West Palm Beach, FL Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Ultimate Brewery Tour
West Palm Beach, Florida, has become a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. The region boasts a diverse range of breweries that excel in producing innovative and flavorful brews, proudly serving the community with an array of artisanal ales and lagers. As the craft beer scene flourishes, local breweries such as Civil Society Brewing and Ookapow Brewing Company have garnered attention for their creative approach to traditional and unconventional beers. These establishments, along with others like The Kelsey City Brewing Co., are integral to the fabric of West Palm Beach's burgeoning craft beer landscape.
The city's breweries often serve as community gathering spots, offering an inviting atmosphere that pairs well with their selection of beers. Establishments like Due South Brewing in Boynton Beach, which originated from a simple backyard brewing hobby, have grown significantly, serving as testament to the region's passion for quality and locally produced beer. These venues often feature more than just home-grown beers; many also incorporate local culture by showcasing artwork, hosting live music, and supporting food trucks that deliver a complete social experience.
In West Palm Beach, every brewpub and brewery brings its own unique flare to the craft beer tableau, providing ample opportunities for both connoisseurs and curious newcomers to explore a rich tapestry of flavors. From full-bodied IPAs to smooth stouts and everything in between, visitors can find a beer that fits any palate. The craft beer scene in West Palm Beach not only reflects the city's taste for quality beverages but also signifies a broader appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each pour.
History of Craft Beer in West Palm Beach
The craft beer scene in West Palm Beach mirrors the city's dynamic growth, with local breweries becoming significant contributors to both culture and economy. This section outlines the historical influence of local breweries and the growth of craft beers in Florida's scenic region of The Palm Beaches.
Influence of Local Breweries
In West Palm Beach, the spark of local breweries can be traced back to the late 2000s, with pioneers setting up brewing facilities that now boast a heritage in both flavor and craft. These breweries not only provided a fresh take on beer but also played a role in community development. Dixie Grill & Brewery, for example, opened its doors with an array of 28 rotating craft beers, becoming a cornerstone in the South Dixie area.
The Rise of Craft Beers in FL
The trajectory of craft beer in West Palm Beach has mirrored the larger Florida trend, where craft brewing has gone from a niche hobby to a mainstream industry. By the early 2020s, the region saw an exponential increase in craft breweries. Due South Brewing in Boynton Beach started as a simple backyard hobby and grew into a major player in the local craft beer scene. Additionally, Mathews Brewing in Lake Worth added to the diverse range, offering everything from robust IPAs to lighter selections. The number of craft beers on tap in establishments like The Kelsey City Brewing Co., which often features around 30 beers, highlights the expanding variety available to consumers. The Palm Beaches have become a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, underpinned by the recognition of local craftsmanship and distinctive flavors.
Exploring Local Breweries
West Palm Beach is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts, offering an array of innovative and traditional breweries. From small-batch artisanal ales to full-bodied IPAs, there's a brew to suit every taste. As you embark on a tour of the local scene, you’ll encounter breweries that each bring a distinct flavor to the Palm Beaches.
Civil Society Brewing
Civil Society Brewing garners acclaim for its hop-forward IPAs. They created a buzz with their Fresh IPA, a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Tequesta Brewing Company
Tequesta Brewing Company is a pioneer in the local craft beer movement. Known for their commitment to quality, they offer a range of classic styles that emphasize consistency and craftsmanship.
Steam Horse Brewing
Steam Horse Brewing brings industrial charm to their taproom. They stand out for creating beers that pair well with the South Florida climate, offering refreshing options for the warm weather.
Twisted Trunk Brewing
Twisted Trunk Brewing takes pride in their laid-back atmosphere and community focus. Their selection includes easy-drinking lagers and creative ales that reflect the local culture.
Mathews Brewing Company
Mathews Brewing Company offers an inviting space where one can enjoy everything from robust IPAs to silky stouts. Their dedication to the craft is evident in the quality and diversity of their offerings.
Barrel of Monks Brewing
Barrel of Monks Brewing specializes in Belgian-inspired brews. They skillfully create a range of ales that pay homage to the traditional styles of Belgium with a local twist.
Prosperity Brewers
Prosperity Brewers is a microbrewery with a knack for innovation. Their roster often features experimental and seasonal brews that push the boundaries of conventional brewing.
Copperpoint Brewing Company
Copperpoint Brewing Company stands out with their award-winning A-10 Red IPA and a selection of other stylish brews. Their attention to detail is what makes them a staple in the craft beer landscape of West Palm Beach.
