Island Brews & Spirits

Sip and Sample Craft Beer VI-Style

Craft brewers are innovative. In the USVI craft beers are made with traditional ingredients, but then nontraditional ones are added to make the brews distinct. Here that can mean adding a tropical nuance. We have several notable local craft brewers and special places to enjoy them. And since “happy hour” covers a lot of hours in the islands, this is a perfect time and place to enjoy craft beer that reflects a taste of the tropics.

f R en C h T own b R ew I ng | 340-624-2800 FREnChTOWnBREWInG.COM

Tucked away at the harbor’s edge on St. Thomas, you’ll find a special brewery in the midst of the namesake neighborhood it calls home, the bohemian fishing village of Frenchtown. Frenchtown Brewing is known for its small-batch, tap-only brews made right here in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Founder and brewer Kevin Brown and his team combine science, passion and craftsmanship to produce beers as uncommonly unique as the island on which they are brewed. Want to taste the Hop Alley IPA or the Frenchie Farmhouse Saison? You can experience them and learn more about these robust beers, the brewery and our island on a brewery tour and tasting Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. or Friday 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. If you are visiting St. Thomas and can’t make the regular tours, just give them a call and they will try to set up a tour just for you and your group. Whether you’re on St. Thomas for a few hours or a few days or lucky enough to live here, you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a Frenchtown brew.

TheRbaCK bRewIng CoMPany . ThOMAS TASTInG ROOM | hAVEnSIGhT PlAzA

Leatherback Brewing produces authentic Virgin Islands craft beer with Caribbean grown ingredients and influences alongside traditional beer styles. They aim to build community and culture around well-crafted beer and celebrate and steward our Caribbean life! Leatherback’s flagship brewery is on St. Croix, but their newest location is a Tasting Room in Havensight Plaza on St. Thomas. Leatherback brews four styles year-round and as well as a series of Limited Releases. The Havensight location brews small batches of specialty beers and gives its brewers the opportunity to experiment with new beers and local ingredients. Find Leatherback beers in local stores and restaurants all over St. Thomas. Enjoy trivia 6-9 pm Thursdays and live music 6-9 pm Fridays. Check for current menu and events at www.leatherbackbrewing.com and on Facebook at LeatherbackBrewingSTT.

hUs beeR hoUse | 340-774-4010

DOWnTOWn ChARlOTTE AMAlIE

Just off Main Street in Downtown Charlotte Amalie you will find the most charming historical bar called Taphus Beer House. It’s a touch of old and a touch of new and it undoubtedly has the largest selection of craft and specialty beer you will find anywhere in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The building dates back to the 1700s and has been beautifully restored to a rich and welcoming ambiance. They have an abundance of brews both bottled and on tap plus a wide array of wine and cocktails as well. So, whether you are exploring St. Thomas’ capital and shopping and roaming or on a mission to sample and sip an array of specialty brews, Taphus Beer House is a fabulous gem tucked just steps away from the bustle of Main Street. Follow them on Facebook or head to 5120 Dronningens Gade in St Thomas. You’ll be glad you did!