SUNSHINE AND SUDS Get the Big Pitcher with Southwest Florida’s Craft Brews BY DAVID SIBILA
un seekers have long flocked to Southwest Florida for the relaxed vibe, soul soothing beaches, surprising history, charming avenues and wandering waterways. Now, suds seekers have become a common sight among the area’s collection of seaside cosmopolitans in search of handcrafted brews. Popping up all over this region is a bubbling collection of craft breweries and taprooms, adding local flavor by the barrel. So, what’s your pleasure? We’ve gathered the ultimate list of must-stops for visitors looking to quench their thirst with local flavor. Line up your designated driver and let’s hop to it!
BIG TOP BREWING COMPANY, SARASOTA Inspired by Sarasota’s circus legacy, Big Top Brewing Company puts on a big show with multiple locations throughout the area. Several of their 26
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tentpole brews include the Circus City IPA, Trapeze Monk Witbier and the Hazy Highwire. The ringmasters of this brewery don’t run a threering circus. They take pride in infusing local flavors with the city’s history. Standouts like the Hawaiian Lion, a coconut coffee porter and Conch Republic Key, a lime wheat ale, have reshaped how craft beer is enjoyed in Sarasota. bigtopbrewing.com
FAT POINT BREWING, PUNTA GORDA Taking its name from the English translation of Punta Gorda, Fat Point Brewing features several award winners from the 2019 Best Florida Beer Championships, including gold winner, Bru Man Chu and silver winner, Ryeght Angle. Recognized as Charlotte County’s first craft brewery, Fat Point’s flavors embody harborside living with a core lineup
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