If you enjoy the finer things in life and are judged for drinking an IPA over a Bud Light, you’re in the unapologetic beer snob category; don’t worry, same. Also, wine isn’t the only alcohol to sip and enjoy; order a pint or flight and you’ll feel just as fancy with your frosted mug as you would with a wine glass. Here’s a list of craft beers you need to try in Florida:
1. Creatures in the Dark
Proof Brewing Co. in Tallahassee, FL is in the heart of Railroad Square, which is a park filled with art and shops. Proof has a chill and fancy vibe. Try their Imperial Stout, Creatures in the Dark and play a game of cornhole outside.
2. Maple Bacon Coffee Porter
At Funky Buddha in Oakland Park, FL you can try the Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, released only once a year. Funky Buddha’s M.B.C.P. won the World Beer Cup 2016 Gold Medal in the Specialty Beer Category. You’ll taste a trace of traditional diner-style breakfast in the glass, but beer style of course.
3. B-20 Bombardier
Copperpoint Brewing Company in Boynton Beach, FL has a 9.6% ABV Imperial version of their A-10 Hophog Red IPA— the B-20 Bombardier. At the 2016 United States Beer Tasting Championship, the B-20 Bombardier was named Grand National Champion Double IPA. Don’t let the 9.6% fool you, this beer goes down smooth but will live up to its name, Bombardier.
4. Hopline Bling IPA
Grasslands Brewing Co. in Tallahassee, FL wins the coolest beer name ever and if you can’t appreciate the name, you don’t get to enjoy the hoppiest of hops. Also, Grasslands wants to use local and organic ingredients whenever possible, so it’s a win-win for everybody.
5. Pop’s Porter
Wynwood Brewing Co. in Miami, FL is Miami’s first craft production brewery. Pop’s Porter is a Gold Medal winner in GABF. This beer has a roasted malt, hints of chocolate, and coffee vibe with a toffee-caramel aroma.
6. The Harbinger Imperial Sweet Stout
J. Wakefield Brewing in Miami, FL has The Harbinger, an awesome imperial sweet stout with a hazelnut coffee aroma. Coffee and beer are basically the two greatest things, so why not put them together?
7. 305 Ale
M.I.A. Beer Company in Miami, FL has the classic 305 Ale, a golden ale and has a light crisp flavor. You may not be a fan of IPAs, but ya can’t go wrong with a traditional ale.
8. White Ryno
Ten10 Brewing Company in Orlando, FL has craft beer and small bites to pair them with. The White Ryno is a Belgian Style Wit; I’m recommending you try all beers on the beer spectrum. If you’re not into dark beers, then this one is a solid choice.
9. No Wake Zone
Islamorada Beer Company in Islamorada, FL has a Key Lime Coconut Ale called No Wake Zone. If you’re already eating homemade Key Lime Pie in the Keys, you’ll love this beer and feel like you’re getting the most out of your paradise visit.
10. Queen of the South
Florida Keys Brewing Company in Islamorada, FL has a great selection and I 10/10 recommend getting a flight of up to ten because why not? You can try a selection ranging from IPA to Stout, and leave feeling like a craft beer genius. One beer recommendation is Queen of the South, a vanilla cream ale, which is great for The Keys atmosphere.
11. Nyctophile Session Stout
DEEP Brewing Co. in Tallahassee, FL is where you can drink in greater depths with the Nyctophile Session Stout. This beer leaves you feeling like you just drank an espresso and beer all at once. It’s bomb.
12. Stiltsville Pilsner
Concrete Beach Brewery in Miami, FL gives you a taste of the 305 in their Pilsner, with fruity and hop aromas. There’s nothing wrong with drinking a fruity beer once in a while or all the time, @haters.
13. Imperial Raspberry Reef
Saltwater Brewery in Delray Beach, FL is Delray’s first production microbrewery, using only pure and natural ingredients. Try their Imperial Raspberry Reef, an American Pale Ale with a balance of raspberry and hop.
14. Stolen Milk Money Stout
Devour Brewing Co. in Boynton Beach, FL has the Stolen Milk Money Stout, brewed with brown sugar and lactose; how can you not try a beer with a name like that?
15. Imperial IPA
Due South Brewing Co. in Boynton Beach, FL has an Imperial IPA that won the Best Florida Beer Championships Gold Medal in 2014. Due South recommends to pair the IPA with jalepeño nachos.
Well now you can love being a total beer snob and invite friends to jump on the craft beer train, so you have someone to share a flight with. Bud Light, Rolling Rock, etc. are all great for football tailgates and chicken wings, but sometimes ya gotta get a little fancy; be that IPA person that everyone hates but secretly wants to be.