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Tom from Bourbon Blog talks with brewmaster Mike on Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration is a unique establishment that seamlessly combines the best of beer, whiskey, and barbecue. Led by Mike Dykstetter, the brewery at Carnival Celebration is renowned for its production of high-quality beers, including their signature Smoked Porter, specially crafted to complement the delectable barbecue offerings at Pig and Anchor. Despite the challenges posed by ship movement and the intricacies of ingredient measurements, the brewery consistently delivers exceptional beers, served in 32-ounce mason jars, ensuring a memorable drinking experience.

Additionally, Carnival Celebration boasts a remarkable selection of whiskies, including the highly sought-after Whistle Pig Boss Hog. The establishment's exceptional barbecue, available every night, further enhances the overall dining experience. Offering a cheers package that includes their beers, Carnival Celebration has become a must-visit destination for those seeking the perfect trifecta of beer, whiskey, and barbecue.

Key Takeaways

  • Carnival Celebration is a unique establishment that combines beer, whiskey, and barbecue.
  • The brewery at Carnival Celebration is renowned for its high-quality beers, with the Smoked Porter being their signature beer.
  • Carnival Celebration offers a remarkable selection of whiskies, including the highly sought-after Whistle Pig Boss Hog.
  • The dining experience at Carnival Celebration combines the rustic charm of a brewery with the sophistication of a whiskey bar, offering expertly paired beverages and delicious barbecue options every night.

Our friend Tom from BourbonBlog.com was onboard Carnival Celebration tasting all these delightful treats and had a chance to chat with the brewmaster. Here's what they had to share with us ...

Brewery and Beer Offerings

The Carnival Celebration Brewery offers a variety of beer options, including four Carnival beers, seasonal beers, and a special edition Smoked Porter designed to complement the barbecue at Pig and Anchor.

Craft beer trends have seen a surge in popularity, with consumers seeking unique and flavorful options. Carnival Celebration Brewery caters to these trends by providing a diverse range of beers, each crafted with expertise and precision. The Brewery's head brewer, Mike Dykstetter, ensures that each batch of beer is carefully made, producing approximately 500 liters per batch. The beer is served in 32-ounce mason jars, adding to the rustic charm of the establishment.

In addition to the Carnival beers, the Brewery also offers seasonal options to cater to changing tastes and preferences. The special edition Smoked Porter, known for its smokiness and sweetness, is specifically designed to complement the barbecue offerings at Pig and Anchor. This attention to detail in beer and food pairing enhances the overall dining experience, making Carnival Celebration Brewery a destination for craft beer enthusiasts.

Whiskey Selection

Cardinal Taylor and Woodford whiskey are among the selections available at the Carnival Celebration, complementing the diverse range of flavors and profiles offered by the bar.

Whiskey tasting at the Carnival Celebration provides an opportunity for enthusiasts to explore a variety of unique and rare whiskey finds. With a focus on quality and craftsmanship, the bar offers a selection that caters to the discerning palate.

Cardinal Taylor and Woodford whiskey, known for their exceptional taste and smoothness, are just a few of the options available. Whiskey lovers can also indulge in the hard-to-find Whistle Pig Boss Hog, a highly sought-after whiskey that adds a touch of exclusivity to the experience.

The Carnival Celebration takes pride in curating a whiskey selection that showcases the finest offerings, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable tasting experience for all patrons.

Barbecue and Dining Experience

Barbecue enthusiasts can enjoy a diverse dining experience at the Carnival Celebration, where the menu offers a range of flavorful options to satisfy different palates. The dining atmosphere at the Carnival Celebration is unique, combining the elements of a brewery, whiskey bar, and barbecue joint. Here are three reasons why this dining experience stands out:

1) BBQ pairing suggestions: The Carnival Celebration understands the art of pairing barbecue dishes with their extensive beer and whiskey selection. With their expertise, they recommend the perfect beverage to complement the smoky and savory flavors of their barbecue offerings.

2) Unique dining atmosphere: The Carnival Celebration provides a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that combines the rustic charm of a brewery with the sophistication of a whiskey bar. This fusion creates a relaxed yet refined setting where guests can enjoy their barbecue meals while sipping on their favorite brew or whiskey.

3) Great barbecue every night: The Carnival Celebration takes pride in serving exceptional barbecue every night. From tender ribs to juicy pulled pork, their menu offers a wide variety of barbecue dishes cooked to perfection, ensuring that every bite is a delight for the taste buds.