West Palm Brewery and Wine Vault
West Palm Brewery and Wine Vault provides an upscale experience with a diverse tap list and a wine selection for the non-beer drinkers, making it a unique spot in the local craft scene.
Due South Brewing
Due South Brewing, a cornerstone of Boynton Beach, started as a hobby and grew into a major player in the local brewery scene. Their grain-to-glass tours offer an in-depth look at the brewing process.
Royal Palm Brewing Company
Royal Palm Brewing Company adds to the variety with their inviting taproom and selection of handcrafted beers. They highlight the local flair with their community-focused events and gatherings.
Accomplice Brewery & Ciderworks
Accomplice Brewery & Ciderworks caters not only to beer lovers but also to cider aficionados. They are known for their innovative ciders that provide a gluten-free alternative with a plethora of flavors.
Skunkworts Brewing Concern
Skunkworts Brewing Concern stands out with their aviation-themed decor and impressive range of solid beers. They are celebrated for their friendly service and commitment to the local community.
Tasting Notes: Reviewing Popular Styles
West Palm Beach's craft beer scene offers a diverse range of styles, each boasting unique flavor profiles and brewing techniques. Here's a closer look at the popular styles found in the area's breweries.
IPA and Hazy IPA Variants
IPA enthusiasts can rejoice in West Palm Beach's broad selection. The IPAs, particularly the hazy or New England variants, are celebrated for their juicy and fruity hop character, often with a soft, less bitter finish than traditional IPAs. Local brewers frequently experiment with different hop combinations to create complex, aromatic experiences.
Flavor notes: Citrus, tropical fruit, pine, and floral undertones.
Texture: Smooth, with a medium body.
Lagers and English-Style Ales
Lagers are well-represented with crisp, clean profiles and subtle malt flavors. Meanwhile, English-style ales present a balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, showcasing a range of caramel and toasty notes. Both styles are typically less hop-forward than IPAs.
Lagers: Refreshing, with a light to medium body.
English-Style Ales: Rich flavors, ranging from light gold to deep amber.
Sours and Ciders
Sours and ciders offer a sharp contrast with their tangy and sometimes sweet profiles. Brewers in West Palm Beach feature a variety of sours ranging from gently tart to puckeringly sour, while ciders are crafted in traditional and creative flavors ranging from dry to sweet.
Sours: Bright acidity paired with fruit and barrel-aged options.
Ciders: Variety of apple bases with additions like berries or tropical fruits.
Witbiers and Wheat Beers
These are known for their refreshing qualities and often feature additions like orange peel and coriander. Wheat beers span the spectrum from American-style with cleaner yeast profiles to Belgian varieties that boast spicy and fruity esters.
Witbiers: Light and zesty with a smooth mouthfeel.
Wheat Beers: Creamy body with flavors ranging from banana and clove to more straightforward, bready notes.
Craft Beer Bars and Brewpubs
West Palm Beach boasts an impressive array of craft beer bars and brewpubs, each offering unique selections and experiences. Visitors can expect a diverse range of locally crafted beers, engaging atmospheres, and diverse food options that complement the beer offerings.
Craft Beer Selections
The Brewhouse Gallery and Civil Society Brewing stand out for their extensive craft beer offerings, featuring a myriad of styles from hoppy IPAs to robust stouts. Garden District Taproom and Twisted Trunk Brewing further contribute to this vibrant scene, with their proprietary brews and guest taps ensuring that there's always a new flavor to discover.
Bar Atmosphere and Entertainment
Bars like Hullabaloo and The Blind Monk emphasize not just the beer quality but also the ambiance, with live music and local art adding to the sensory experience. Brass Monkey Tavern provides a more casual, laid-back environment — perfect for unwinding with a craft beer in hand. Patrons can also enjoy the aviation-themed decor of Skunkworts Brewing Concern that adds a unique twist to the beer sampling journey.
Craft Beer Pairings With Food
A number of the establishments, including Leftovers Cafe and Mathews Brewing, offer food options that perfectly complement their beers. Food trucks frequently visit Due South Brewing in nearby Boynton Beach, allowing patrons to pair their craft beer with a variety of culinary delights. The ever-changing menus ensure that both beer aficionados and foodies can find the ideal match for their palate.
West Palm Beach Craft Beer Culture
West Palm Beach's craft beer culture is vibrant and continually evolving, with a focus on community engagement through events and a reflection of local trends within its offerings.
