Sunshine Suds: Exploring Florida’s Vibrant Craft Brewing Scene

Craft beer in Florida has exploded in popularity over the past decade, transforming the state into a hub of innovation and diversity within the brewing industry. Here’s an exploration of Florida beers and breweries, highlighting their unique characteristics and contributions to the craft beer scene:

Brewing Diversity: The Rise of Craft Beer in Florida

Behind the sunshine and alongside its vibrant beaches, Florida has cultivated a flourishing craft beer culture that beckons both locals and tourists alike. What once was dominated by macro-breweries and beachside cocktails has now evolved into a landscape rich with independent breweries pushing the boundaries of flavor and creativity. From the panhandle to the Keys, Florida’s breweries are as diverse as its landscapes, offering a taste of local ingredients, innovative brewing techniques, and a community spirit that defines the Sunshine State’s craft beer experience.

Iconic Breweries and Unique Flavors

1. Cigar City Brewing, Tampa

Located in the heart of Tampa, Cigar City Brewing has garnered national acclaim for its bold, flavorful beers that reflect the state’s cultural and culinary influences. Known for their Jai Alai IPA, which balances citrusy hops with a caramel malt backbone, Cigar City explores a wide range of styles including barrel-aged ales, stouts, and sours. Their brewery tours offer a glimpse into their brewing process and the chance to taste exclusive releases available only at the brewery.

2. Funky Buddha Brewery, Oakland Park

In South Florida, Funky Buddha Brewery has become synonymous with creativity and innovation in brewing. From their renowned Maple Bacon Coffee Porter to seasonal favorites like Floridian Hefeweizen, Funky Buddha combines culinary inspiration with quality ingredients to craft beers that surprise and delight. Their brewery features a lively taproom where visitors can enjoy beers on draft, food pairings, and often live entertainment.

3. Due South Brewing Co., Boynton Beach (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)

Founded with a passion for brewing balanced, flavorful beers, Due South Brewing Co. in Boynton Beach emphasizes quality and community. Their lineup includes flagship brews like the Caramel Cream Ale and Category 5 IPA, along with seasonal and limited-edition releases that showcase the diversity of Florida’s brewing scene. The brewery hosts events, tastings, and tours, inviting beer enthusiasts to learn about their brewing process and enjoy fresh, locally brewed beers.

4. Swamp Head Brewery, Gainesville

Florida Wineries

Nestled in the heart of Gainesville, Swamp Head Brewery embraces the natural beauty and biodiversity of Florida’s wetlands. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in their beers, which often incorporate locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly practices. Swamp Head’s diverse portfolio includes hop-forward IPAs, crisp lagers, and experimental barrel-aged beers, creating a unique tasting experience that celebrates Florida’s natural heritage.

Community and Collaboration

Beyond brewing exceptional beers, Florida breweries are active participants in their communities, supporting local initiatives, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among beer enthusiasts. Many breweries host events, charity fundraisers, and collaborations with local businesses and artists, creating a vibrant social scene that extends beyond the taproom.

Exploring Florida’s Craft Beer Scene

Positive Things Happen in Florida

Whether you’re sipping a citrus-infused IPA on the Gulf Coast or enjoying a bold stout in Miami, Florida’s craft beer scene offers something for every palate and preference. Brewery tours, tastings, and taproom visits provide opportunities to connect with brewers, learn about the brewing process, and sample a wide range of locally brewed beers.

From the tropical flavors of Key West to the urban brewpubs of Orlando, Florida’s breweries are united by their passion for quality, innovation, and community. Each brewery visit is a chance to discover new flavors, support local businesses, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Florida’s craft beer renaissance. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or a curious traveler, Florida invites you to raise a glass and toast to the Sunshine State’s thriving craft beer industry.

Florida’s craft beer scene has experienced exponential growth in recent years, fueled by a combination of local passion for brewing, a diverse culinary landscape, and a thriving tourism industry. Here’s a deeper dive into some notable breweries across the state:

1. Cigar City Brewing, Tampa

Location: Tampa, Florida
Overview: Founded in 2009, Cigar City Brewing has become one of Florida’s most iconic breweries, renowned for its bold and innovative beers. They are best known for their Jai Alai IPA, a citrus-forward American IPA that has gained national acclaim. Cigar City’s brewing philosophy blends traditional brewing techniques with a touch of Latin flavor, reflecting Tampa’s rich cultural heritage. The brewery offers tours where visitors can learn about their brewing process and sample a wide range of beers, including seasonal and limited-edition releases.