FAQ:

Q: What is Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea?

A: Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea is a venue on Carnival Celebration cruise ship where beer, whiskey, and BBQ meet. It is a smokehouse and brewhouse run by celebrity chef Guy Fieri.

Q: What can I find on the menu at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea?

A: The menu at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea features a variety of BBQ dishes such as chicken, mac and cheese, burgers, sausages, salmon, and more. They also have a selection of craft beers to pair with your meal.

Q: Is Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea exclusive to Carnival Celebration?

A: No, Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea is not exclusive to Carnival Celebration. It can also be found on other Carnival cruise ships, such as Mardi Gras and Carnival Horizon.

Q: Is Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea a specialty restaurant?

A: Yes, Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea is considered a specialty restaurant on Carnival cruise ships. It offers a unique dining experience with its BBQ and craft beer offerings.

Q: Can I find Guy's Burger Joint at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea?

A: No, Guy's Burger Joint is a separate venue on Carnival cruise ships. It is known for its delicious burgers, while Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea focuses on BBQ and craft beer.

Q: Does Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea have live music?

A: Yes, Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea often features live music performances, adding to the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the venue.

Q: Can I find vegetarian options at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea?

A: While Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea primarily focuses on BBQ dishes, they may have some vegetarian options such as salads or side dishes. However, it is recommended to check with the venue for specific offerings.

Q: Is Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea an award-winning venue?

A: While Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea is not specifically mentioned as an award-winning venue, Guy Fieri, the celebrity chef behind the concept, is a recognized figure in the culinary world and has received accolades for his contributions to the food industry.

Q: Can I make a reservation at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea?

A: Carnival cruise ships typically do not require reservations for dining venues like Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea. However, it is recommended to check with the ship's guest services or the venue itself for any specific guidelines or recommendations.

Q: Can I get takeout from Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea?

A: Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, BBQ and Brewery At Sea on Carnival cruise ships usually does not offer takeout services. It is primarily designed as a dine-in venue for guests to enjoy the food and atmosphere on board.

From Craft Beers Brewed At Sea To An Authentic Smokehouse and Live Music - Pig & Anchor is Where You Want To Be On Your Next Cruise!

Overall, the Carnival Celebration offers a unique dining experience for barbecue lovers, with expertly paired beverages, a distinctive atmosphere, and delicious barbecue options available every night. The dining experience on the Carnival Celebration is truly exceptional for barbecue lovers. The ship offers a variety of delicious barbecue options that are sure to satisfy anyone's taste buds. Whether you prefer classic smoked ribs, tender pulled pork, or mouthwatering chicken, the Celebration has it all.

What sets the dining experience apart is the skillful pairing of beverages with the barbecue dishes. From craft beers to handcrafted cocktails, the ship's expert mixologists and sommeliers ensure that the flavors of the beverages complement the smoky and rich flavors of the barbecue.

The atmosphere in the barbecue dining area is also noteworthy. The Celebration has created a unique and immersive environment that transports you to a backyard barbecue, complete with picnic tables, string lights, and lively music. It's the perfect setting to indulge in some mouthwatering barbecue and enjoy the company of friends and family.

What's more, the barbecue options are available every night on the ship, so you never have to worry about missing out on your favorite dish. Whether you're craving barbecue after a day of exploring ports or simply want a delicious dinner on board, the Carnival Celebration has you covered!


In conclusion, the Carnival Celebration provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience for barbecue lovers. With its expertly paired beverages, distinctive atmosphere, and a variety of delicious barbecue options available every night, it's a must-try for anyone who appreciates good food and a great time. 


Written by:
#MenWhoBlog MemberBlogging GuruThought Leader

James' passion for exploration and sense of duty to his community extends beyond himself. This means he is dedicated to providing a positive role model for other men and especially younger guys that need support so that they can thrive and be future positive contributors to society. This includes sharing wisdom, ideas, tips, and advice on subjects that all men should be familiar with, including: family travel, men's health, relationships, DIY advice for home and yard, car care, food, drinks, and technology. Additionally, he's a travel advisor and a leading men's travel influencer who has been featured in media ranging from New York Times to the Chicago Tribune, and LA Times. He's also been cited by LA Weekly "Top Travel Bloggers To Watch 2023" and featured by Muck Rack: "Top 10 Outdoor Journalists for 2022".

He and his wife Heather live in St Joseph, Michigan - across the lake from Chicago.