Of the many states in the union featuring robust and burgeoning craft beer industry, Florida ranks high, with breweries of all sizes growing across its breadth and length. Having been introduced to craft in Orlando at Nora’s some years ago, I had the chance to deepen my acquaintance in April 2018 on a (ahem) work trip to central Florida.
Here’s a photo journey through the beers I tried and enjoyed (for the most part)…and we also made a Friday happy hour stop at a new craft brewery in Winter Haven, Grove Roots. As cheesy as the state may seem to the casual Disney visitor, there’s real love pouring here. Just ask Stoli and Red Foster.
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- Pulp Friction Grapefruit IPA from Motorworks in Bradenton: Gorgeous Juice!
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- Big Top’s Trapeze Monk from Sarasota: Lots of tangerine & coriander & creaminess
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- Straight out of Plant City: a stack of blueberry pancakes with a vanilla bourbon back
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- Jai Alai IPA from Cigar City, justifiable fame
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- Florida Cracker from Cigar City: Belgian White Ale
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- Devil’s Chair IPA from Red Cypress: Tall, light & refreshing
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- The hallowed Craft Beer Room at Nora’s Sugar Shack on Virginia Ave in Orlando
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- Not Florida but on I Drive: Shake Shack’s Brooklyn Ale