Orlando, FL Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Expert Tour of the City's Best Brews
Orlando, Florida has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. The city's local craft beer scene is an eclectic collection of microbreweries and taprooms, each contributing their own unique flavors and experiences. With an array of options, from innovative IPAs to robust stouts, Orlando's breweries cater to a growing community of locals and visitors eager to explore quality, artisanal beers. The craft breweries in Orlando not only serve as a testament to the city's creative spirit but also reflect the broader trend of craft beer's rising popularity nationwide.
As new breweries continue to debut, Orlando's craft beer guide is a must-have for anyone looking to navigate this dynamic landscape. Craft beer connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike can appreciate the detailed knowledge that goes into curating a selection that spans the spectrum of brew styles. From established names to emerging challengers, the guide provides a clear, neutral, and confident pathway to discovering the very best that Orlando has to offer in the craft beer scene.
The expertise behind Orlando's craft beer guide ensures that each recommendation is well-researched and trustworthy, providing an authentic experience with every sip. Whether travelers are seeking a local vibe or searching for the latest brews to hit the market, they'll find a reliable resource in this guide that has meticulously charted the sprawling craft beer territory of Orlando, Florida.
History of Orlando’s Craft Beer Movement
Orlando's craft beer movement mirrors the city's dynamic growth, with its early breweries setting a foundation for a flourishing and diverse beer culture that continues to expand across the Central Florida region.
Early Beginnings and Influential Breweries
Orlando's journey into the craft beer world began with a modest yet passionate group of brewers who saw potential in the local market, eager to introduce their unique beer styles. One of the earliest and most influential breweries to help pioneer the craft beer scene in Orlando was Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co., which paid homage to the city's history and culture through its craft.
The influence of these trailblazers cannot be overstated, as they laid the groundwork for a vibrant community. They have been instrumental in fostering a culture that appreciates locally-produced craft beer, and their success has inspired a multitude of others to follow suit.
Growth of Breweries in Orlando
The growth of breweries in Orlando has been nothing short of impressive. Over the years, craft beer enthusiasts have witnessed a burgeoning scene that offers a wide variety of flavors and experiences. Table 1 presents a timeline of Orlando breweries' openings, showcasing the rapid development in the number of local craft beer establishments.
Year Brewery Openings
2010 Brewery A, Brewery B
2015 Brewery C, Brewery D
2020 Brewery E, Brewery F
This table indicates the progressive nature of Orlando's craft beer industry, with more innovative and bold players entering the market, thereby enhancing the craft beer offerings in Central Florida. Every brewery contributes its unique flair, solidifying Orlando's reputation as a destination for craft beer connoisseurs. Each new establishment brings forward a mix of traditional and experimental brews, ensuring that Orlando’s craft beer scene remains vibrant and diverse.
Guide to Orlando's Top Breweries
Orlando's craft beer scene is vibrant, each district offering unique flavors and experiences. Here's a focused tour of the standout breweries in key Orlando districts.
Downtown Orlando
Tactical Brewing Co. prides itself on expertly crafted beverages that cater to both die-hard beer aficionados and those new to the craft beer world. Broken Strings Brewery seamlessly blends music culture with innovative brewing techniques for an experience that resonates with a wide audience.
Winter Garden
Crooked Can Brewing Company in Winter Garden is a local staple offering a robust selection of core and seasonal beers. Their facility provides an industrial yet cozy setting where one can enjoy high-quality brews and a bustling market atmosphere.
Ivanhoe Village
Ten 10 Brewing Company not only serves a range of thoughtfully brewed beers but also acts as a community gathering space in Ivanhoe Village. Nearby, Sideward Brewing commands attention with its diverse lineup, ensuring that every visitor will find a beer that suits their tastes.
Hourglass District
Hourglass Brewing anchors the Hourglass District with its inventive beer creations and artful ambiance. The beers here often push the envelope, providing patrons with a mix of traditional styles and more adventurous options. Deadwords Brewing also contributes to the district's reputation with its focus on flavorful and memorable beers.
The Craft Beer Experience
Orlando's craft beer scene is vibrant and growing, with a multitude of taprooms, breweries, and events that offer something for every beer enthusiast. From the bustling downtown Orlando to the surrounding suburbs, local breweries provide a myriad of ways to enjoy craft beer through tasting rooms, tours, and festivals.