2. Funky Buddha Brewery, Oakland Park

Location: Oakland Park, Florida
Overview: Funky Buddha Brewery is celebrated for its boundary-pushing approach to brewing and its creative flavor combinations. Established in 2010, Funky Buddha is known for beers like the Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, which combines maple syrup, coffee, and bacon flavors in a rich, complex brew. Their taproom offers a vibrant atmosphere with a rotating selection of beers on draft, including experimental brews and barrel-aged specialties. Funky Buddha hosts events, live music, and food pairings that showcase their innovative beers alongside local cuisine.

3. Swamp Head Brewery, Gainesville

Location: Gainesville, Florida
Overview: Swamp Head Brewery is committed to sustainability and brewing beers that reflect the natural beauty of Florida’s wetlands. Established in 2008, Swamp Head uses locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly practices to create their lineup of beers, which includes hoppy IPAs, refreshing lagers, and experimental barrel-aged brews. The brewery’s taproom offers a relaxed setting where visitors can enjoy a pint or flight of beers, participate in brewery tours, and engage with the brewery’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

4. Motorworks Brewing, Bradenton

Location: Bradenton, Florida
Overview: Motorworks Brewing is located in a historic automobile dealership in Bradenton, Florida, dating back to 1923. The brewery combines its passion for craft beer with a love for vintage cars and motorcycles, creating a unique atmosphere for beer enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Motorworks is known for its diverse beer menu, which includes traditional styles like pilsners and porters, as well as experimental brews and seasonal releases. The spacious beer garden and indoor taproom offer a welcoming space for visitors to enjoy their beers and soak in the brewery’s nostalgic ambiance.

5. 3 Daughters Brewing, St. Petersburg

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Overview: 3 Daughters Brewing is a family-owned brewery located in the heart of St. Petersburg, known for its commitment to quality and creativity in brewing. Established in 2013, 3 Daughters produces a wide range of beers, from light and crisp ales to robust stouts and fruity sours. The brewery’s taproom features a laid-back atmosphere with games, live music, and a rotating selection of beers on tap. Visitors can enjoy brewery tours, tastings, and events that highlight their innovative approach to brewing and community engagement.

6. Brew Bus Brewing, Tampa

Location: Tampa, Florida
Overview: Brew Bus Brewing offers a unique brewery experience by combining a brewery with a craft beer tour company. Founded in 2012, Brew Bus Brewing operates a brewery and tasting room where visitors can sample a variety of beers brewed on-site, including their core lineup and limited-edition releases. What sets Brew Bus apart is its brewery tours, where guests can hop on a bus and visit multiple breweries in the Tampa Bay area, enjoying guided tastings and behind-the-scenes insights into each brewery’s operations.

7. Coppertail Brewing Co., Tampa

Location: Tampa, Florida
Overview: Coppertail Brewing Co. is named after the mythical sea creature believed to inhabit Tampa Bay. Established in 2014, Coppertail is known for its bold and flavorful beers inspired by the Tampa Bay region’s maritime history. Their flagship beers include the Unholy Trippel, a Belgian-style tripel ale, and the Free Dive IPA, a citrusy and hop-forward IPA. The brewery’s tasting room offers a welcoming space where visitors can try their beers, enjoy food trucks, and participate in brewery events and live music nights.

8. MIA Beer Company, Doral

Location: Doral, Florida
Overview: MIA Beer Company celebrates Miami’s cultural diversity through its lineup of craft beers that blend traditional brewing styles with international flavors. Established in 2015, MIA Beer Company produces beers like the Miami Weiss Hefeweizen and the Mega Mix Pale Ale, which showcase tropical fruit notes and a crisp, refreshing finish. The brewery’s taproom features a sleek, modern design with a spacious outdoor patio, creating an inviting space for beer enthusiasts to relax and enjoy their beers.

9. Proof Brewing Co., Tallahassee

Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Overview: Proof Brewing Co. is a Tallahassee institution known for its commitment to quality and creativity in brewing. Founded in 2012, Proof Brewing offers a diverse lineup of beers that includes IPAs, stouts, sours, and barrel-aged specialties. The brewery‘s tasting room and beer garden provide a laid-back atmosphere where visitors can sample their beers, attend events like trivia nights and live music performances, and learn about the brewing process through brewery tours.

