Fort Lauderdale, FL Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Ultimate Brewery Trail
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is fast becoming a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. With an impressive array of breweries, beer gardens, and brewpubs, the city caters to a diverse palate ranging from aficionados of the hoppiest IPAs to lovers of rich, malty stouts. The local craft beer scene is a testament to the creativity and passion of its brewers, who often draw inspiration from the area's tropical surroundings to infuse distinct local flavors such as mango into their brews.
The heart of Fort Lauderdale's beer culture thrives not only in its downtown area but also by the scenic waterfronts, where the combination of ocean breezes and artisanal beer creates a uniquely Floridian experience. Breweries like Gulf Stream Brewery have helped to create an insider’s tour of South Florida’s craft beer offerings, each establishment providing a world of its own with distinct features and specialties.
Visitors and locals have the opportunity to explore over 30 types of beer on draft at places like LauderAle, which is conveniently located near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The city's beer scene is further enriched by beer festivals that feature an array of craft selections, complemented by food trucks, live music, and a convivial atmosphere that showcases the communal spirit of Fort Lauderdale's craft beer culture.
History of Fort Lauderdale Craft Beer
Fort Lauderdale has seen a significant rise in craft beer popularity, mirroring nationwide trends. The region boasts a community that appreciates the art of brewing, with LauderAle earning the distinction of being the first nano-brewery in Southeast Florida. Their pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for the local craft beer movement.
This city's craft beer scene began with small, independent breweries which focused on creating unique flavors and fostering a beer culture within the community. Through experimentation and passion, these breweries have etched their names in Fort Lauderdale's history, not only for the beer they produce but also for their diverse and welcoming taprooms.
Key Milestones:
LauderAle's Emergence: Opened its doors as the first nano-brewery, expanding the local beer landscape.
Authentic Craftmanship: Breweries emphasized original recipes and quality ingredients, showing a commitment to the craft.
Community Influence: Thematic taprooms and community events have bolstered the charm and draw of Fort Lauderdale's beer scene.
Today, Fort Lauderdale hosts several breweries, each offering patrons a unique array of hand-crafted beers. They include:
LauderAle: Known for staples such as Lunch Money and C Porter.
Gulf Stream Brewery: Combines beer with their distinctive pizzeria.
The growth patterns of the Fort Lauderdale craft beer segment indicate a robust future. Notable for fostering a strong local culture around beer, Fort Lauderdale's craft beer story is one of passion, community, and innovation.
Guide to Local Breweries
Fort Lauderdale's burgeoning craft beer scene has something for everyone, from robust stouts and refreshing ales to experimental IPAs. Here are the standout breweries and beer spots that locals and visitors alike should not miss.
Funky Buddha Brewery
Located in Oakland Park, Funky Buddha Brewery is known for innovative flavors and a broad range of beers, including their famous Floridian Hefeweizen. Their Last Snow Coconut & Coffee Porter is a must-try for those who enjoy flavors that push boundaries.
Tarpon River Brewing
Tarpon River Brewing sits at the heart of downtown and offers a generous selection of beers that pair perfectly with a diverse menu. Their taproom invites a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can savor ales and lagers after a busy day.
Invasive Species Brewing
For those who appreciate the art of craft beer, Invasive Species Brewing takes an experimental approach to their brews. Their taproom in Fort Lauderdale is the place to find unique sours and IPAs crafted with Floridian flair.
Orchestrated Minds Brewing
Orchestrated Minds Brewing is a small batch brewery with a knack for creativity. Located near downtown, their taproom showcases a rotating selection of craft beers that highlight their dedication to quality and innovation.
LauderAle Brewery
Just a stone's throw from Port Everglades, LauderAle Brewery offers a relaxed setting to enjoy their range of beers from stouts to IPAs. With a dog-friendly beer garden, this locale is perfect for unwinding with a cold one.
3 Sons Brewing Co
3 Sons Brewing Co is lauded for its innovative approach to craft beer. This Dania Beach gem only a short drive from Fort Lauderdale provides an array of finely crafted beers that have garnered a dedicated following.
Odd Breed Wild Ales
Odd Breed Wild Ales specializes in small-batch wild ales that are fermented and aged in oak barrels, adding complexity and depth to every sip. This Pompano Beach brewery is for those with an adventurous palate.
Local Craft Beer Bars
Fort Lauderdale doesn't just boast excellent breweries—they also have vibrant craft beer bars. Las Olas Boulevard is dotted with spots that have extensive beer lists and happy hours, ideal for sampling local and international brews.