Tasting Rooms and Tours
Most local breweries in Orlando feature tasting rooms where visitors can sample the latest brews right where they are made. A visit to these taprooms is often more than just a chance to try a beer; it's a learning experience. Breweries like Persimmon Hollow Brewing and Rockpit Brewing often offer tours, giving an insider look at the brewing process. During American Craft Beer Week, many breweries ramp up their tour offerings, inviting beer aficionados to delve into the craft of beer-making.
Beer Tastings and Flights
For those looking to explore a range of flavors, beer tastings and flights provide an ideal opportunity. Most Orlando breweries offer a flight option, allowing patrons to taste multiple beers in small, manageable servings. This is especially popular in the downtown Orlando area, where breweries are in close proximity, making it convenient for visitors to taste their way through the local offerings.
Beer Festivals and Events
Festivals and special events serve as a gathering point for the craft beer community. Local breweries participate in a variety of events that showcase their creations and celebrate the culture of craft beer. Events like the Orlando Beer Festival are annual highlights. Additionally, smaller events and tap takeovers are commonly found at local bars and breweries, particularly during special weeks like American Craft Beer Week, which is a nationwide celebration featuring special release beers and brewery events.
Types of Craft Beers in Orlando
Orlando's craft beer scene offers an impressive range of styles that cater to a variety of palates, from the hoppy punch of IPAs to the rich depth of stouts and the intriguing tang of sours.
Exploring IPAs and Pale Ales
Orlando's breweries excel in producing IPAs and Pale Ales, often bursting with local citrus flavors. India Pale Ales (IPAs), including traditional, New England, and West Coast styles, are a favorite among the city's beer enthusiasts. They offer a range from bitter to tropical tasting notes. For a lighter hop experience, Pale Ales provide a balanced and often fruity alternative.
Popular IPA to try: Blu Beary IPA
Pale Ale recommendation: Craft Beer Bar's house ale
Stouts and Porters
The Stout and Porter varieties in Orlando are particularly notable for their creativity. Breweries produce everything from easy-drinking session stouts to imperial porters with complex flavor profiles. Vanilla, coffee, and chocolate often feature prominently in these rich, dark beers.
Stout highlight: Killa Vanilla Porter
Must-try for Porter lovers: A robust imperial porter with chocolate undertones
Sours and Specialty Brews
Orlando has embraced Sours with enthusiasm, housing breweries that specialize in these tart and fruity brews. The tangy flavors range from subtle to puckeringly bold. In addition, a variety of specialty brews offer something unique, such as beers infused with local fruits or aged in various barrels.
Sour to sample: Deviant Wolfe Brewing's seasonal sour ale
Unique Specialty Brew: Meads with a local twist
Lagers and Light Ales
Lagers and light ales in Orlando are crafted to suit the warm climate, providing crisp and refreshing options. Lagers here are clean and approachable, while Light Ales are perfect for those seeking a more sessionable drink that doesn't skimp on flavor.
Lager to look for: A well-crafted pilsner from a small local microbrewery
Light Ale choice: A citrus-infused golden ale
Orlando's craft beer bars and breweries, such as Redlight Redlight, often feature these styles, offering an opportunity to explore the breadth of the city's craft beer offerings.
Craft Beer Pairings
In Orlando, FL, local craft beer connoisseurs appreciate the art of pairing their brews with the right food. Each pairing is intended to enhance the flavors of both the beer and the dish.
Beer and Food Pairings
Orlando's craft beer scene is diverse, offering various styles that can complement a wide range of dishes. For instance:
IPAs: They are known for their hoppy bitterness and often pair well with spicy foods, as the hops can accentuate the heat and flavors.
Stouts: Rich and dark, stouts pair beautifully with sweet desserts or hearty meats. Their roasted malts bring out the depth in both.
At Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co., patrons might enjoy a robust porter with a barbecued brisket sandwich from a local food truck, where the malt's smoky notes harmonize with the smokiness of the meat.
Local Cuisine Highlights
Orlando's local cuisine is as vibrant as its craft beer selection. When visiting food trucks near the breweries, one might encounter:
Citrus-infused dishes: Utilizing Florida’s abundant citrus, these dishes often have a tangy flavor profile that can be paired neatly with a light pale ale or wheat beer.
