Beer Geek contest: Win a beer stein from Gecko's Grill and Pub

Many beer drinkers, like myself, haven't a clue that there are beers out there that taste of many things. I always thought the beer was supposed to taste like Coor's, Bud or Millers. Who'd a thunk that beer can taste like blueberries?. Certainly not me until a good friend invited me to her beer tasting event she started where she works on Hillview.

My wife and I arrived to find two guys in the front of the establishment, each with many beers on ice. We started in by reading what ever of the selections tasted like and some other information on printed sheets on the tables. Then came the tasting. We sampled many and were amazed at the many different bodies and tastes of these different beers. I found one I rather liked and when to our table and ordered a pint. It was wonderful.

I think I have found a new hobby, lol. Now, when are the craft beers doing LOW Cal?

All in all, a wonderful and ongoing experience. Hopefully and soon to be a Beer Guru. Thanks to that special friend, she knows who she is.

Having grown up in Ireland and with a long family history of being involved with beer brewing and the bar business, my passion for craft beer runs deep!
As soon as I could legally bartender 12 years ago I found a bar where the passion for great beer was as strong as mine. A great Irish pub in South Georgia with a beer selection of over 300 choices. I felt at home!! After moving to Sarasota my goal has been to bring unique, interesting and flavorful craft beers to my customers as well as educate people on the amazing beers that are out there.
Being a part of the Gecko's team has been such a joy and if you are beer lover like me then lets met and discuss some brews.

I am a regular at Geckos Hillview and become a fan of craft beers thanks to Fiona and the crew. Every 2nd thursday they have the free beer tasting and it has broadened my beer horizons. Every friday night Fiona picks two new craft beers for me to drink and has me part of their beer club. It is educational, fun and delicious to be trying all the different craft beers from around the world! Thanks for your article to let other locals of the great selection of beers at Geckos!

I got turned onto cider beers at geckos on Hillview I not really into beer so it's nice to find something I like my favorite it fox barrel pear cider

The Gecko's on Hillview has become my go to place for all things craft beer! The tastings are a wonderful way to broaden horizons and try things that may initially seem out of the box if you're unfamiliar with craft beers. I was never much of a beer person, but with the suggestions of Fiona and the rest of the staff I've expanded my knowledge and my beer palate. I can always count on something new and interesting coming from Gecko's ever rotating selection of great beers.

My family and I have been going to the Sarasota Brewing company for years, I have a six year old daughter Erika. When she was 3 she asked what is up those stairs daddy? I told her that is where Batman lives. Till this day she kind of still believes batman lives upstairs @ the brewing company.

My favorite craft beer story is my first experience with this branch of brewing. About four years ago on St. Patricks day I was of course drinking Guinness in Gulf Gate when a friends brother was obnoxiously telling me about a beer called Dogfish head 120 that was like drinking four beers in one. I at the time had no idea what this was and didn't even really believe him. So my brother and I left west end pub then headed down to this new bar Mr. beery's. After the initial shock of the price and the bitter alcohol soaked flavor first sip, I was not really feeling it. I was a novice, trying to decipher the complex flavor and why somebody would ever drink this more than once. At that point in time I had to part ways with my brother and meet some friends at carrabbas after only drinking two beers. By the time I got to the restaurant I was feeling the 20% and was so excited that my night hadn't even start in my eyes and I already felt like a million bucks. I told my friends about this crazy strong beer and I actually had to drink some water because it was starting to get to me. I ironically ran into the same brother I had just left, he was with his girlfriend and his head was resting on his crossed arms face down and she was scowling at me. Neither one of us had any idea what such a beer would do. After I stood next to their table obnoxiously telling her about this amazing beer I found my way to my friends. At dinner I was so excited and buzzed I managed to meet two ladies. I didn't make it out to the bars that. It was the best st. Patricks day ever though. I credit the mood from the dogfish 120. I right now have two bottles I purchased four months ago that I will be enjoying in another eight months.

I like the fact that some of these beer bars have a no smoking policy. However, I like geckos the most because I can get something good to eat while I enjoy the clean air inside. Also the bartender there has a wicked cool handlebar mustache.

Walked into Gecko's to see many excited people ready to taste some different beers. I was very excited to see two tables up front one with stout dark beers & one with lighter fruitier beers. It was a true adventure in beer tasting. I especially enjoyed being with good friends & working my way to becomming a Beer Guru.

Thanks to a special friend for the invite.

The Brew Guru Club has changed my life and this is my story. I was once mired in a sea of mediocre mass-produced beers with very boring names. Promises of fun beach-going adventures surrounded by a bevy of bikini-clad models of perfection existed only in the slick marketing materials of the giant brewers. My thirst sought to be quenched but was only met with “less filling” and never “tastes great.” Until one day, I happened upon the oasis I would come to know as Gecko’s and a lovely lass named Fiona who would alter my consciousness in a grand way. Fiona introduced me to St. Peter’s English IPA and thus began my quest for my own personalized Brew Guru mug. Along the way, I have strengthened my ties to man’s best friend with brewers such as Flying Dog, Blue Dawg, Sea Dog, and Dogfish Head. I have explored new places from Breckenridge to Coronado to Fort Collins, from the North Coast to the Lost Coast, and from Cigar City to Clipper City to Mad River. I have quaffed brews with my new friends Arrogant Bastard, Blithering Idiot, Circus Boy, and Boris the Crusher. I have had some delicious romps with a few American Blondes and learned some great tricks from Elder Betty. I have seen a UFO, experienced a Tropical Heat Wave, witnessed Levitation, and met the Holy Grail Black Knight himself. I would never have dreamed that a free membership to the Brew Guru Club would have given me such riches. Thank you, Gecko’s, and thank you, Fiona. If you’ve got the time, they’ve got the beer…!