You see them everywhere now–microbreweries promoting "artisanal" flavors and signs in traditional bars advertising the new line of craft beers.
But what are they, exactly? For the uninitiated, some brief definitions. According to the Boulder, Colo.-based Brewers Association, a microbrewery produces less than 15,000 barrels of beer per year with 75 percent or more sold off-site, either directly or indirectly to the consumer. A brewpub, on the other hand, is a restaurant-brewery making its own beer on-site, primarily for sale in the restaurant or bar.
Either way, the idea of craft beer and microbrewing has caught on in a big way in the Sunshine State, with craft distilleries following suit.
"The craft movement is huge in the United States," says JoAnn Elardo, owner of Wicked Dolphin Artisan Rum Distillery in Cape Coral. "You don't really bring a six-pack of Budweiser to a friend's house anymore. You bring a local craft beer. People are just more involved in what they're eating and drinking."
Joey Redner, founder of Cigar City Brewing in Tampa, agrees.
"It's part of the greater food trend that has become more local, experimental and just generally adventurous," he says. "I think craft beer in Florida has followed the general trend across the country of people looking to more flavorful, locally produced, varied and unique beer flavors."
And how. Craft breweries and brewpubs have become so popular in St. Petersburg/Clearwater, the CVB promotes them as the Craft Beer Trail, which goes from the area's oldest brewery, Dunedin, down to one of its youngest, 7venth Sun. Others include Rapp Brewing Company and Barley Mow Brewing Company.
"When it comes to our booming craft beer scene, we have an authentic story to tell," says David Downing, deputy director of Visit St. Peterburg/Clearwater. "In fact, it's so in-demand here that St. Pete changed zoning ordinances to allow breweries downtown."
One of these downtown breweries, Cycle Brewing, developed a distinctive style they call Florida Weisse, which is fermented with fresh Florida fruit.
"These breweries aren't just generic beer halls, they're locally owned businesses with an organic connection to the area, which is why we're so keen on promoting them," Downing says.
The craft movement has also hit some Florida wineries, including Keel & Curley in Plant City, producers of blueberry and fruit-fusion wines and now brewing about 1,500 gallons a month of craft beer. Already offering 45-minute winery tours and tastings, Keel & Curley now include the brewery as well. PageBreak
"We'd been beer fans for quite some time and watched the local brewery movement gaining momentum over the last few years in Florida," says Clay Keel, production manager and head brewer. "I pestered my father, Joe, long enough and after a trip to some craft breweries across the country, he finally agreed to get into the brewery industry."
Keel says they just added three more 400-gallon fermentation vessels that will allow them to produce another 1,000 gallons a month.
"Even by craft beer standards, we are still quite small," he says. "We plan to focus on unique high-quality beers, including wine-barrel-aged beers, for example. We also distribute some of our beer to limited local bars and restaurants, on tap only."
Hankering for a mug? Check out these micro/craft breweries and brewpubs across the state.
Recently celebrating its second anniversary, Mile Marker Brewing in St. Augustine has five signature beers and additional specialty/seasonal beers, along with a fun and friendly tap room. Brews include Mile Marker Zero Blonde Ale, Pecan de Leon Nut Brown Ale and Palm Beach Coconut Porter.
"We welcome groups for brewery tours and tastings," says Linda Johnson, director of brand development. "We also work with a local food truck, so if a group wants food, we can arrange that."
Newly opened on Ormond Beach, Tomoka Brewery started off specializing in gourmet pizza but just added home brews to the menu.
"We're pretty new, so we're basically a one-barrel brewpub, but all our beer is finally on tap," says Jen Hawkins, co-owner of the brewery.
Boasting a beachside location, Tomoka seats 75, including patio seating.
On the larger scale of craft brewing is Due South Brewery in Boynton Beach, housed in a 15,000-square-foot brewhouse with an on-site taproom open daily except Monday. Visitors sample blends like Caramel Cream Ale along with taps from other Florida breweries and pilot brews. Free tours are available Saturday and Sunday, though private tours can be arranged.
Orlando's brewery scene continues to evolve. One of its top options is Cask & Larder, a restaurant and brewery where Ron Raike is recognized as one of Florida's most talented brewers. Beer- and food-pairing dinners and beer tastings are available, and Raike is available to speak to groups dining or tasting at the venue. Raike's standout brews include Grapefruit IPA, Old Southern Blood Orange Wit, Lineage Coffee Gold and Lone Palm Golden Ale. PageBreak
A local favorite in the Greater Fort Lauderdale neighborhood of Oakland Park, Funky Buddha Brewery follows the mantra "big, bold flavors" created with culinary-inspired ingredients, so it's no surprise one of those flavors is peanut butter and jelly, with the roasted peanut and fruity jam flavors fully realized. Housed in a 20,000-square-foot facility in the heart of the town's new Culinary Arts District, Funky Buddha offers brewery tours and rotating food trucks.
Just south of Naples on the Gulf Coast, the Marco Island Brewery is Marco Island's first and only brewery as well as its largest indoor/outdoor bar. Beer is served directly from the brewing tanks for a rich flavor and aroma.
With a brewery and brewpub in Tampa Bay, Cigar City Brewing pairs menu items like Cuban sandwiches with ales that include Jai-Alai India Pale Ale and Cubano-style Espresso Brown Ale. Tours are offered Wednesday to Sunday, while the tasting room also features a parlor that can be reserved for private functions.
"There is something fundamentally cool about drinking a beer right next to the room it's being made in," says Joey Redner, founder of the company. "You can smell and taste the results of that labor. Most people get a kick out of learning just what goes into making a product, and with the tour you can see how we craft our beers, and then go enjoy them."
Set in Tampa's historic Ybor City, the Tampa Bay Brewing Company touts itself as the first licensed brewpub in Florida, offering up to 12 handcrafted tap beers that include Old Elephant Foot India Pale Ale, along with private tours for groups.
"We've done big groups," says Bree Denicourt, one of the company's associates. "They can stay, have lunch and sample a flight of beer."
A personalized experience is offered at Pensacola Bay Brewery, where visitors to the tap room talk beer-making with the brewmaster while sampling the latest ales.
In addition to being steps from the theme parks, groups at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin can also look forward to innovations in craft brewing. The hotels have introduced the pop-up restaurant concept–portable food and drink stations that go where groups need them, including DJ's Brew Hub, serving craft beer.
"We can do DJ's Brew Hub for 50, 500 or 1,000," says Tony Porcellini, director of food and beverage at the property.
Other popular pop-ups include Dan's Diner, a late-night food station.
"We set it up in the lobby, with things like chicken sandwiches and our own blueberry-lemon moon pies, and some hangover relief medicine," Porcellini says. "So when the group is heading up to their rooms, they can take a bag of food with them. The coolest thing about pop-up restaurants is you can customize them to your group's style. So we can supply meeting planners and keep up with the latest trends while keeping the energy flowing."
