Have you ever passed by a local brewery and wondered why the parking lot was so full? Well the answer to that is drinking like a local is the best thing you can possibly do. There are plenty of local breweries in each state, city and zipcode. When you walk into the brewery/bar they welcome everybody with open arms--as long as you have a love for beer!

For instance, one of my favorite breweries to visit is Funky Buddha, located in Oakland Park, Florida, and not too far from ABC Fine Wine & Spirits where I'm a beer consultant. They appreciate every guest that walks in and make you feel like part of the family. It's a great spot for after work and happy hour specials. Some of their popular beers are Hop Gun IPA and the Floridian Hefeweizen which will be in package this fall and avavabile at your local ABC. Every Tuesday they have a special tapping at 7 p.m., ranging from Ghost Dog Whit (Belgian wit) to Clifford's Big Red Ale (imperial red ale with an abv of 9.7%). Don't get me wrong,  drinking some of your favorite nationally distributed brews is prettty cool, but when you drink like a local there is something special going into every ounce of that beer. 

Due South is another one of my favorite local breweries, which is operated out of a warehouse in Boynton Beach, Florida. If you're not paying attention on the road you can easily miss it. They also have a welcoming atmosphere. Some of their top beers are Category 3 IPA (which can be purchase at your local south florida ABC) and Caramel Cream Ale which is sometimes available on our Brew Stops for growler fills--not a bad idea, if I do say so myself! Due South tends to do specialty brews, and one of my favorites is the Mexican Standoff. This is a porter brewed with cocoa nibs and nacho chilies (amazing), but it is only avavabile at the brewery. While drinking their beer you tend create an appetite, but dont worry! Food trucks are usually on site. 

Local breweries might be considered the "little guys," but to me they are the ones that keep the authenticity of craft beer alive with their passion and love. Where else can you go to feel at home, have special tappings at a certain time and also have some of the most unique beers ever? Visit one of your local breweries, and I promise you'll think just as highly of the "little guys" as I do.

Jamal Jackson, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits beer consultant

Follow me on Twitter @abcbeerjamalj