Florida's Best Craft Beer: Where To Buy

Florida is known for its sandy beaches, famous tourist attractions and warm weather, but it is also home to a thriving craft beer scene. From well-known local breweries like St. Petersburg's Cycle Brewing and Oakland Park's Funky Buddha to major names like Tampa's Cigar City Brewing Company, Florida has a lot to offer beer enthusiasts. The Tampa Bay area is particularly popular, with 110 craft breweries in the region, but there are also plenty of other places to explore, including Spanish Marie Brewery near Kendall and J. Wakefield Brewing in Miami's Wynwood Arts District.

Funky Buddha in Oakland Park

Funky Buddha's No Crusts, a brown ale that tastes like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, turned beer geek heads. The brewery also added fresh Florida fruit to the classic Berliner Weisse, creating a new style called FloridaWeisse.

Funky Buddha is based in Fort Lauderdale, and its beers can be found in liquor stores and select local taverns. If you're looking for a story with your brew, head to Spanish Marie Brewery near Kendall, which bills itself as a "Prohibition Era Craft Brewery". There's a long tale on Spanish Marie's website about 1920s alcohol smuggling, a crafty and fickle gangster's widow, and candy stores masquerading as speakeasies.

The Tampa Bay area is home to the most craft breweries in Florida, with 110 places pouring beer in all sorts of styles. There are 46 in Pinellas County alone, likely due to the online certificate program in brewing arts at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg campus.

Cigar City Brewing in Tampa

The Cigar City Brewing Company is based in Tampa, a city on Florida's Gulf Coast, known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and tourist attractions. Tampa is also home to other craft breweries, such as 3 Daughters Brewing and Green Bench Brewing Company.

Cigar City Brewing offers a wide variety of beers, including their flagship Jai Alai IPA, a hoppy and citrusy India Pale Ale, as well as seasonal and limited-edition releases. They also have a taproom and a beer garden where visitors can enjoy a pint while taking in the sights and sounds of the brewery. The taproom features 50 different taps, offering a wide range of beers, from IPAs to stouts, and everything in between.

In addition to their own beers, Cigar City Brewing also collaborates with other breweries and hosts events, such as beer festivals and release parties, to showcase the best of Florida's craft beer scene. They also offer tours of their brewery, where visitors can learn about the brewing process and sample some of their freshest beers straight from the source.

If you're looking to buy craft beer in Florida, Cigar City Brewing is definitely worth checking out. With their wide distribution and variety of beers, they are a great representation of the state's thriving craft beer culture. So, whether you're visiting Tampa or looking for a local brew to enjoy at home, Cigar City Brewing is a great option to satisfy your craft beer cravings.

Cycle Brewing in St. Petersburg

Cycle Brewing is known for its innovative and experimental approach to brewing, often incorporating local ingredients and flavours. The brewery has a rotating selection of beers on tap, ranging from traditional styles to modern interpretations and unique creations. They also offer a variety of seasonal and limited-edition releases, collaborating with other local breweries and businesses.

The taproom at Cycle Brewing provides a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for visitors to enjoy a pint. It features a spacious bar, comfortable seating, and often hosts live music and other events. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate about beer, always happy to provide recommendations and share their latest creations.

In addition to its taproom, Cycle Brewing also distributes its beers to select local taverns and liquor stores throughout Florida. This allows beer enthusiasts across the state to enjoy their carefully crafted brews. The brewery has gained recognition beyond Florida, with its beers featured in beer festivals and specialty beer clubs, solidifying its place as one of the top craft breweries in the state.

Whether you're a local or a visitor to St. Petersburg, a trip to Cycle Brewing is a must for any craft beer enthusiast. With its creative beers, inviting taproom, and dedication to the art of brewing, Cycle Brewing embodies the spirit of Florida's thriving craft beer scene.

Spanish Marie Brewery in Kendall

Located near Kendall, Spanish Marie Brewery is a great spot to visit for those looking for a unique craft beer experience. The brewery offers a range of carefully crafted beers, each with its own story to tell. From the names of the beers to the carefully designed labels, every detail transports you back to the Roaring Twenties.

The brewery's theme is not just a gimmick, but a carefully curated experience that adds depth and character to the beer. As you sip on a carefully crafted pilsner or a rich, dark stout, you can imagine yourself in a hidden speakeasy, surrounded by the glitz and glamour of the Prohibition era. The brewery's attention to detail and commitment to its theme create a truly immersive experience that sets it apart from other craft breweries in the area.

In addition to its unique theme, Spanish Marie Brewery also prides itself on using only the finest ingredients to create its beers. Local ingredients, carefully sourced from Florida's rich agricultural landscape, ensure that every beer is packed with flavour and a true taste of the Sunshine State. Whether you're a beer connoisseur or just looking for a unique drinking experience, Spanish Marie Brewery is definitely worth a visit.

Dunedin Brewery in Dunedin

Located in Pinellas County, which is home to 46 craft breweries, Dunedin Brewery is a must-visit destination for beer lovers. The area has become a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, thanks in part to the online certificate program in brewing arts at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg campus.

Dunedin Brewery is known for its innovative and unique beers, such as their wild ales and barrel-aged beers. They also offer classic styles with a Florida twist, like the FloridaWeisse from Cycle Brewing in St. Petersburg, which is made with fresh Florida fruit.

In addition to their beer, Dunedin Brewery also provides a captivating story. The brewery bills itself as a "grand-daddy of local brew", with a rich history that dates back to the early days of craft brewing in Florida. Visitors can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a friendly staff who are passionate about their beer.

Dunedin Brewery is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening, whether you're a local or a tourist. With a constantly rotating selection of beers on tap, there's always something new to try. So if you're looking for a craft beer experience in Florida, be sure to add Dunedin Brewery to your list.

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