Local Events and Happy Hour Gatherings
Happy hours and local events serve as the heartbeat of West Palm Beach's craft beer scene. Town Center Dr and Kanuga Drive are two locales where patrons can revel in the convivial atmosphere and indulge in discounted craft brews during happy hours. Establishments often feature a rotating selection of local beers, showcasing the creativity and diversity of the area's breweries.
Happy Hour Highlights:
Discounted local brews
Rotating selections
Social hotspots: Town Center Dr & Kanuga Drive
Community gatherings, such as beer fests and brewery-hosted events, further underscore the region's craft beer enthusiasm, providing opportunities for aficionados and casual drinkers alike to connect over their shared appreciation for finely crafted ales and lagers.
Community Impact and Trends
The craft beer culture in West Palm Beach directly impacts the community, fostering a sense of belonging among residents and supporting local businesses. It mirrors broader trends in craft brewing, with an emphasis on artisanal practices and sustainability. Popular community-driven events like the Palm Beach Summer Beer Fest reflect the area's enthusiasm for craft beer and highlight seasonal trends.
Community Trends:
Artisanal & sustainable brewing practices
Support for local businesses & community engagement
The craft beer movement in West Palm Beach not only caters to the taste preferences of its residents but also serves as a dynamic representation of the locality's culture and community spirit.
Guides and Resources
In West Palm Beach, the craft beer scene is vivid and diverse, offering enthusiasts guided experiences and an array of local reviews to navigate the brewing landscape.
Craft Beer Tours and Trails
Visitors seeking an organized exploration of West Palm Beach's breweries can embark on various craft beer tours. One may select a grain-to-glass tour at Due South Brewing in nearby Boynton Beach, which includes a selection of house brews available on tap. Additionally, for a broader experience, the interested individuals often look for local beer trails, which can lead them through multiple breweries offering different styles, from full-bodied IPAs to lighter options.
Local Beer Drinkers' Reviews
Opinions and feedback from fellow beer aficionados are invaluable, and resources like Yelp and TripAdvisor provide a platform for such community-based insights. Noteworthy mentions from these reviews highlight establishments such as Civil Society Brewing, known for their outstanding IPA, and Coastal Karma Brewing, offering a unique and personal atmosphere. These platforms provide a star rating system, with detailed reviews discussing the quality of beer, ambiance, and overall experience.
Civil Society Brewing - Frequently receives high praise for their IPA selection.
Coastal Karma Brewing - Known for a personalized and laid-back drinking experience.
Craft Beer Scene Beyond the Brews
The craft beer experience in West Palm Beach transcends the beverage itself, incorporating a lively atmosphere with engaging activities and inclusive environments for all members of the family, including four-legged friends.
Microbreweries and Their Unique Decors
Every microbrewery in West Palm Beach sports a distinctive decor that adds to the customer experience. Industrial elements seamlessly blend with artisanal touches at places like Civil Society Brewing, where the industrial feel complements the craft of beer-making. Breweries like The Brewhouse Gallery double as creative spaces, showcasing local art alongside the taps.
Family-Friendly Features and Dog-Friendly Options
Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, several breweries welcome the entire family with open arms. Establishments like The Kelsey City Brewing Company often feature outdoor seating areas where dogs can relax with their owners. These spaces create a warm and inclusive environment, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or species, can enjoy the vibrant community feel.
Interactive Experiences: Games and Live Music
The local breweries enhance the sensory enjoyment of craft beers with interactive experiences. Games such as cornhole or trivia nights are common, offering a playful environment as found at venues like Steam Horse Brewing. Live music is another integral part of the scene, with a roster of local talent performing regularly at spots like Mathews Brewing, bringing energy and local culture to the forefront of the craft beer experience.
Bringing West Palm Beach Home
For enthusiasts looking to savor the flavors of West Palm Beach's craft beer scene from the comfort of their homes, local breweries offer a variety of packaging options that retain the quality and taste of their fresh pours.
Local Brews for Domestic Enjoyment
West Palm Beach's craft beer scene boasts several breweries with offerings that embody the region's spirit. Due South Brewing in Boynton Beach furnishes an array of house brews, ensuring that patrons can bring a taste of their favorite selections home. Mathews Brewing in Lake Worth and The Kelsey City Brewing Co. in Lake Park consistently deliver full-bodied IPAs, crisp ales, and innovative brews that can be enjoyed beyond the taproom. Collectors and local beer aficionados find these bottled or canned varieties as perfect ways to enjoy West Palm Beach's unique brewery flavors at home.
