Cigar City Brewing announced the details of its 9th Annual Hunahpu's Day 2018, an annual beer celebration by the Tampa-based brewery that has quickly grown from a local event to a nationally-recognized event by beer enthusiasts.
The celebration and the release of Hunahpu's Imperial Stout will be Saturday, March 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium in Lots 5 & 7. An event that started with a handful of supporters has blossomed into one of the country's most anticipated craft beer releases in less than a decade. For years, "beer mules" would re-sell the bottles on sites like Craigslist for over $100 each. And though the scalping and black market for the limited-run product has reduced a bit, the taste is still as delicious as ever: Hunahpu's is dark and thick like a viscous oil, flavored with cacao nibs, Madagascar vanilla beans, ancho chilis, pasilla chilis and cinnamon. It's refreshing to drink, but with a bit of heat that lingers on your lips.
If you're unfamiliar with Hunahpu's Day, it's an annual celebration of Cigar City's brewing of the Hunahpu Imperial Stout, which occurs the second Saturday in March every year. Based off the Mayan mythological story of Hun Hunahpu, the multi-award winning imperial stout is only brewed and released during this festival. The only ticket to a taste, and your very own bottles, is through Hunahpu's Day: it's not available basically at all the rest of the year (unless there's some leftovers and Cigar City's Taproom might have some lying around).
This year tickets are offered in three different tiers: four bottle tickets for $200, eight bottle tickets for $300 and a 12 bottle ticket for $370 that includes a VIP experience. Those tickets include the number of bottles of Hunahpu's and entrance to the festival itself. There are no tickets that omit bottle purchase (it's why you should be there in the first place!), and all tickets from the above tiers include unlimited 2 oz samples of beer during the event, tapas-sized food portions from area food trucks, and a collectible acrylic sample glass. The VIP experience adds all-access to an exclusive tent with seating, specialty food options and private restrooms; plus enough stout to last you until Hunahpu's Day 2019.
The list of other breweries participating will be finalized closer to the event, but will include more than 120 national and international beermakers offering their favorites. Tickets to this event can only be purchased online, meaning if you walk up the day of the event you will be too late! This has always been a sellout and expect it to be this year as well. Also your bottles of Hunahpu's won't be available at the event or shipped to your home; instead you must pick up your bottles at Cigar City Brewing location between March 2-12 utilizing a special wristband you acquire upon ticket purchase. A valid 21+ I.D. and the purchaser of the online ticket must be present upon entry to the event.
Cigar City consistently brings high-quality events to the 813area in addition to their great selection of craft beer, and the 9th Annual Hunahpu's Day is no exception. Be sure to purchase your tickets early, and enjoy this mystical stout while celebrating with fellow beer lovers and brewers from around the country.
While you're telling everyone how this is the greatest city for beer in America, invite them to join 813area so they can explore other restaurants, bars and events around town after the event. Signing up is always free!
Cover photo courtesy of Cigar City Brewing's Facebook.
