Tap Handle #678: Saltwater Brewery

January 20, 2018

Tap Handle #678: Saltwater Brewery - Raspberry Reef Ale

Tap size: 11.25"
Rarity: readily available, fragile
Mounting: 3/8" ferrule on 5/16" anchor bolt

This is a really beautiful, nautical-themed tap. Saltwater Brewery is all about the South Florida coast lifestyle and that is reflected in their tap, which was designed by part owner and graphic artist Peter Agardy. It is made to resemble a buoy but has a lot of other small details that make it amazing - note the barnacles and waves at the bottom of the tap and the small red bead at the top that resembles a warning light. A medallion on the front features the brewery's logo, also designed by Agardy. At the top is a large square sign where a label featuring the beer variety is placed. I particularly wanted the Raspberry Reef label, not just because the beer sounds tasty (and is out of production), but also because this label features an aquatic scene, taken from Guy Harvey-style artwork that hangs on the wall of the brewery. The front and back of the tap are identical to each other, but a different label on the backside lists the ale's characteristics. The tap is easy to find on the secondary market and very affordable, but watch out for damage - these are particularly fragile taps, especially the medallions which are prone to having pieces break off.

Click through to read more about the Saltwater Brewery, their Raspberry Reef Ale, and to see more photos of this buoyant tap...

Saltwater Brewing Company was founded in Delray Beach, Florida in 2013 by Bo Eaton, Dustin Jeffers, Chris Gove, Bill Taylor, and Peter Agardy. The project was spearheaded by Gove, son of Delray Beach developer Leigh Gove, who had owned the iconic and massive repurposed barn that now houses the brewery. The property was the previous home to the Rustic Rooster antique-furniture store, and the 1950s-era structure remains fairly intact from its original design. The facility is a 20-barrel system, custom-built by Practical Fusion of Oregon City, Oregon. It boasts six 40-barrel fermenters, two 20-barrel fermenters, two ten-barrel tanks, and a big walk-in cooler. The brewery also features a tasting room and beer garden with lawn games such as bocce and rings.

Agardy, the artist of the group, developed the logos, tap handles, and overall feel of Saltwater's marketing materials. The brewery features 3 year round beers that are also available in cans, with a 4th beer being added to the lineup soon, and they also produce several seasonals and specials. Their beer is distributed throughout Florida. In addition to the charity work they do with the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida, the brewery developed edible six-pack rings, due to the devastating effects that plastic six-pack rings can have to both wildlife and the environment. These new six-pack rings are 100 percent biodegradable and edible, and are constructed of barley and wheat ribbons from the brewing process. This packaging can actually be safely eaten by animals that may come into contact with the refuse.

Raspberry Reef used a base pale ale and aged it with fresh raspberries, giving it a welcoming raspberry aroma and flavor. The raspberry is balanced with the subtle hop additions and malt profile. This beer was unfiltered and poured a deep golden color with a red hue. Raspberry Reef is easy drinking and refreshing for the hot Florida summer days. First released by Saltwater Brewing in 2014, Raspberry Reef ceased production in early 2016 and is no longer listed on their website.