The Ultimate Guide to the Best Breweries in Florida: Where to Find Craft Beer Bliss

Welcome to the Sunshine State, where craft beer flows as abundantly as the sunrays themselves! Florida has emerged as a craft beer paradise, offering unique flavors, atmospheres, and experiences for beer enthusiasts.

Ready to embark on a journey to discover the best breweries in Florida? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Explore Florida’s exploding craft beer scene with award-winning options for every type of beer lover!
• Discover unique flavors and locally sourced ingredients from innovative breweries across the state.
• Experience amazing atmospheres at top rated breweries in major cities, coastal locations, and more!

Florida’s Craft Beer Scene

In the last half-decade, Florida’s craft beer landscape has expanded rapidly, with numerous breweries introducing a wide range of core beers.

Some notable breweries and their offerings include:

• 3 Sons Brewing Co.: Known for their award-winning barrel-aged stouts
• Tequesta Brewing: Silver medal-winning Bock in Bock
• Unbranded Brewing Co.: Offers a beautiful patio where you can enjoy a cold beer under the stars

With such a variety of options, there’s something for every palate in Florida’s craft beer scene.

The Rise of Craft Breweries in Florida

The past ten years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of craft breweries in Florida, with breweries like:

• J. Wakefield
• Angry Chair
• Cycle Brewing
• Walking Tree Brewery

defining the state’s craft beer community. They’ve earned national attention for their delicious hazy IPAs, robust stouts, and refreshing fruited sours, thanks to their emphasis on hype and understanding of what’s popular.

Highly sought-after beers, including sour beers, and small-batch brews often become an event of their own, particularly when savored in a beer garden.

Visitors can excitedly taste a brewery’s innovative beers during brewery tours, where they can learn about the brewing process and local ingredients.

Unique Florida Ingredients and Flavors

Breweries in Florida, particularly those in Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach, utilize regionally sourced ingredients to produce distinctively flavorful beers that embody the unique traits of the area.

These ingredients, sourced from trusted suppliers and local businesses, enhance the freshness and flavor of the beers, giving them a true taste of the Sunshine State.

With an array of ingredients ranging from fresh fruit to regionally grown hops, Florida breweries prioritize infusing their beers with local flavors, crafting a unique experience for beer aficionados.

Top-Rated Breweries in Major Cities

In the realm of Florida’s craft beer, the prominent cities of Miami, Tampa, and Orlando prove to be exciting destinations.

Home to some of the state’s oldest microbreweries like Dunedin Brewery and first craft breweries like Proof Brewing Company, these cities offer a diverse range of craft beer experiences.

Whether you’re in the mood for killer, award-winning barrel-aged stouts or refreshing hazy IPAs, the top-rated breweries in these cities have something for everyone.

Miami’s Brewing Gems

Miami’s craft beer landscape is flourishing, boasting a variety of inventive breweries and unparalleled flavors that beg to be sampled.

Some of the awesome breweries in Miami include:

• Wynwood Brewing Company
• J. Wakefield Brewing
• Tripping Animals Brewing Co.
• Invasive Species Brewing
• Odd Breed Wild Ales
• Funky Buddha Brewery
• Swamp Head Brewery
• Pinellas Ale Works
• Wicked Barley Brewing Company
• Unseen Creatures Brewing & Blending
• Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co.

Tampa’s Craft Beer Trailblazers

Tampa houses several of Florida’s most notable breweries, including the renowned Tampa brewery, Cigar City Brewing, known for their fan-favorite Jai Alai IPA.

Additionally, you can find Angry Chair Brewing, where you can try the delectable Double Stuffed Oreo Fudge Bucket, and Woven Water Brewing Company, offering a variety of award-winning beers.

There’s no shortage of delicious and award-winning beers to enjoy in this city.

Don’t miss out on Woven Water Brewing Company, where you can try their “blurry” IPAs and delightfully dessert-inspired fruited sours, such as Banana Split Fusion and Blue Hawaiian Fusion.

