Lakeland, FL Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Ultimate Resource for Artisanal Brews
Lakeland, Florida has become a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. Nestled in Central Florida, Lakeland is home to a growing number of breweries and craft beer bars that offer a diverse range of beers to locals and visitors alike. The city's history is reflected in its establishments, like Swan Brewing, which has transformed a 1940s automobile repair shop into a space for live music, food trucks, and a wide selection of beers, many of which are brewed on-site.
The evolution of Lakeland's beer scene can be seen in the expansion of venues from small tents at local markets to large-scale facilities steeped in innovation. Brew Hub exemplifies this progression, operating not just as a brewery, but also as a packaging and distribution facility, showcasing a myriad of craft beers in their tasting room. They, along with other local brew houses like Dissent Craft Brewing, bring a unique flair to the Downtown area, enhancing the social fabric of Lakeland through their community events and continually updated beer offerings.
Visitors to Lakeland will find a rich tapestry of flavors and brewing styles that are as varied as the landscape of Central Florida itself. From intimate tap rooms to expansive establishments with games and outdoor seating, the city's breweries and craft beer bars cater to every palate. The dedication to craft and community is evident, making Lakeland a must-visit destination for beer lovers exploring the heart of Florida.
History of Brewing in Lakeland
Lakeland, nestled at the heart of Central Florida, has experienced a significant transformation in its craft beer landscape. The city’s brewing journey can be traced back to the enthusiastic support for local businesses and the communal spirit that embraces the rich flavors of artisanal brews.
Originally, the beer scene in Lakeland was modest, with small-scale homebrewing helping to ferment a burgeoning craft beer culture in the late 20th century. It wasn't until the 1990s that Lakeland's brewing heritage began to pick up steam with the rise of microbreweries, mirroring a nationwide trend.
Swan Brewing's emergence epitomizes this growth trajectory. Starting from a humble 10-by-10-foot tent at the local farmers market, it now stands in a repurposed 1940’s automobile repair shop, upgrading significantly. This brewery now hosts 30 taps of craft beer and has become a nexus for community gathering, featuring live music and food trucks, and maintaining a family and dog-friendly atmosphere.
Another key player in strengthening Lakeland's beer credibility is Brew Hub. Founded by former Anheuser-Busch executives, Brew Hub has positioned itself as not just a local brewery, but a partner for other craft breweries, offering brewing, packaging, and distribution services.
Brew Hub Tasting Room: Open Wednesday to Sunday, offering a diverse range of draft beers, cider, hard seltzer, and more.
Local Impact: These developments have primed Lakeland to be a significant contributor to Florida's craft beer scene, showcasing a vibrant variety of locally brewed beverages.
Top Breweries in Lakeland
Lakeland, Florida, is home to a vibrant craft beer scene with several standout breweries. Each brewery offers unique flavors, experiences, and community events that cater to both locals and visitors.
Swan Brewing
Swan Brewing is a prominent fixture in the Lakeland brewery landscape, known for its comfortable indoor and outdoor settings that accommodate guests come rain or shine. With an inviting atmosphere, they frequently feature a food truck onsite, providing a full experience of local flavors and brews.
Brew Hub
At Brew Hub, visitors can enjoy a wide selection of beers crafted with precision and passion. Positioned as a partner brewery, Brew Hub offers a unique service to craft brewers, aside from serving an array of its own highly acclaimed beers.
Dissent Craft Brewing Company
Dissent Craft Brewing Company has made its mark in the heart of downtown Lakeland. They are celebrated for their old-school bar games and the overall ambiance, which complements their selection of craft beers. Located at 125 S Kentucky Ave, their spot has become a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts.
Grove Roots Brewing Co
Grove Roots Brewing Co prides itself on its locally inspired craft beer selection. Their offerings reflect the agricultural heritage of the region, embedding the essence of Lakeland in every sip. They provide a genuine taste of the city's craft beer culture, grounded in local roots and community connections.
The Brewing Process
In the world of craft beer, the journey from grain to glass is an intricate dance of science and artistry. Each step is meticulously performed to create unique flavors and aromas that define each brew.
Grain to Glass
Milling The process begins with milling, where grains are crushed to expose the starches. A fine balance is sought; too coarse and the sugars will not leach out properly, too fine and the mash can become a sticky mess.
Mashing Once milled, the grains are then transferred to the mash tun. Hot water, typically around 150°F, is mixed with the grains to create a porridge-like substance known as mash. Here, natural enzymes break down complex sugars, making them fermentable.
Lautering The liquid portion of the mash, now called wort, is separated from the solid grain debris in the lauter tun. The wort is then rinsed, or "sparged," to extract as much sugar as possible.