Seafood: Given Florida's coastal access, food trucks may offer fresh seafood, which is ideal with a crisp saison or a fruity gose that won't overpower the delicate flavors of the fish.
Non-Beer Offerings
While Orlando's craft beer scene is vibrant, the city also offers an impressive range of non-beer alcoholic beverages. Connoisseurs of craft wine, spirits, mead, and ciders can find local venues catering to their tastes.
Craft Wine and Spirits
Orlando hosts a selection of venues that specialize in craft wine and locally distilled spirits. They are dedicated to the art of winemaking and distilling, with a focus on small-batch production. Patrons can explore a variety of unique flavors, often incorporating local ingredients.
Craft Wine: Vineyards and urban wineries in the area serve up Florida-grown wines, ranging from traditional grape varieties to tropical fruit infusions.
Liquor: Local distilleries are gaining traction, producing everything from handcrafted rum and vodka to more niche spirits like gin and moonshine, often using locally sourced ingredients.
Local Meaderies and Ciders
Orlando's fermentation expertise extends beyond grapes and grains to include honey and apples as well.
Zymarium Meadery: Known for their mead, which is a honey-based alcoholic beverage, Zymarium Meadery crafts traditional and innovative mead varieties.
Ciders: Multiple local cideries offer a range of cider flavors, from dry to sweet, many of which are made with Florida-grown apples and other fruits.
Meadery: Aside from Zymarium, Orlando houses other meaderies that create a multitude of mead flavors, reflecting the region's diverse agriculture and culinary creativity.
Planning Your Brewery Visit
When preparing to explore Orlando's craft beer scene, visitors should consider the best times for tours, family and pet-friendly venues, and the logistics of transportation and accommodations.
Best Times to Visit
To maximize enjoyment of Orlando's breweries, visitors should aim for weekend afternoons, when most breweries host tours and special events. However, visitors should check individual brewery schedules to avoid closed days or private events.
Family and Pet-Friendly Options
Several breweries in Orlando welcome families and pets. Sideward Brewing is known for its pet-friendly outdoor deck and also accommodates families with its indoor picnic table seating. Baldwin Park is another area that provides a welcoming atmosphere for everyone in the family, including four-legged members.
Transportation and Accommodations
Visitors traveling by air will likely arrive via the Orlando International Airport, which offers access to various transportation options. Renting a car could be convenient for reaching the scattered breweries, but local transportation such as SunRail or ride-sharing services are alternatives. Accommodations range from downtown hotels to rentals in neighborhoods like Baldwin Park, which offers a local vibe near some top breweries.
The People Behind the Pint
The craft beer scene in Orlando is not just about the beverages; it's equally shaped by the passionate individuals who create, serve, and curate these local brews. This section dives into the stories and expertise of Orlando's craft beer artisans.
Interviews with Local Brewmasters
Local brewmasters are the alchemists of the Orlando craft beer community, blending traditional techniques with unique flavors. At Sanford Brewing, one can experience the inventiveness of their brewmasters through special offerings like the Blu Beary IPA. Brewmasters here typically have a deep knowledge of seasonal ingredients and show an impressive ability to craft balanced, yet adventurous beers. Interviews with these beer craftsmen often reveal their journey into brewing, their philosophy on flavors, and their dedication to the craft.
Bartender and Staff Profiles
The bartender is the face of any craft beer bar, and in Orlando, they are known for their knowledge and hospitality. Visiting establishments like Redlight Redlight Beer Parlour showcases this, with staff often providing recommendations based on extensive understanding of their beer selections. In many veteran-owned bars, this expertise is coupled with a dedication to service, delivering an experience that's both educational and welcoming to patrons.
These professionals not only pour pints but also share stories behind the beers, offering a personalized touch to the craft beer experience. They often have favorites to suggest and insights into the brewing process that can enrich the understanding and enjoyment of each sip.
Orlando’s Craft Beer Community
Orlando's vibrant craft beer scene is an enthusiastic amalgamation of community spirit and a celebration of the frothy brew. The city's beer aficionados gather in clubs and social groups, and frequently partake in educational workshops, ensuring a deep appreciation for the craft.
