Tampa’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, making it a prime destination for beer enthusiasts. The city boasts over 100 craft breweries, representing nearly a quarter of all breweries in Florida. This thriving craft beer community offers an impressive variety of styles and flavors, from small-batch experimental brews to well-established local favorites.
Visitors and residents alike can explore a diverse range of taprooms and brewpubs throughout Tampa. Many of these establishments are concentrated in walkable areas, allowing beer lovers to easily sample multiple breweries in a single outing. The city’s oldest microbrewery continues to operate alongside newer, innovative breweries, showcasing Tampa’s rich brewing history and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of craft beer.
Tampa’s craft beer industry has become an integral part of the city’s culture and tourism. Brewery tours, beer festivals, and tasting events are common, providing opportunities for both education and enjoyment. The Tampa craft beer scene continues to grow and evolve, solidifying the city’s reputation as a top destination for beer aficionados.
History of Craft Beer in Tampa
Tampa’s craft beer scene has deep roots stretching back to the late 19th century. The city’s brewing tradition began in Ybor City, where Cuban and Spanish immigrants established small breweries to serve the cigar factory workers.
The modern craft beer movement in Tampa started gaining momentum in the mid-1990s. This period saw a slow but steady growth of microbreweries and brewpubs in the area.
2009 marked a significant turning point with the founding of Cigar City Brewing. The brewery quickly gained recognition for its Jai Alai IPA, which became emblematic of Tampa’s craft beer renaissance.
Between 2009 and 2014, Tampa experienced a craft beer boom. Numerous breweries opened their doors, establishing the city as a major player in Florida’s beer industry.
The Tampa Bay area now boasts over 100 craft breweries, representing nearly a quarter of Florida’s total. This concentration has earned Tampa a reputation as one of the top craft beer destinations in the United States.
Yuengling Brewery, America’s oldest operating brewing company, chose Tampa as the site for its second brewery in 1999. This decision further solidified Tampa’s status as a key brewing hub.
Tampa’s craft brewers continue to innovate, drawing inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and tropical climate to create unique, flavorful beers that capture the essence of Florida.
Iconic Tampa Breweries
Tampa’s craft beer scene features several legendary breweries that have put the city on the map for beer enthusiasts. These establishments have pioneered unique styles and flavors while becoming integral parts of the local community.
Cigar City Brewing
Cigar City Brewing stands as Tampa’s most renowned brewery. Founded in 2009, it quickly gained national recognition for its Jai Alai IPA. The brewery draws inspiration from Tampa’s cultural heritage, infusing local ingredients like citrus and Cuban coffee into its beers.
Cigar City’s taproom offers a rotating selection of experimental brews alongside its core lineup. Visitors can enjoy guided tours to learn about the brewing process. The brewery’s annual Hunahpu’s Day event attracts beer lovers from across the country.
Tampa Bay Brewing Co
Tampa Bay Brewing Company, established in 1995, holds the title of Tampa’s oldest craft brewery. With locations in Ybor City and Westchase, it combines great beer with a full-service restaurant experience.
Their diverse beer portfolio includes the popular Reef Donkey APA and Old Elephant Foot IPA. The brewery’s commitment to quality has earned them numerous awards at beer competitions.
TBBC’s spacious taprooms feature a family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor seating areas. They often host live music events and collaborate with local artists.
Coppertail Brewing Co
Coppertail Brewing Co, located in historic Ybor City, opened its doors in 2014. The brewery is known for its eclectic beer styles and eye-catching label artwork.
Flagship beers include Free Dive IPA and Night Swim Porter. Coppertail also produces a range of seasonal and limited-release brews that showcase creative flavor combinations.
The taproom occupies a renovated 1920s brick building, offering a unique ambiance. Visitors can enjoy brewery tours, food trucks, and special events throughout the year.
7venth Sun Brewery
7venth Sun Brewery, founded in 2012, operates locations in Dunedin and Tampa’s Seminole Heights neighborhood. They specialize in barrel-aged sours, farmhouse ales, and hoppy IPAs.