Boiling In the kettle, the wort is boiled, typically for an hour or more. During this phase, hops are added for bitterness, flavor, and aroma. The timing of hop addition and variety can significantly alter the taste of the craft beer.
Fermentation Post boiling, the wort cools down and is transferred to a fermentation vessel. Yeast is added, converting the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, and the beer begins to take shape.
Conditioning After fermentation, the beer may be aged or conditioned. This stage refines its flavors and contributes to a smoother finish. Conditioning can occur in the fermentation vessel or in a separate tank.
Packaging Finally, the beer is packaged in bottles, cans, or kegs. It is now ready to make its way to bars, retailers, or directly to consumers, completing the grain-to-glass journey.
This step-by-step process highlights the precision and care craft brewers in Lakeland, FL and beyond put into their beer, creating a distinctive and high-quality product that reflects the art of brewing.
Tasting Rooms & Tours
Lakeland's craft beer scene offers immersive experiences where visitors can savor the local brews. The tasting rooms and tours provide an ideal way to enjoy a variety of craft beers, and gain insights into the brewing process.
Union Taproom
Union Taproom stands out as a premier destination for craft beer aficionados. It offers an impressive self-serve tap wall featuring a rotating selection of beers, wines, and ciders. Visitors can create their own flights, sampling a range of beers at their own pace. The taproom provides an inviting atmosphere where one can discover local brews alongside regional favorites.
Self-serve tap wall: Wide variety of beers, wines, and ciders
Create your own flight: Personalized tasting experience
Atmosphere: Welcoming and conducive to discovering new favorites
Adventure on Tap
Adventure on Tap specializes in curated brewery tours that explore Lakeland's thriving craft beer landscape. They organize guided tours that shed light on the brewing process, often with behind-the-scenes access to some of the best local breweries. Each tour includes a visit to several breweries, where participants can enjoy flights of the establishments' finest beers.
Guided Brewery Tours: Insightful and informative
Behind-the-Scenes Access: A closer look at the brewing process
Included Flights: Taste a variety of craft beers at each stop
The offerings at Union Taproom and the guided excursions provided by Adventure on Tap cater to everyone from casual drinkers to beer connoisseurs, shaping a comprehensive Lakeland craft beer experience.
Local Beer Varieties
In Lakeland, Florida, breweries showcase a diverse array of local beer varieties, catering to the palates of both the casual drinker and the craft beer aficionado. The region's premier local beers are often characterized by their unique flavors and artisanal quality.
Swan Brewing prides itself on featuring a selection of 30 taps boasting a mix of their own craft beer alongside other local and regional favorites. Their lineup includes everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, often served with live music and food trucks on site.
Dissent Craft Brewing has earned its reputation through a variety of craft beers that are as bold and unapologetic as the name suggests. Favored for their ever-changing roster, they keep patrons engaged with both seasonal brews and year-round offerings.
At the Brew Hub, visitors can expect a comprehensive experience with a broad range of craft beers including 6-packs, growlers, and crowlers for to-go options. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, they also provide offerings like wine, canned cocktails, hard seltzers, and ciders for non-beer drinkers.
Here are some highlights from Lakeland’s craft beer scene:
IPAs and Pale Ales: These hop-centric brews are mainstays on tap, providing a punch of bitterness and aroma.
Stouts and Porters: For those who prefer a darker, richer beer, local stouts and porters offer robust flavors.
Seasonal Specials: Seasonal releases often reflect local ingredients and festive themes tied to the time of year.
Sours and Farmhouse Ales: A developing market within the craft scene, these provide tangy and funky alternatives.
Breweries in Lakeland not only foster a sense of community but also stand as a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship inherent in the local beer culture.
Food Pairings
In Lakeland, FL, craft breweries excel at creating an immersive tasting experience with perfectly paired local cuisine served straight from food trucks.
Food Trucks at Breweries
Several breweries in Lakeland facilitate a match-making of flavors with food trucks offering farm-to-table dishes. Red Door Wine Market showcases a food truck that features dishes such as Beer Cheese Mac and Cheese, which utilizes the local brews as a key ingredient. Beer enthusiasts get to savor a meal that harmoniously blends with their pint.
At Swan Brewing, guests enjoy a variety of 30 craft beers on tap alongside a rotation of food trucks. This location started modestly at a farmers' market and now boasts a brewery in a 1940’s automobile repair shop. The ambient setting is complemented by the synergy of fresh brews and diverse food truck offerings, suitable for family and pet-friendly outings. This brewery underscores the importance of local sourcing and pairing, highlighting the connection between Lakeland's vibrant beer scene and its culinary culture.