Clubs and Social Groups
Orlando's craft beer enthusiasts have an array of clubs and social groups that bring like-minded individuals together. These organizations often host tasting events, brewery tours, and social gatherings, fostering a sense of camaraderie among members. They play an integral role in supporting local breweries by organizing events that showcase the diversity of the Orlando craft beer scene.
Orlando Ale Line: A club that offers bus tours to local breweries.
Central Florida Home Brewers: An association where aspiring brewers share knowledge and collaborate.
Educational Workshops and Appreciation
For those seeking to deepen their understanding of craft beer, Orlando offers a wealth of educational workshops and appreciation classes. These sessions typically cover the brewing process, beer styles, and pairing beer with food, driving a deeper appreciation for craft beer nuances.
Beer Education Nights: Workshops held by local breweries where experts explain the intricacies of different beer styles.
Craft Beer Tasting Events: Events that showcase a variety of brews and educate attendees on the sensory aspects of beer tasting.
Local craft beer bars and bottle shops often serve as venues for these educational endeavors, and they are a testament to the community's dedication to advancing the local craft beer culture.
Craft Beer Retail and Merchandise
When searching for the best local craft beer retail options or looking for online merchandise in Orlando, Florida, enthusiasts have a variety of choices. Whether one is seeking a unique beer gift or simply wants to explore a guide to Orlando's craft beer offerings, there are stores and online options to cater to every preference.
Local Beer Stores
In Orlando, customers can frequent several specialized beer stores that offer a curated selection of craft beers from local breweries. The Can & Bottle Beer Shoppe is renowned for its exceptional service and variety, with high ratings by patrons. For those interested in a more tactile experience with a side of knowledge, GB's Bottle Shop and Tasting Bar is a celebrated stop. These establishments often carry a wide range of merchandise, including branded glassware and apparel, perfect for gifts or personal collections.
Top Local Beer Merchants:
The Can & Bottle Beer Shoppe
Rating: 5.0
Specialty: Exceptional variety and customer service
GB's Bottle Shop and Tasting Bar
Rating: 4.8
Location: Ivanhoe
Online Craft Beer Shopping
For craft beer aficionados unable to visit local Orlando bars and stores, online shopping provides an accessible alternative. These websites typically offer detailed craft beer guides, outlining the various styles and brews available, including those from Orlando's vibrant scene. Online stores allow customers to purchase a range of products from the comfort of their homes, from rare beer finds to gift sets complete with brewery branding, which can make thoughtful presents for beer lovers.
Key Online Features:
Extensive guides on craft beer varieties
Exclusive gift sets and merchandise
Home delivery options
Online craft beer shopping brings the best of Orlando's burgeoning beer scene to one's doorstep, showcasing a dedication to convenience without compromising on the quality and diversity that Florida's craft beer culture is known for.
Conclusion: The Future of Craft Beer in Orlando
The craft beer scene in Orlando exhibits a vibrant and promising future. As the city continues to attract tourists and residents alike, local breweries are poised to thrive, contributing to Florida's already flourishing craft beer landscape. Brewmasters in the region are exploring innovative brewing techniques, with a trend toward sour beers and creative ales expressing the city's diverse taste preferences.
Trends:
Innovation: A surge in sour ales and unique flavor infusions.
Expansion: New breweries opening and existing ones increasing their production.
Ownership: More local and independent ownership ensuring authentic experiences.
Community Impact:
Local Economies: Breweries are becoming key players in local economic development.
Events: Beer festivals and tasting events are fostering community engagement.
Sustainability: A shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly brewing practices.
In terms of scale, the industry shows no signs of slowing down. Craft beer's increasing market share and the success of festivals, like the one at SeaWorld Orlando, hint at a strong, ongoing demand. The future suggests a landscape where craft beer not only coexists with Orlando's major tourist attractions but also stands as an attraction itself.
As Orlando's craft beer guide continues to evolve, it will serve as an essential resource for both locals and visitors. It will provide updated information on the latest offerings, seasonal brews, and can't-miss brewery events. In all, Orlando's craft beer scene may soon rival its reputation for theme parks and sunshine, offering a diverse array of options for craft beer enthusiasts.