Florida’s breweries exemplify the state’s diverse cultural influences, commitment to quality, and passion for innovation in craft brewing. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Miami or the historic neighborhoods of Tampa, Florida’s craft beer scene offers a taste of local flavors, creative brews, and community spirit that continue to define and elevate the Sunshine State’s reputation as a craft beer destination. Cheers to exploring Florida’s breweries and discovering the flavors that make each sip a unique and memorable experience!

Embarking on a brewery tour through Florida promises an exciting journey filled with unique brews, vibrant taprooms, and plenty of fun activities along the way. Here’s a curated itinerary for a memorable Florida brewery tour:

Day 1: Tampa Bay Area

Morning: Cigar City Brewing, Tampa

• Experience: Start your brewery tour at Cigar City Brewing, Tampa’s iconic brewery known for its innovative beers like the Jai Alai IPA. Join a guided tour to learn about their brewing process and the history behind their renowned beers.
• Fun Activity: After the tour, head to the taproom to sample their diverse lineup of beers, including seasonal and limited-edition releases. Don’t miss their specialty brews available only at the brewery.

Lunch: Brew Bus Brewing, Tampa

• Experience: Hop on the Brew Bus for a unique brewery tour experience. Enjoy a guided tour that takes you to multiple breweries around Tampa Bay, offering behind-the-scenes insights and tastings at each stop.
• Fun Activity: Relax on the bus with fellow beer enthusiasts, enjoy onboard tastings, and learn about Tampa’s vibrant craft beer scene from knowledgeable guides.

Afternoon: Coppertail Brewing Co., Tampa

• Experience: Visit Coppertail Brewing Co., named after the mythical sea creature of Tampa Bay. Explore their taproom and outdoor beer garden while sampling their flagship beers like the Unholy Trippel and Free Dive IPA.
• Fun Activity: Engage in brewery games, enjoy live music (if available), and savor food truck delicacies that pair perfectly with Coppertail’s bold brews.

Day 2: South Florida Adventure

Morning: Funky Buddha Brewery, Oakland Park

• Experience: Venture to Funky Buddha Brewery in Oakland Park, renowned for its creative and flavorful beers. Take a guided tour to discover their brewing process and the inspiration behind beers like the Maple Bacon Coffee Porter.
• Fun Activity: Explore their vibrant taproom with its eclectic décor, enjoy live entertainment, and indulge in unique beer-infused desserts like beer floats or specialty brews paired with gourmet snacks.

Lunch: Due South Brewing Co., Boynton Beach

• Experience: Head to Due South Brewing Co. in Boynton Beach, known for its balanced and approachable beers. Participate in a brewery tour to learn about their brewing philosophy and sample their flagship Caramel Cream Ale and seasonal releases.
• Fun Activity: Relax in their spacious taproom or outdoor beer garden, play brewery games, and enjoy local food trucks offering delicious bites that complement Due South’s flavorful brews.

Afternoon: MIA Beer Company, Doral

• Experience: Conclude your brewery tour at MIA Beer Company in Doral, celebrating Miami’s cultural diversity through craft beer. Explore their modern taproom and outdoor patio, where you can sample their Miami Weiss Hefeweizen and Mega Mix Pale Ale.
• Fun Activity: Join a guided tasting flight to experience a range of MIA’s beers, relax with scenic views, and participate in brewery events like beer yoga or local artist showcases.

Additional Tips for Your Florida Brewery Tour:

• Designated Driver or Transportation: Ensure a safe and enjoyable tour by arranging transportation beforehand, whether it’s a designated driver, rideshare services, or a guided brewery tour bus.

• Stay Hydrated: Pace yourself during tastings and stay hydrated with water between beers to fully appreciate each brewery’s unique flavors and maintain energy throughout the tour.

• Enjoy Local Cuisine: Pair your brewery visits with local cuisine, from seafood delicacies in Tampa Bay to eclectic food trucks in South Florida, enhancing your brewery tour experience with delicious food pairings.

A brewery tour through Florida offers a dynamic blend of craft beer exploration, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re sipping IPAs in Tampa’s historic neighborhoods or enjoying creative brews in South Florida’s vibrant cities, each brewery visit promises a taste of local flavors, community spirit, and the passion that defines Florida’s thriving craft beer scene. Cheers to discovering new favorites and creating lasting memories on your Florida brewery adventure!