Events & Live Music
Lakeland, FL, boasts a vibrant craft beer scene interwoven with a robust calendar of events and lively music sessions. The city’s breweries and beer bars often host events that bring the community together, featuring live music that ranges from local bands to DJ sets.
Swan Brewing, a key player in Lakeland's craft beer landscape, offers visitors a dynamic experience with live music and food trucks almost nightly. Nestled in what was once a 1940s automobile repair shop, it has transformed into a family and dog-friendly venue where the majority of its 30 taps feature beers brewed on-site.
In downtown Lakeland, beer aficionados can indulge in the local ambiance at venues like The Yard On Mass. This outdoor gathering spot is known for its Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening backyard bashes, complete with gourmet food trucks, craft drinks, and the best local entertainment. It's a place where both friends and family can enjoy Lakeland's social scene.
Weekly Event Highlights:
Swan Brewing: Regular live music, broad beer selection, family-friendly atmosphere.
The Yard On Mass: Weekend backyard parties, kid-friendly, local bands.
The local breweries not only take pride in their craft but also in their ability to create welcoming spaces that double as cultural hubs. Events are curated to reflect Lakeland's distinct character and to offer visitors authentic experiences that pair perfectly with a cold pint of craft beer.
Craft Beer Community
Lakeland's craft beer scene is vibrant and collaborative, featuring a mix of beer gardens and bars that cater to beer aficionados. These venues serve as social hubs where the community can sample a variety of local brews.
Beer Gardens
Swan Brewing and Brew Hub are prominent beer gardens in Lakeland, where the community gathers to enjoy craft beers in an open, welcoming space. Swan Brewing, positioned near the scenic Lake Wire, offers a diverse selection of beers on tap with live music, enhancing the communal experience. Brew Hub, a craft beer brewing facility, not only provides fresh beer on draft but also acts as a packaging center, further bolstering Lakeland's beer community.
Swan Brewing
Location: Near Lake Wire
Offerings: Craft beers on tap, live music
Brew Hub
Services: Brewing, packaging, and tasting room
To-go options: 6-packs, growler fills, crowlers
Beer Bar
Dissent Craft Brewing characterizes the quintessential beer bar, contributing to Lakeland's warehouse district with a lineup of bold flavors and unique brews. The bar creates an environment conducive to conversation and connection, supported by a selection of games and a pleasant atmosphere.
Dissent Craft Brewing
Atmosphere: Conversational and engaging
Unique Selling Point: Bold flavors, rebellious brews
These establishments are more than mere places to grab a drink; they are integral elements of Lakeland's craft beer community, elevating the city's social and cultural landscape.
Craft Beer and Local Economy
Lakeland, Florida, has witnessed a growing intimacy with craft beer, influencing its local economy and society. Craft breweries, such as Swan Brewing and Dissent Craft Brewing, act as catalysts for economic growth, attracting beer enthusiasts and visitors to the area.
The emergence of small craft breweries has led to job creation, both directly within the breweries and indirectly through associated industries like hospitality and tourism. Breweries often require a range of personnel, from brewers to sales representatives, stimulating employment opportunities.
Furthermore, Lakeland's craft beer scene has inspired local spending. Patrons looking to support the local economy frequent these breweries, purchasing beers crafted with local ingredients. The economic ripple effect of such spending bolsters other local businesses, including farms and retail outlets.
A summary of craft brewery impacts can be seen below:
Job Creation: Direct employment within breweries and indirect jobs in sectors like retail and tourism.
Local Spending: Patrons supporting local breweries and associated businesses.
Tourism Attraction: Craft breweries drawing visitors to Lakeland for beer-related activities.
In essence, Lakeland's craft breweries contribute to a vibrant economic landscape. They encapsulate a balance of cultural enrichment and economic advancement, providing a space where locals and visitors alike can gather to appreciate the craft and support the local economy.
Distribution & Packaging
In Lakeland, Florida, craft breweries have embraced innovative approaches to distribution and packaging. Brew Hub, a prominent facility, offers an array of services catering to the craft beverage industry. This includes distribution, which ensures a brewery's products reach an extensive network of retailers, bars, and restaurants.
Packaging is another crucial aspect, with Brew Hub providing a variety of options. Craft beers are readily available on draft, and for customers preferring take-home options, there are traditional 6-packs, as well as growlers and crowlers. Growlers, which are glass or ceramic jugs, offer a resealable option for fresh beer, making it a popular choice among craft beer enthusiasts for its ability to maintain beer freshness.
