Best 9 Breweries in Florida: Top Places to Sip Craft Beer
Florida is known for its sunny beaches, theme parks, and diverse cuisine. However, the state also boasts a thriving craft beer scene, with over 250 breweries scattered across its cities and towns. From the panhandle to the Keys, there’s always a local brew waiting to be savored by beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which breweries to visit. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help guide you on your beer-tasting journey. Websites like Time Out and Tripadvisor offer lists of the best breweries in Florida, while The Florida Travel Girl provides a comprehensive guide to the state’s top beer destinations. These resources take into account factors like beer quality, atmosphere, and customer service to provide a well-rounded picture of each brewery.
History of Brewing in Florida
Florida has a long history of brewing, dating back to the late 1800s. The Florida Brewing Company, which opened in 1896 in Ybor City, became the leading beer exporter to Cuba and produced more than 80,000 annual barrels at its peak. However, many brewers were closed as a result of Prohibition.
Despite the setbacks brought on by Prohibition, the brewing industry in Florida has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Today, Florida is home to over 400 craft breweries, making it one of the top states for craft beer production in the country.
One of the earliest breweries in Florida was the Tampa Bay Brewing Company, which opened in 1995. Since then, the state has seen a steady increase in the number of craft breweries, with many of them located in the Tampa Bay area.
Florida’s craft breweries offer a wide range of beers, from traditional styles like lagers and ales to more experimental brews like sour beers and barrel-aged beers. Many breweries also offer food, entertainment, and other amenities, making them popular destinations for locals and tourists alike.
Best Breweries in South Florida
When it comes to South Florida’s craft beer scene, there are a few breweries that stand out from the rest. Here are some of the best breweries in South Florida:
Miami Brewing Company
Located in Homestead, Miami Brewing Company is a must-visit for beer lovers in South Florida. They offer a wide variety of beers, including their popular Big Rod Coconut Blonde Ale and Gator Tail Brown Ale. Visitors can also enjoy food from the on-site food truck or take a tour of the brewery.
Website: https://miamibrewing.com/
Address: 30205 SW 217th Ave, Homestead, FL 33030, United States
Funky Buddha Brewery
Funky Buddha Brewery, located in Oakland Park, is known for its creative and unique beer flavors. Some of their popular brews include the Maple Bacon Coffee Porter and the Floridian Hefeweizen. The brewery also has a spacious taproom and hosts events such as trivia nights and live music.
Website: http://www.funkybuddhabrewery.com/
Address: 1201 NE 38th St, Oakland Park, FL 33334, United States
Wynwood Brewing Company
Wynwood Brewing Company, located in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. They offer a variety of beers, including their La Rubia Blonde Ale and Pop’s Porter. Visitors can also take a tour of the brewery and enjoy food from the on-site food truck.
Website: http://wynwoodbrewing.com/
Address: 565 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127, United States
Overall, these breweries offer a great selection of beers, and fun atmospheres, and are definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in the South Florida craft beer scene.
Top Breweries in Central Florida
Cigar City Brewing
Cigar City Brewing, located in Tampa, is one of the most popular breweries in Florida. They are known for their Jai Alai IPA, which has won numerous awards and is a fan favorite. They also offer a wide variety of other beers, including stouts, lagers, and sour ales. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery and enjoy a tasting in their taproom.
Website: https://www.cigarcitybrewing.com/
Address: 3924 W Spruce St, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
Orlando Brewing
Orlando Brewing is Florida’s only certified organic brewery, located in Orlando. They use only organic ingredients in their beers, which include ales, lagers, and seasonal brews. They also offer tours of their facility and tastings in their taproom. In addition to their beer, they also have a selection of organic wines and ciders.
Website: http://www.orlandobrewing.com/
Address: 1301 Atlanta Ave, Orlando, FL 32806, United States
Crooked Can Brewing Company
Crooked Can Brewing Company, located in Winter Garden, is a popular brewery in Central Florida. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers, as well as seasonal and limited edition brews. Visitors can take a tour of their facility and enjoy a tasting in their taproom. They also have a food menu with items that pair well with their beers.
Website: http://www.crookedcan.com/
Address: 426 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787, United States
These three breweries are just a few of the many great options in Central Florida. Each offers a unique experience and a variety of delicious beers to try. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a trip to one of these breweries is a must for any beer lover.
Notable Breweries in North Florida
Proof Brewing Company
Proof Brewing Company is located in Tallahassee, Florida, and is known for its award-winning beers. The brewery was founded in 2012 and has since become a staple in the North Florida craft beer scene. Proof Brewing Company offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Some of their most popular beers include Mango Wit, Eightfive-O American Pale Ale, and La La Land IPA.
Website: http://www.proofbrewingco.com/
Address: 1320 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32301, United States
Pensacola Bay Brewery
Pensacola Bay Brewery is located in downtown Pensacola and has been serving up craft beer since 2010. The brewery offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including IPAs, porters, and wheat beers. Some of their most popular beers include Lighthouse Porter, Riptide Amber Ale, and DeSoto Wheat.
Website: http://www.pbbrew.com/
Address: 225 Zaragoza St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States
Aardwolf Brewing Company
Aardwolf Brewing Company is located in Jacksonville, Florida, and is known for its unique and experimental beers. The brewery was founded in 2013 and has since become a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts in North Florida. Aardwolf Brewing Company offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including sours, IPAs, and stouts. Some of their most popular beers include Superstitious Minds Belgian Dubbel, El Mariachi Mexican Lager, and The Fear Imperial Stout.
Website: http://www.aardwolfbrewing.com/
Address: 1461 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States
These three breweries are just a few of the notable breweries in North Florida. Each brewery offers a unique selection of beers and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Unique Florida Craft Beers
Florida is home to a variety of unique craft beers that are worth trying. Here are some of the most interesting and delicious brews that the state has to offer:
- High Stepper American IPA by Crooked Can Brewing Company: This beer is a Central Florida staple and is known for its hoppy flavor and citrusy aroma. It has a 6.2% ABV and is perfect for those who enjoy a bitter, refreshing IPA.
- Key Lime Pie Tart Ale by Funky Buddha Brewery: This beer is a popular choice for those who love sour beers. It is brewed with real key lime juice, graham crackers, and vanilla, giving it a sweet and tangy taste that is reminiscent of a key lime pie. It has a 5.4% ABV and is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
- Cubano Espresso Brown Ale by Cigar City Brewing: This beer is a tribute to Tampa’s Cuban heritage and is brewed with Cuban-style espresso beans. It has a rich, malty flavor with hints of chocolate and coffee, making it the perfect beer to pair with a dessert or a cigar. It has a 5.5% ABV and is a must-try for coffee lovers.
- Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout by Cigar City Brewing: This beer is a rare and highly sought-after brew that is only released once a year. It is brewed with cocoa nibs, vanilla beans, cinnamon, and ancho chilies, giving it a complex, spicy flavor that is perfect for sipping on a cold winter night. It has an 11% ABV and is not for the faint of heart.
- Jai Alai IPA by Cigar City Brewing: This beer is a classic Florida IPA that is known for its hoppy, citrusy flavor. It has won numerous awards and is a favorite among beer enthusiasts. It has a 7.5% ABV and is perfect for those who enjoy a strong, flavorful IPA.
These are just a few of the many unique craft beers that Florida has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs or sweet tart ales, there’s a Florida beer out there that is sure to please your palate.