking up all the Sunshine State has to offer. On our last night there, we made our way to a hopping seafood restaurant, the Saltwater Cafe, in Nokomis, FL. Not only does this place compete for having the largest menu in the world, it is all amazing food. Their beer selection, both on tap and in bottle, was pretty big too. Unable to make so many choices and nearing breakdown from my excessive sun exposure of the day, I requested whatever was local. The bartender showed up with a Land Shark Lager.
Straight from Jacksonville, Florida, Land Shark is the answer if the question is “What beer will hit the spot after your skin resembles that of a lobster?” Better yet, it is brewed by Margaritaville Brewing Company, i.e. Jimmy Buffet. Yes, I like pina coladas, and getting caught in the rain, and, now, Land Shark. It is very similar to Corona. It’s light, crisp, and almost sweet. Above all, Land Shark is refreshment at its best. Much like Corona, Land Shark is complimented best by a lime and a beach chair.
Anyway, fast forward to last night, in Upstate New York at my parents home. I made the trek west to celebrate early Easter festivities with my entire family. Almost as soon as I step into the warmth of the house, my dad eagerly pulls me back onto the porch, where he keeps the beer and wine chilled. He points down, “Look!” Okay. So, I scan the ground: ginger ale, Corona, Miller Ice (his choice, certainly not mine), a half empty six-pack of Blue Moon, the same stuff I saw over Christmas. And then, I spot it: a pack of Land Shark. What I had thought would be a “We’ll always have Florida” beer-love affair, suddenly moved into my cold, NY life. What a happy surprise! I hadn’t figured we’d be able to find it outside of a place where the lowest temperature is 65, but alas. As I sipped a Land Shark later, I knew it wasn’t the same. Still crisp and light, but not the perfect beer for a cold March evening. Maybe this summer I will feel differently. Until then, I’ll just try to remember the refreshment that was and that is to come.
Cheers!