Packaging Options: Crowlers and Cans
Local breweries utilize crowlers and cans to provide fresh, portable beer options. These packaging formats have distinctive advantages:
Crowlers: Sealed on-site, these 32 oz. aluminum cans are perfect for transporting draft beer without the degradation of quality. They offer a one-time-use, ensuring the essence of West Palm Beach craft beers remains intact from the first to the last sip.
Cans: Many West Palm Beach breweries package their signature brews in cans for retail distribution. Cans have the benefit of blocking out light and minimizing oxygen exposure, which helps maintain the beer's flavor profile and freshness over time.
Whether it's through a 32 oz. crowler or a strategically designed can, these local craft breweries ensure that the essence of West Palm Beach's beers is captured for home consumption with minimal loss of the taproom-quality experience.
Supporting Local Craft Beer Businesses
The resurgence of craft beer in West Palm Beach reflects a growing trend of consumer preference for locally-produced beverages. Not only do these businesses enrich the community's culture, but they also impel notable economic benefits.
Economic Benefits of Supporting Local
Local Craft Breweries contribute significantly to West Palm Beach's economy. Consumers who opt for local products ensure that their money circulates within the community. This circulation bolsters job creation and sustains the local economy. For instance, a dollar spent at venues like Civil Society Brewing or Mathews Brewing is more likely to be reinvested locally compared to one spent on non-local entities.
Job Creation: Breweries offer diverse opportunities, from brewing to sales.
Tax Contributions: These businesses contribute substantial tax revenues.
How to Support During Challenging Times
During unprecedented challenges such as economic downturns or public health crises, community support is crucial for local breweries. Patrons can aid these businesses by:
Purchasing Gift Cards or Merchandise: A direct way to inject funds.
Engaging Online: Sharing their brew experiences on social media platforms.
Ordering for Takeout or Delivery: Opting for local beers for home consumption.
Participating in Virtual Events: Showing support even from a distance.
By focusing on these supportive actions, consumers can help ensure that local craft beer businesses like The Kelsey City Brewing Co. and Twisted Trunk Brewing continue to thrive and enhance West Palm Beach's economic landscape.
The Future of Craft Beer in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is shaping up to be a hotspot for craft beer enthusiasts with new breweries on the horizon and a commitment to innovative brewing practices.
Innovations in Brewing
The craft beer scene in West Palm Beach thrives on innovation. Brewers are expanding their repertoires, exploring novel flavors and brewing techniques. Local ingredients are being utilized to create unique brews that reflect the region's tastes and preferences. Additionally, there's an increased use of technology in fermentation and quality control, ensuring that each batch of beer is a testament to both creativity and precision.
Expansion and New Arrivals
The landscape of West Palm Beach is witnessing significant growth in its craft beer industry. New microbreweries are slated to open doors, such as the anticipated arrival of Ookapow Brewing Company. There's a trend towards more neighborhood-focused breweries, offering small-batch and handcrafted beers. Existing establishments like The Kelsey City Brewing Co in Lake Park are also expanding, curating a cultural experience by combining art and music with a passion for craft beer. This synergy of community and brewing is driving the expansion, making West Palm Beach a promising destination for craft beer lovers.
Conclusion
West Palm Beach boasts a vibrant scene for craft beer enthusiasts, with a tapestry of local breweries that offer a diverse range of handcrafted beers. Visitors and locals alike can explore a variety of establishments, from Due South Brewing's expansive taproom with its extensive selection of house brews, to the Brewhouse Gallery where Kelsey City Brewing Co. provides 30 beers on tap alongside an eclectic mix of art and music.
Key highlights in West Palm Beach:
Due South Brewing: Known for its grain-to-glass tours and a selection of over a dozen house brews.
Mathews Brewing: Offers full-bodied IPAs among other choices.
Kelsey City Brewing Co.: Located in the Lake Park Arts District, hosting a selection of 30 beers on tap.
The local craft beer movement has woven itself into the fabric of the region's culture and economy, with the warm Florida climate serving as a perfect backdrop for enjoying a cold brew. Various breweries across West Palm Beach reflect this synergy, combining artisanal brewing techniques with the coastal lifestyle.
For those seeking to indulge in the local craft beer scene, West Palm Beach's breweries provide ample opportunity to taste and appreciate the creativity and dedication of Florida's brewers. Each location not only brings unique flavors to the table but also emphasizes community engagement, making the experience of enjoying craft beer in West Palm Beach as enriching as it is flavorful.