Beach and Boardwalk Favorites
For a beer by the beach, look no further than Fort Lauderdale’s coastline. Here, one can find laid-back spots offering a selection of craft beers ideal for sipping while overlooking the ocean.
Downtown Destinations
The downtown district combines urban charm with a taste for hops. It's filled with venues ranging from casual watering holes to upscale bars, all serving up craft beers that cater to every taste.
Brewing Process and Beer Styles
In Fort Lauderdale's craft beer scene, the brewing process meticulously blends art with science to craft a wide array of beer styles to satisfy every palate.
Ale vs Lager
Ales and lagers are the two primary beer categories, each with their own distinct fermentation methods. Ales are fermented at warmer temperatures, resulting in a beer rich in taste and variety, including stouts and IPAs. They often feature fruity, complex flavors. In contrast, lagers utilize cooler fermentation, leading to a crisper and more consistent beer such as the German-style pilsner, typically with a clean, smooth finish.
Understanding IPAs
India Pale Ales (IPAs) are a dominant force in the craft beer industry, celebrated for their hop-centric taste. IPAs offer a robust, often citrusy or piney flavor profile, with a pronounced bitterness that has become a definitive characteristic of the style. Ranging from the more balanced and malty English IPAs to the bold and hoppy American IPAs, the versatility of this style is expansive.
The Rise of Sours and Stouts
The craft beer movement has also seen a resurgence of interest in sours and stouts. Sours provide a tart and tangy tasting experience, challenging and delighting the palate with flavors that can range from lightly acidic to deeply funky. Stouts, known for their dark color and roasted malt profile, can offer chocolate, coffee, and caramel notes, presenting a robust and hearty beer experience.
Experimental Brews
Brewers in Fort Lauderdale are not afraid to push the envelope with experimental brews. These can include anything from adding local fruits to aging beer in bourbon barrels, providing a constantly evolving landscape of flavors. These innovative beers tend to be limited releases, providing a unique tasting experience characterized by boldness and creativity.
Traditional Beer Styles
Alongside innovation lies a strong tradition of classic beer styles such as pilsners, which remain a staple. The German-style pilsner is a notable example, offering a clean and golden brew with a fine balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. Traditional styles are the cornerstone of the craft beer world, showcasing the timeless appeal of well-established beer profiles.
By offering a spectrum of styles from ales to lagers and embracing both traditional and experimental brewing, Fort Lauderdale's breweries craft beers that are as diverse as their community.
Fort Lauderdale Beer Experience
In Fort Lauderdale, the craft beer scene offers a robust selection of breweries, each delivering a unique taste experience. Visitors and locals alike can expand their palate, pairing finely brewed beverages with local cuisine, and participate in events that celebrate the love for beer.
Brewery Tours
Fort Lauderdale's craft beer scene is a journey through a community passionate about its hops and malts. Brewery tours offer an educational dive into the brewing process. They can venture into places like LauderAle, situated near key transportation hubs, to see beer-making first-hand. The tours often provide insights into the unique brewing techniques and the stories behind the favorite local brands.
Food Pairings and Beer
The fusion of craft beer and food in Fort Lauderdale provides a sensory delight that complements the subtropical climate. Several breweries and beer bars enhance beer's flavor profile by offering food pairings. Gulf Stream Brewery & Pizzeria stands out for matching their beer selection with artisan pizzas, demonstrating how the right food can elevate the beer-tasting experience.
Local Beer Events
Fort Lauderdale's calendar is dotted with beer events that bring the community together. From the Fort Lauderdale International Beer Festival to smaller gatherings like the Lauderdale Craft Beer Festival, these events often feature a variety of local and international brews, live music, and food trucks, creating memorable experiences for attendees.
Beer Tasting Tips
When visiting Fort Lauderdale's craft breweries, it’s essential to keep a few beer tasting tips in mind. Visitors should start with lighter beers and progress to darker, more robust ales. Engaging the staff and asking for their recommendations can lead to discovering the diverse range of flavors that the local craft beer scene offers.
Craft Beer Apps and Maps
Navigating through Fort Lauderdale's beer culture is made easier with the use of craft beer apps and maps. These digital tools aid in planning a personalized beer tour, locating brewpubs, and even keeping track of favorite beers tried. They are a handy companion for those following the local beer trail and looking to chart their next brewery destination.
Dining and Entertainment
Fort Lauderdale's craft beer scene pairs perfectly with a variety of dining and entertainment options, catering to beer enthusiasts and foodies alike. The city offers an array of services where one can enjoy local food trucks serving up fare like tacos right beside vibrant breweries.
