Looking for something to do for the last few weeks of summer? How about a beercation? Visiting breweries is becoming increasingly popular nationwide with more breweries adding tasting rooms and hosting beer release events. This installment will focus on only three of Florida’s many microbreweries that offer visitors a chance to delve into what they have to offer. 

            Tampa’s premier craft brewery is also one of the best places to grab a pint in Tampa. The staff at Cigar City Brewing is friendly and the vibe is laid-back as they cater to the beer aficionado, not the rowdy drinker. With more than a dozen taps that include a rotation of their line-up, brewery only brews, and at least one dedicated guest tap, usually an offering from one of Florida’s many other breweries or brewpubs, there is something for every taste. Stop by on Friday and catch a special Firkin offering or ask what they have from their experimental small-batch offerings. They also offer a full array of merchandise, soft drinks, and bottled beer. See a beer on-tap that you want to take home? No worries, they sell growlers (refillable glass containers in 32oz or 1 gallon sizes- Florida law prohibits the traditional 64oz size) of most of their tap offerings. An array of menus from local restaurants and delivery services can be found since Florida law prohibits them from serving food. Check their website for information on special events for one-off releases that always please the crowd. Tours are available by appointment and well-behaved children are welcome.

            One of Florida’s most established brewers is Florida Brewing Company in Melbourne. The brewery is open for tours and has a tasting room with a bird’s eye view above the brewery. They offer pints and samples of their full line as well as brewery-only releases. Perhaps best known for tourist-friendly offerings such as their Sunset Ale, Ybor Gold, and Southernmost Wheat, however, they have expanded their line to include more experimental beer as well as the Kelly’s Irish Cider line. Additionally, the brewery uses its facilities to contract brew for businesses that do not have brewing capabilities, such as the Butter Beer at Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter. In the near future they will be moving their tasting room to a new facility in Port Canaveral, which promises to offer even more to the thirsty traveler. Check their website for information as it becomes available.

            Founded late last year, Cold Storage Brewing is one of the newest entrants into the Florida brewing scene. Their Florida Avenue line is geared toward the mainstream palate with easy-drinking and accessible offerings tailored to refresh the consumer during the warmer months of the Florida year. They open their tasting room to the public once a month and are happy to open the space for large functions. Mark your calendars; April 20^th from 1-4pm is their next scheduled tasting event. Call the brewery for information on future events, tours, or if you would like to schedule a function.

Cigar City

3924 W Spruce St. Suite A, Tampa 33607

Sunday-Thursday 11am-6pm

Friday and Saturday 11am-Midnight

www.cigarcitybrewing.com

Florida Beer Company

2500 South Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne 32901

Tuesday-Saturday 11am-6pm

Closed Sunday and Monday

www.floridabeer.com

Also, check out their blog at Blog.floridabeer.com

Cold Storage

4101 N Florida Ave., Tampa 33603

20^th August 1pm-4pm once a month

Available for parties or meetings

Here’s a sampling of their beers:

Cigar City Cubano Espresso- This is their regular Maduro Brown Ale aged on locally roasted Cuban-style espresso beans. Just like the style says, it pours brown with mahogany highlights and a nice tan head. Heavy espresso notes to the nose and, not surprisingly, espresso dominates the palate, yet there is a nice balance with hints of cream. Finishes bittersweet, like lightly creamed espresso.

Florida Brewing Southernmost Wheat- Pours straw yellow with a nice fluffy meringue head. The nose is full of spick coriander, fresh gain, and hints of orange and key lime. The taste is that of a classic Witbier- spice and light citrus- nicely augmented by the key lime in the finish.

Cold Storage Florida Avenue Blueberry- This beer pours yellow with a nice fluffy white head. The nose is full of fresh blueberries and not much else. The taste is all fresh blueberries and a kiss of floral character at the end. This isn't as smoothie-like as other fruit beers can be, yet has no malt or bitter hop presence like your typical beer.

 Beer blogger Stephen Schmitt is on staff with our Fletcher Ave, Tampa store