Orlando’s Hoppy Hotspots

Orlando’s brewing history is impressively deep-rooted, tracing its origins back to the late 19th century, with the oldest brewery on record in Florida being the Florida Brewing Company, which opened in 1896.

Today, Orlando’s brewing scene is absolutely thriving, offering a variety of locally made craft beers for beer enthusiasts to enjoy.

Some of the top-rated breweries in Orlando include:

• Broken Cauldron Taproom
• Sideward Brewing
• Hourglass Brewing at Hourglass District
• Brewlando
• Big Belly Brewery

With a diverse range of craft beers and inviting environments, there’s no better place to enjoy a cold beer than in Orlando.

Coastal Breweries for Beach Lovers

Is there anything more satisfying than savoring a chilled beer by the beach? Florida’s coastal breweries offer the perfect blend of craft beer and beach vibes, making them the ideal spots for a relaxing day in the sun.

Grayton Beer Company, Islamorada Brewery & Distillery, and Playalinda Brewing Company are PERFECT for a relaxing day in the sun.

So, armed with your sunscreen and sunglasses, let’s set off to discover these coastal treasures!

Grayton Beer Company

Grayton Beer Company, situated in Grayton Beach, is a remarkable brewery, offering a laid-back atmosphere and a rotating list of top-notch beers.

Their specialties include a variety of craft beers, such as their 30A Beach Blonde Ale and their IPA – American, which you can enjoy in their taproom.

Grayton Beer Company is also known for its environmental initiatives, including dedicating a portion of their property to protected conservation, and participating in carbon-neutral events.

With its warm atmosphere and commitment to sustainability, Grayton Beer Company is a must-visit brewery for any craft beer enthusiast.

Islamorada Brewery & Distillery

Situated in the Florida Keys, Islamorada Brewery & Distillery presents an impressive revolving selection of beers and cocktails on tap, including their amazing original Sandbar Sunday and popular Lavender Lemonade vodka drink.

They are passionate about brewing Florida Keys craft beer and distilling island rum, vodka, and gin, offering tasting flights to explore their diverse flavors, from light and refreshing beers to robust ales.

With its island-inspired brews and spirits, Islamorada Brewery & Distillery is the perfect destination for a tropical craft beer experience.

Playalinda Brewing Company

With two outstanding locations in Titusville, Playalinda Brewing Company provides distinctive beer experiences amidst a coastal ambiance.

At the Hardware Store in downtown Titusville, you can enjoy their top-rated beers like:

• Pleasure Chest
• Robonaut Red Ale
• Playalinda Blonde Ale
• Key Lime Slice

Meanwhile, their Brix Project location offers a more industrial atmosphere, complete with a spacious outdoor beer garden and food truck, perfect for a laid-back afternoon with friends at Civil Society Brewing.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Playalinda Brewing Company is a must-visit destination.

Eclectic Breweries Pushing Boundaries

For those in search of novelty, Florida houses numerous eclectic breweries that are redefining the craft beer scene with their innovative brews and flavors.

Invasive Species Brewing, Odd Breed Wild Ales, and Funky Buddha Brewery are just a few examples of the innovative breweries that are shaking up the Florida craft beer scene.

Invasive Species Brewing

Situated in Fort Lauderdale, Invasive Species Brewing specializes in vibrant juicy IPAs and tangy sour ales, drawing inspiration from Florida’s wildlife and lifestyle.

Founded by Josh Levitt, one of the co-founders and co-owner of the brewery, and Chris and Jordan Bellus, founders of the Ft. Lauderdale beer bar Laser Wolf, Invasive Species Brewing is a testament to the passion and creativity of its founders.

Using new techniques and experimental ingredients, this craft brewery offers a truly unique craft beer experience that’s not to be missed.

