If you’ve followed our “Trips with Sips”, you know I love a good beer. And when that beer comes with a great story, it’s even better. So, just for this entry, I’m going to call it “Trippe’s with Sips”. Now, just stick with me for a minute.
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In the mid-1920s, Juan Trippe created the Aviation Corporation of the Americas, or as you may have heard it…Pan American Airways, or Pan Am. Based in Key West, at 301 Whitehead Street, Juan Trippe started what would lead to the industry norms we know today in air travel.
In the 1920s, civil aviation was still in its infancy. Several companies were trying to get into the international flight market. But there were several limiting factors. One was that very few companies had the aircraft to accomplish the task. And two, they needed authorization to land in a foreign country. It was a different world back then. It was only about twenty years after the invention of flight and the world had just suffered through a devasting World War. Landing an aircraft in a foreign country was a bigger deal back then.
But Juan Trippe and his upstart Pan Am Airways had the all-important landing rights for Havana, Cuba! So on October 19th, 1927, Pan Am flew the first international flight from Key West to Havana, Cuba. And earning all the prestige that came with it.
Today, in that small house on Whitehead Street that sold tickets and started an airline is no longer the headquarters of Pan Am. In fact, Pan Am no longer exists. But the First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery is brewing aviation-inspired beers. In addition to their beers, they also serve great food. Something the airline was known for. Drinks flowed freely for passengers who were served lobster dinners while flying to every continent except Antarctica.
First Flight has done a superb job of honoring the aviation legacy of the building. Their “Crash Bar” has a Sikorsky Sea Plane suspended from the ceiling. The bar surface is unique, too. It’s an aluminum wing. But I’m not sure what type of plane it’s from. They also hold the distinction of being the Southernmost Brewery.
We had to try all of their original beers. I mean, of course, we’re going to have a beer “flight” in the birthplace of an airline. There are five on each flight. But I had to get just one more to try.
Honey Kissed Cream Ale: I am not a big Cream Ale fan, so this wasn’t a favorite of mine. Not that it was bad, just not a type I particularly like or enjoy.
Nuts & Bolts Peanut Butter Ale: This really did taste like peanut butter. And that’s not always a good thing, but in this case, it was. Although I don’t think I could drink more than one without it being too sweet for me. Sweet-tasting beers are a good novelty type of beer. Good for one, then I’m done.
Beach Day IPA: Angela always says “any beer with passionfruit is going to be good”. (Actually, my quote is anyTHING with passionfruit is good 😉) And the addition of pineapple added just enough sweetness to balance the tangy of the passionfruit. It was also a nice, light IPA, which would make it perfect for a Beach Day.
Old Havana Red Amber Ale: This made me want to go back to Cuba. It was smooth and refreshing. Their menu says there are hints of roasted chocolate. I didn’t pick up on that, but it was good nonetheless. I mean, if it can inspire international travel, it has to have something.
Captain Maverick IPA: This was a good, medium IPA that didn’t come across as too hoppy. It was a good compliment to our Beef Brisket Mac & Cheese, which was excellent, I might add.
And the extra one I needed to try so I had all of their original beers.
Sunset Clipper Citrus Wheat – Named after the famous Pan Am Clipper aircraft. This beer is brewed with citrus peels added during the brewing process. I could taste the Florida Oranges in it, but it wasn’t overpowering. Great for a hot Key West afternoon.
Make sure to stop by First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery during your stay in Key West. You will probably need a reservation, but it’s easy enough on their website. And don’t mind the roosters and chickens…they’re everywhere down here!
