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Florida Matters
Florida Matters

Why Tampa Bay Is Becoming A Craft Beer Hub

By Stephanie Colombini,
Robin Sussingham
Published July 31, 2019 at 9:33 AM EDT
Tampa Bay has the highest density of breweries in Florida.
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Tampa Bay has the highest density of breweries in Florida.
The Tampa Bay area boasts more than 60 breweries, including Mastry's Brewing Co. in St. Pete Beach and Cigar City Brewing in Tampa.
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The Tampa Bay area boasts more than 60 breweries, including Mastry's Brewing Co. in St. Pete Beach and Cigar City Brewing in Tampa.
Mastry's Brewing Co.
Cigar City Brewing got into Tampa's craft beer scene just as it was taking off and has since grown immensely. The company is now part of a national brewery collective called CANarchy.
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Cigar City Brewing got into Tampa's craft beer scene just as it was taking off and has since grown immensely. The company is now part of a national brewery collective called CANarchy.
Cigar City Brewing
If you're not familiar with craft beer but are thinking about giving it a try, consider visiting a local tasting room. You can ask brewers for advice about which beers to sample.
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If you're not familiar with craft beer but are thinking about giving it a try, consider visiting a local tasting room. You can ask brewers for advice about which beers to sample.
Cigar City Brewing
As breweries expand, some decide there is strength in numbers and team up with other companies to save money on equipment, raw materials, etc.
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As breweries expand, some decide there is strength in numbers and team up with other companies to save money on equipment, raw materials, etc.
Cigar City Brewing
Sean Nordquist with the Florida Brewers Guild says, by far, India Pale Ales or "IPA's" are the most popular style of craft beer, although the hoppy flavor isn't for everybody.
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Sean Nordquist with the Florida Brewers Guild says, by far, India Pale Ales or "IPA's" are the most popular style of craft beer, although the hoppy flavor isn't for everybody.
Cigar City Brewing

The Tampa Bay area is becoming a hub for craft beer both statewide and nationally, with the highest density of breweries in Florida.

This week on Florida Matters, we take another listen to our show about beer.

LISTEN:

Host Robin Sussingham speaks with people who work in the industry about the craft beer phenomenon.

We also visit a research farm in southern Hillsborough County where scientists are growing more than 14 strains of hops, a key ingredient in beer that is typically grown in places far from Tampa Bay - like the Pacific Northwest.

Our guests include:

Neil Callaghan, El Lector at Cigar City Brewing in Tampa

Danie Dahm, Co-owner of Mastry’s Brewing Co. in St. Pete Beach

Sean Nordquist, Executive Director of the Florida Brewers Guild

Are you a fan of craft beer? What’s your favorite kind to drink? Favorite brewery? Share your feedback on our Facebook page, tweet @FloridaMatters or email FloridaMatters@wusf.org.

Tags
Florida Matters craft beerBeerbreweriesFlorida Brewers GuildCigar City Brewing
Stephanie Colombini
I cover health care for WUSF and the statewide journalism collaborative Health News Florida. I’m passionate about highlighting community efforts to improve the quality of care in our state and make it more accessible to all Floridians. I’m also committed to holding those in power accountable when they fail to prioritize the health needs of the people they serve.
See stories by Stephanie Colombini
Robin Sussingham
Robin Sussingham was Senior Editor at WUSF until September 2020.
See stories by Robin Sussingham