Engine 15's annual vertical tasting is coming up.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Engine 15 Brewing Company celebrates its anniversary in July each year. For the past several years, that celebration has included a vertical tasting of Engine's barrel-aged Russian Imperial Stout, Chupacabra.

I've attended all but one of these tastings. Last year, I missed because Tedeski Trucks band was playing the same night and I have an addiction to their music!

The tastings have been interesting over the years. Each vintage tastes slightly different as they age. Plus it's just a really fun way to drink some really great beer!

This year will have a different format, just sit back for a 2-hour cruise, hopefully, we'll fare better than those on the USS Minnow did!

Friday, July 5 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. the tasting will be on an evening cruise on the St John's River. Seating is limited to 50 total, so you'll need to commit quickly catch this boat!

Tickets are $55 and include:

Two-hour riverboat cruise

Three 750 ml Vintage Bottles of Imperial Chupacabra

Three 8 ounce cans of this year's 2019 Chupacabra

E15 branded insulated tote

E15 branded tasting snifter

Gourmet Ploughman's picnic style dinner

You'll get to hobnob with the brewers and get the tasting notes for this year's variants, Bourbon, Port Barrel and Double Barrel.

The bottles will be available at the Brewpub the day before because the boat doesn't have a liquor license. However, if you want to BYOB a bottle yourself, feel free to do so. A boat bottle share, anyone?

The cruise leaves from Friendship Fountain and you must be 21 years old to attend.

Quickly email your reservation to david@engine15.com. They will be answered in the order they are received.