Odd Breed Wild Ales

Tucked away in the delightful city of Pompano Beach, Odd Breed Wild Ales focuses on creating Belgian-style wild and farmhouse ales infused with a touch of Florida.

Utilizing indigenous ingredients from the sun-soaked Sunshine State, like various juicy citrus and exotic tropical fruits, Odd Breed Wild Ales crafts truly unique and flavorful beers that reflect the distinct characteristics of the region.

From their Citrus Farmer farmhouse ale to the Mango Marauder, a blend of two golden wild ales aged on Kent mango chunks, Odd Breed Wild Ales offers an exceptional craft beer experience that’s worth the visit.

Funky Buddha Brewery

Situated in Oakland Park, Funky Buddha Brewery is recognized for its creative and unconventional concoctions, particularly its food-inspired seasonal beers.

Some of their notable beers include:

• Vibin’ Groovable Lager
• Hop Gun IPA
• Blood Orange Hard Seltzer
• More Moro Blood Orange IPA
• Nib Smuggler Chocolate Milk Stout

Funky Buddha Brewery offers bold flavors and unique ingredients that truly set it apart from the rest.

Founded by Ryan and KC Sentz, Funky Buddha Brewery has quickly become a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts in search of something a little different.

Florida Breweries with Unique Atmospheres

Florida houses a plethora of breweries providing unique atmospheres that are ideal for relishing craft beer in the company of friends and family.

From eco-friendly breweries like Swamp Head Brewery to dog-friendly establishments like Pinellas Ale Works, there’s no shortage of unique atmospheres to explore while sipping on a cold brew.

Swamp Head Brewery

Swamp Head Brewery, located in Gainesville, is celebrated for its eco-conscious practices and dedication to sustainability.

With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly initiatives, Swamp Head Brewery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for craft beer enthusiasts who care about the environment.

From their Carbon-neutral events to their spent grain being used as cattle feed, Swamp Head Brewery demonstrates that you can enjoy a delicious craft beer while also supporting sustainable practices.

Pinellas Ale Works

Situated in St. Petersburg, Pinellas Ale Works is a canine-friendly brewery that not only invites your four-legged companions but also backs animal-related charities.

With canine-inspired beers like Piddle pilsner and Milk Bone sweet stout, Pinellas Ale Works is the perfect place to enjoy a cold brew with your four-legged companion.

So, grab a leash and head over to this pet-friendly brewery for a truly unique craft beer experience.

Wicked Barley Brewing Company

Wicked Barley Brewing Company, stationed in Jacksonville, offers much more than craft beer – it also boasts a boat dock and hosts a wide assortment of events, ranging from fish fries to luaus.

With its relaxing atmosphere and diverse selection of beers, Wicked Barley Brewing Company is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a cold brew by the water.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this Jacksonville brewery is not to be missed.

Summary

From the bustling craft beer scenes in major cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, to the laid-back coastal breweries and innovative, boundary-pushing establishments, Florida truly has something for every beer enthusiast.

So, whether you’re a seasoned craft beer connoisseur or just starting your journey, the Sunshine State is waiting for you with a cold brew in hand. Cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many breweries in florida?

Wow, Florida is home to an impressive 250 breweries! Its first brewery opened all the way back in 1896 – what a long history of great craft beer!

What types of craft beers can I find in Florida?

Explore the delightful world of craft beer in Florida, with options ranging from hazy IPAs and stouts to fruited sours and Belgian wild ales!

Are there any dog-friendly breweries in Florida?

Yes! Pinellas Ale Works in St. Petersburg is a dog-friendly brewery that welcomes furry friends and supports animal charities – what’s not to love?

Which Florida breweries are known for their unique atmospheres?

Experience the unique atmospheres of Florida breweries like Swamp Head, Pinellas Ale Works, and Wicked Barley Brewing Company!

Are there any eco-friendly breweries in Florida?

Yes! Swamp Head Brewery in Gainesville is an eco-friendly brewery, showing their commitment to sustainability.