Usually this time of year Floridians can look forward to the return of our Northern brethren to their Arctic homes. Coincidentally, Founders Brewing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, is marking the exodus of the snowbirds with their grand entry into Florida. This is one of the out of state breweries I have been most excited about having on my shelves. Founders does not make boring beer. Their beers are big, sophisticated and well-made.

While it may take a little while to get the whole line-up into the state some beers to look forward to are:

Porter: Black with a tan head, this porter is rich and complex. Velvety and semi-sweet with the balance of a nice roast coffee. This beer is everything a good porter should be. Available year-round.

Breakfast Stout: While my dad believes otherwise, I doubt actually having this beer with (or as) breakfast is what the brewers intended. Brewed with flaked oats, imported chocolate and both Sumatra
and Kona coffee this beer is the quintessential coffee chocolate stout. Seasonal: October-February.

Centennial IPA: This is a balanced and very refreshing IPA. 65 IBUs with floral and citrus accents will please even the biggest hop-heads. Available year-round.

Backwoods Bastard: This is definitely a sipping beer. Notes of smoke, sweet malt, oaky bourbon barrels and pure deliciousness warm you in ways I cannot begin to accurately describe. Drink fresh or age for additional smoothness. My personal favorite, available in November.

KBS: An Imperial Stout brewed with coffee and chocolate then aged a year in Bourbon barrels. More than just Breakfast Stout aged in barrels. This amped-up version can be aged spectacularly. What could be better? Get it while you can. It comes out in April in very small quantities.

Stephen Schmitt - ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Beer Consultant

Follow him on Twitter @abcbeerstephens