Local Food Trucks and Beer
Brewpubs and beer gardens in Fort Lauderdale often collaborate with local food trucks, providing a diverse culinary experience. Beer lovers can indulge in tacos filled with fresh, local ingredients or other street food delicacies while sipping on a craft beer. This synergy offers a casual yet satisfying service to those seeking a relaxed dining atmosphere.
Craft Beer and Live Music
Many breweries in the area feature live music events, enhancing the beer tasting experience. Patrons can enjoy the local talent, adding an auditory delight to the palette of tastes offered by the breweries. The combination of craft beer and live tunes creates a vibrant social scene that is both energetic and inviting.
Beer and Pet Lovers
Fort Lauderdale's breweries understand the importance of furry friends and often provide pet-friendly services. This makes it easy for pet lovers to bring their companions along while they enjoy their time. Establishments with outdoor areas especially cater to both beer enthusiasts and their pets, fostering a welcoming environment for all.
Unique Beer Pairings
Distinctive offerings, like brews paired with unique foods such as maple bacon or coffee-infused ales, are available for those seeking something out of the ordinary. For example, pizza aficionado can head to a local pizzeria magaddino, where one can find creative beer pairings with their meal, elevating both the pizza and craft beer experience.
Local Craft Beer Retailers
Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of venues where enthusiasts can purchase local craft beer, ranging from specialized shops to general liquor stores. Each retailer provides a unique selection, often including rare finds and local favorites.
Bottles and Cans Retail
In Fort Lauderdale, aficionados seeking bottles and cans for take-home enjoyment have several go-to destinations. Craft Beer Cartel stands out for its extensive collection, featuring home-brewing supplies alongside a well-curated stock of local craft beers. Additionally, Total Wine & More and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits offer an impressive variety of craft beer options, including local Florida brews and hard-to-find releases.
Beer Selection Advice
Those looking for expert guidance in choosing the right craft beer can turn to specialty stores for assistance. Personnel at venues like Craft Beer Cartel or The Keg King are well-versed in the local beer scene and can provide tailored recommendations. Patrons are encouraged to read online reviews and use local guides for preliminary research before purchasing.
Local Liquor Stores
Liquor stores in Fort Lauderdale frequently house an eclectic mix of craft beers. Primo Liquors Fine Wine and Cigars and Crown Wine & Spirits not only offer wines and spirits but also stock a respectable assortment of craft beer, including locally-produced ales and lagers. Customers should follow store reviews for the latest on beer selection and new stock.
Craft Beer Subscriptions
For those who prefer a continuous discovery of flavors, craft beer subscriptions can be an excellent option. While not specific to Fort Lauderdale, these services often feature craft beers from local breweries, delivering a curated experience directly to subscribers’ doors. They provide a convenient way to explore a gamut of craft beer offerings without leaving home.
Community and Culture
Fort Lauderdale boasts a vibrant craft beer community that intertwines with its diverse culture. From establishments catering to locals and tourists to the pet-friendly nature of many brew spots, the city's commitment to sustainability is evident throughout its craft brewing scene.
Craft Beer for Locals
Fort Lauderdale's craft beer scene is a reflection of its local community. Areas like LauderAle offer an extensive selection of over 30 beers on draft, often serving as a social hub for beer enthusiasts and locals. It's not uncommon to find these spots crowded with patrons seeking a taste of both traditional and innovative brews, such as those infused with flavors like local mango.
Tourists and the Craft Beer Scene
For tourists docking at Port Everglades or flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the craft beer scene is an inviting part of their experience. Breweries have created a niche within the city's social scene, making them an accessible and enjoyable destination for visitors looking to explore the local flavors and hospitality.
Pet-Friendly Breweries
Breweries in Fort Lauderdale extend a warm welcome to pet lovers and their furry friends, with many offering a pet-friendly environment. This inclusivity enhances the community atmosphere, allowing all family members, even the four-legged ones, to bask in the Florida sunshine and enjoy the water's edge together.
Sustainability and Craft Brewing
Sustainability efforts are key in Fort Lauderdale’s brewing operations, with breweries often implementing environmentally friendly practices. This includes everything from the production process to hosting food trucks that prioritize local and sustainable ingredients. The city's breweries are not just places to enjoy a pint, but also spaces where environmental stewardship is practiced and valued.
Fort Lauderdale's craft beer community is an integral part of its culture, deeply connected to both the locals who call it home and the tourists who visit, offering a place where everyone feels welcome, including pet owners and those passionate about sustainability.