Popular offerings include the Graffiti Orange Creamsicle Wheat and Time Bomb Session IPA. The brewery’s small-batch approach allows for frequent experimentation and new releases.
Both taprooms provide intimate settings for beer tasting. The Tampa location features a dog-friendly beer garden and hosts regular trivia nights.
Hidden Springs Ale Works
Hidden Springs Ale Works, nestled in Tampa Heights, opened in 2015. The brewery is known for its innovative flavor combinations and striking can designs.
Signature beers include the ZFG Pale Ale and Deja Moo Milk Stout. Hidden Springs also produces a line of fruit-forward sours and pastry stouts that push creative boundaries.
The cozy taproom offers a rotating selection of 20 beers on draft. Art exhibitions and live music events are common, reflecting the brewery’s connection to the local creative community.
Woven Water Brewing Co
Woven Water Brewing Company, one of Tampa’s newer additions, launched in 2020. Despite its youth, it has quickly gained a following for its quality IPAs and stouts.
Standout beers include the Cosmic Loom IPA and Breakfast at Stephanie’s Imperial Stout. The brewery emphasizes sustainability in its practices, using locally sourced ingredients when possible.
Woven Water’s modern taproom features a sleek design and ample outdoor seating. They regularly host food trucks and collaborate with nearby businesses for special events.
Tampa’s Craft Beer Styles
Tampa’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of styles, from hoppy IPAs to crisp lagers and unique seasonal brews. The city’s brewers draw inspiration from traditional techniques while embracing innovative approaches.
Ale Innovations
Tampa breweries excel in ale production, with IPAs leading the charge. Cigar City Brewing’s Jai Alai IPA stands out as a local favorite, known for its tropical fruit notes and balanced bitterness. Hazy New England-style IPAs have also gained popularity, featuring juicy flavors and softer mouthfeel.
Sour ales have found a niche in Tampa’s beer landscape. Brewers experiment with Berliner Weisse styles, often infusing them with local fruits for a refreshing twist. These tart, low-alcohol beers pair well with Florida’s warm climate.
Stouts and porters showcase Tampa’s darker side of ales. Imperial stouts, in particular, have become a specialty, offering rich, complex flavors of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt.
Lager Varieties
Tampa’s craft lager scene has grown significantly, challenging the notion that craft beer is synonymous with ales. Breweries like BarrieHaus Beer Co. specialize in German-style lagers, producing crisp pilsners and refreshing helles.
Craft lagers in Tampa often feature local ingredients, giving them a unique Florida twist. Some brewers age their lagers in wooden barrels, adding depth and complexity to these traditionally clean-tasting beers.
The Free Dive IPA from Coppertail Brewing Co. represents a hybrid approach, combining lager yeast with IPA-level hopping for a crisp yet aromatic beer.
Specialty and Seasonal Beers
Tampa brewers embrace seasonality, crafting beers that reflect the changing Florida weather and local ingredients. Summer often brings fruit-infused wheat beers and lighter session ales.
Winter sees the release of barrel-aged strong ales and spiced holiday brews. Pumpkin beers emerge in fall, while spring might feature floral saisons or herbal goses.
Many Tampa breweries also produce small-batch experimental beers, pushing the boundaries of traditional styles. These might include beers aged in tequila barrels, brewed with unique local fruits, or fermented with wild yeast strains.
Visitor’s Guide to Tampa’s Craft Beer
Tampa’s craft beer scene offers diverse experiences for visitors. From guided tours to unique tasting rooms and outdoor spaces, beer enthusiasts can explore the city’s brewing culture in various ways.
Brewery Tours
City Brew Tours Tampa provides all-inclusive guided experiences. Visitors can sample 12 or more beers from 3-4 breweries over 3-5 hours. A knowledgeable guide shares information about Tampa’s brewing history and current scene.
Self-guided tours are another option. The Tampa Riverwalk connects several breweries, allowing visitors to create their own route. Popular stops include Coppertail Brewing in Ybor City and Cigar City Brewing near the airport.
