Just a few years ago, if you pulled up to Bold City Brewing Company for a few pints you were met by the mingling aromas of boiling wort and meaty Jamaican-style wings. The smell of wort of course came from the hard-working brewers of Bold City, but the wings – oh, the wings! – that enticing aroma came from the Jolly Mon himself, Vernon Dean.
Dean was a Bold City fixture with his cooking station just inside the warehouse door of the brewery. Sadly, he passed away suddenly in January 2015. But, for those who had the opportunity to meet him, his rascally personality can never be forgotten.
To honor the man behind the legend, Bold City has created Vernon’s Pilsner. This, the first pilsner ever brewed by Bold City, is a golden in color and mildly bitter brew that matches the loveably offbeat temperament of Dean himself.
The beer will be released at a party in Dean’s honor on Saturday, April 2 beginning at 6:00 p.m. At 7:00 p.m. the brewery staff will share a toast to the Jolly Mon with all who come to join in the festivities. In addition, Kustom Deluxe will entertain with its particular brand of music and La Bodega Original will serve paella during the event.
Bold City will also donate $1 from every pint sold to St. Johns Riverkeeper, an organization that was close to Dean’s heart.
In addition, the JTA Night Trolly will make stops at Bold City.
