I was very lucky to attend a special event at the brand new First Magnitude Brewing Company in Gainesville. It is named for the powerful first magnitude springs of north central Florida churning out fresh water at 100 cubic feet per second! In addition, there are the brightest, first magnitude stars that illuminate the night sky. This is what inspired the attractive logo depicting a mermaid with her telescope gazing up at the stars. 

I drove up to the outskirts of downtown Gainesville and found the brewery tucked away behind some construction. I navigated through a labyrinth of parked cars and found a spot in the gravel lot. Inside I was greeted by a friendly crewmember who gave me a mini tasting glass, card for a flight and a raffle ticket to hopefully win a t-shirt. The crowd was light compared to the grand opening that occurred the week before drawing over 1,500 people! I admired the large tasting room with exposed wood beams and a really cool bar top made from iron paint sprayed with an oxidizing agent that was then sealed to stop the oxidation, leaving beautiful browns, turquoises and oranges. I walked to the bar and greeted the young, gnome bearded bartender and requested the one beer everyone told me to try first:  the 72 Pale Ale named for the constant, year-round 72-degree temperature of the Florida springs. I was not disappointed. This pale was full-flavored with bright citrusy hops and a firm malt backbone.

I was delighted to see that the event was catered by the local Piesano’s Italian restaurant and grubbed on some delicious slices of different calzones and fried ravioli. With a full belly I talked with the distributers for the brewery who were sponsoring the event before going for my second beer, the Siren Blond Ale, named for the beautiful sea nymphs of Greek mythology who lured sailors to certain death with their bewitching songs. This was a nice blond, light-bodied and refreshing. I then met co-owner and head brewer John Denny and his wife Christine. He was a very nice gentleman with a love for his craft and a big beer geek like me. I inquired about plans for barrel aging and a chance for sours. He replied that they were going to take it slow but definitely were interested in these things in the near future. We chatted some more and he thanked me for attending and invited me to eat and drink as much as I wanted. I decided to get my third beer, the Drift English Mild Ale, which had a nice charcoal hue and roasty flavor.

There was a thank you speech from the craft manager of the distributor and also from John himself. He talked about their journey to opening the brewery and its huge success only a week behind schedule. I went for my fourth beer, Time Out Irish Dry Stout, a hearty stout with good toasty mocha flavors. The 72, Siren and Drift are their core year-round beers with Time Out and the last beer I tried, Night Fall Porter, being rotating seasonals. I was sad to find out I missed some delicious specialty brews including Devil’s Eye Double IPA, named for a popular cave diving spot near High Springs, Florida, as well as Skinny Dip Amber Ale, Karst Belgian Pale Ale and River Rise Belgian Strong Dark Ale. These brews were sucked dry by the masses during the grand opening.

I had a chance to talk with brewer Eric about his techniques and plans for the future before a tour of the facility was announced. I followed a small group gathered at the back of the warehouse to see where the magic happened. John gave an in-depth discussion on the brewing process and explained the different tanks, heat exchanger, centrifuge and piping. It seemed like a very efficient 30 barrel system.

For now, they distribute in extremely limited batches and will stay solely in Gainesville. If everything works out, they will start bottling and/or canning in about a year. As soon as I can get some kegs, I will put them on tap at my growler station, so you will have to come visit sometime.

Adam Shugan, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits beer consultant - Gainesville

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