Many breweries offer behind-the-scenes tours on weekends. These typically last 30-60 minutes and include tastings of flagship and seasonal beers.
Tasting Room Experience
Tampa’s brewery tasting rooms vary in size and style. Some feature industrial designs with visible brewing equipment, while others opt for a cozy pub atmosphere.
Most tasting rooms offer flights, allowing visitors to sample 4-6 beers in smaller portions. This is ideal for trying a range of styles.
Bartenders are often well-versed in beer styles and brewing processes. They can recommend options based on individual preferences.
Many breweries rotate taps frequently, featuring seasonal and experimental brews alongside their core lineup.
Outdoor Seating & Ambiance
Tampa’s climate allows for year-round outdoor seating at many breweries. Coppertail Brewing has a spacious beer garden with picnic tables and string lights.
Some breweries incorporate Tampa’s history into their outdoor spaces. Reclaimed materials from local buildings are often used in construction and decor.
Food trucks frequently partner with breweries lacking full kitchens. This allows visitors to enjoy local cuisine with their craft beers.
Pet-friendly patios are common, making it easy for visitors to bring their dogs while enjoying a beer outdoors.
The Culture of Craft Beer in Tampa
Tampa’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, becoming a vibrant part of the city’s identity. Beer enthusiasts flock to the area’s numerous microbreweries, eager to sample innovative and flavorful brews.
The city’s craft beer community is tight-knit and passionate. Local brewers often collaborate, sharing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing techniques.
Ybor City, Tampa’s historic district, has emerged as a hotspot for craft beer lovers. Its streets are lined with taprooms and brewpubs, each offering unique takes on classic styles.
American Pale Ales and Hazy IPAs are particularly popular among Tampa’s beer drinkers. These hoppy beers showcase the creativity of local brewers and appeal to those seeking bold flavors.
Homebrewing has gained traction in Tampa, with many enthusiasts experimenting in their kitchens. Some have even turned their hobby into successful microbreweries, further enriching the local beer landscape.
Tampa’s breweries often host events, tastings, and tours, fostering a sense of community among craft beer aficionados. These gatherings allow beer lovers to connect, share experiences, and discover new favorites.
The city’s craft beer culture extends beyond drinking, with many establishments incorporating local art, music, and food into their offerings. This holistic approach has helped cement Tampa’s reputation as a destination for beer tourism.
Notable Beer Releases and Events
Tampa’s craft beer scene shines through its exciting annual festivals and limited edition brews. These events and releases showcase the city’s innovative brewing talent and diverse beer styles.
Annual Beer Festivals
Tampa Bay Beer Week stands out as a premier celebration of craft beer. Held in March, this 9-day event features unique beer releases, pop-ups from out-of-town breweries, and special tastings. The Florida Brewers Guild Craft Beer Festival kicks off the week, offering unlimited samples of Florida craft beers.
The Brewers Ball is another highlight, bringing together local and regional brewers. ZooBrews combines beer tasting with wildlife conservation, offering a unique drinking experience at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.
Temple Terrace Craft BrewFest showcases local breweries in a family-friendly setting. These festivals provide excellent opportunities to sample a wide range of Tampa’s craft beers.
Limited Edition Releases
Tampa breweries are known for their creative limited releases. Cigar City Brewing’s Hunahpu’s Day is highly anticipated, featuring the release of their imperial stout. This event draws beer enthusiasts from across the country.
Common Dialect Beerworks releases a new beer every week, keeping their offerings fresh and exciting. Their lineup often includes hoppy IPAs, sours, and fruit-forward Berliner Weisse styles.
Coppertail Brewing Co. is known for special releases like their American Trippel Ale and Imperial Stout variations. Other popular Tampa brews include Jai Alai IPA, Guayabera Pale Ale, Vienna Lager, and traditional Hefeweizen styles.
These limited releases highlight Tampa’s brewing creativity and draw beer lovers to taprooms throughout the year.