Packaging Type Description
Draft Fresh beer directly from the keg
6-Pack Standard beer cans or bottles
Growler Reusable container for fresh beer
Crowler Single-use, sealed can for fresh beer
The strategic combination of packaging and distribution is pivotal for breweries to expand their reach and provide consumers with fresh and high-quality craft beers. With facilities like Brew Hub, breweries in Central Florida can focus on the art of brewing, while the complex logistics of distribution and packaging are managed effectively, ensuring a consistent supply of their craft beverages to the market.
Enhancing Your Craft Beer Experience
Exploring Lakeland, FL's craft beer scene becomes a seamless and enjoyable venture when one incorporates tools like the Central Florida Craft Beer Pass and utilizes the benefits of a mobile exclusive passport.
Central Florida Craft Beer Pass
The Central Florida Craft Beer Pass is an essential for any beer enthusiast looking to deeply engage with Lakeland's local breweries. It grants access to a curated list of breweries, providing individuals with a structured path to experience the rich variety of craft beers available. Users can track the breweries they visit and the beers they sample, often enjoying discounts and special offers along the way.
Mobile Exclusive Passport
A Mobile Exclusive Passport elevates the craft beer-tasting journey by offering a convenient, digital means of navigating through Lakeland's craft beer offerings. This passport is easily accessible on a smartphone, ensuring that one can savor new beer flavors while connecting with fellow beer lovers on platforms like Instagram. Participating venues may reward users for check-ins or sharing their experiences, thus enriching the overall craft beer experience.
Beyond Beer
While Lakeland's craft beer scene thrives, local establishments also offer a variety of other crafted beverages. Patrons can find delightful alternatives such as ciders and wines, catering to a broader range of tastes.
Ciders and Wine
Ciders: Lakeland provides a selection of craft ciders, which are perfect for those seeking a gluten-free alternative to beer. Refreshing and diverse, these ciders range from traditional to innovative flavors, satisfying both cider aficionados and curious newcomers.
Variety: Patrons can expect both locally-produced and nationally-recognized ciders.
Serving Options: Available typically on draft or in bottles and cans.
Wine: The wine offerings in Lakeland's breweries and taprooms combine both domestic and international varieties, from robust reds to crisp whites.
Wine Menu: An extensive wine menu is often available, featuring selections that complement the brewery's ambiance and fare.
Serving Options: Depending on the venue, customers might find wine by the glass or bottle, with curated pairings suggested by knowledgeable staff.
Cocktails and Mixed Drinks: For those preferring spirits, several breweries and bars also serve a range of cocktails and canned cocktails.
Craft Cocktails: Expert mixologists prepare these with precision, often using local ingredients.
Canned Options: Convenience without compromising on taste, ready-to-drink cocktail options are also in supply.
Planning Your Visit
When considering a trip to explore the thriving craft beer scene in Lakeland, Florida, visitors should aim to maximize their experience. Lakeland not only offers a diverse range of craft beer options but also provides a welcoming atmosphere for weekend getaways and dog-friendly outings.
Spend a Weekend in Lakeland
Lakeland beckons craft beer enthusiasts with a variety of breweries that capture the spirit of Central Florida. For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, a weekend visit allows ample time to savor the unique offerings of each brewery. Begin the journey at Brew Hub, where one can enjoy a wide selection of drafts and to-go options including growlers and crowlers. Moving through the city, the Downtown Farmers Curb Market is an excellent stop, where the origins of Swan Brewing took root. Today, visitors can enjoy the beer brewed on-site at the location once known as a 1940's automobile repair shop.
Table of Key Locations to Visit:
Brewery Address Unique Offering
Brew Hub TBD Variety of to-go options
Swan Brewing TBD Live music and food trucks
Dissent Craft TBD Games and downtown atmosphere
Visitors are encouraged to check out the Craft Beer Pass program, which provides a collection of local brewery locations along with check-ins and discounts, enhancing the weekend exploration.
Dog-Friendly Establishments
The city of Lakeland is notably accommodating to pet owners. Several breweries and beer-centric establishments pride themselves on providing a dog-friendly atmosphere. This inclusivity is immensely beneficial for travelers who consider their pets as part of their family. Swan Brewing stands out as a family and dog-friendly venue where patrons can enjoy their craft beer accompanied by their four-legged companions. Moreover, the open layout of many Lakeland breweries often includes outdoor seating suitable for pets.
Dog-Friendly Brewery Highlights:
Swan Brewing: Offers a welcoming atmosphere for both family and pets, complete with an outdoor area.
Brew Hub: While not explicitly mentioned in the search results, many craft beer facilities offer outdoor spaces where dogs are commonly allowed.
When planning a visit, it is recommended to check each location's pet policy in advance to ensure a hassle-free experience with furry friends.
