WHAT’S BREWING

If you are a brewery hopper, historic downtown Sanford is a must-visit

By Gabriele Walkow

Historic downtown Sanford is home to four distinctive craft breweries, each offering unique brews, delicious food and Southern hospitality. There’s no better time for Allegiant travelers to pick up the Central Florida Ale Trail map and check off the Sanford breweries than during Oktoberfest.

DEVIANT WOLFE BREWING

Indulge in creative suds at this family-owned craft brewery and taproom. Selections range from the more classic Nefarious Nebulas, a traditional hefeweizen wheat beer; to Best Florida Beer 2019 Silver Medal winner I Ain’t Afraid of No Roast, a robust porter with a dark malty body; to the popular Sourmanjaro, a kettle sour blonde ale conditioned on African coffee beans. They also serve guests ciders, kombucha and a selection of wines. deviantwolfebrewing.com

DEES BROTHERS BREWERY

What started as two brothers with a humble home brew project in their garage has now turned into a state-of-the-art brewery in a 100-year-old building located in the historic district of downtown Sanford. Their beer menu offers rotational beers, core beers, special recipes and seasonal. Core beers include Cotswolds Ale, an English amber ale; Dees Bier, a hefeweizen; and Thunder & Lightning, an American IPA. deesbrosbrew.com

SANFORD BREWING COMPANY

This lively brewhouse, taproom and gastropub serves up a large variety of handcrafted beers, meads and ciders complemented by Southern comfort food. With 24 house craft beers on the live tap menu, you won’t leave thirsty. Selections range from the Drinkin’ Beer, an American pale ale; to the red ale Razzmatazz, a spiced herbed beer; to Route 46, an IPA Imperial/ Double. They also have bottled beers and guest taps. sanfordbrewing.com

WOP’S HOPS BREWING COMPANY

Opened in October 2014, Sanford’s first microbrewery is in the historic Stokes Fish Market building, adorned by a Sanford landmark mural. This veteran owned and operated business is not only family friendly but has a dog friendly fenced beer garden. The live tap lists 18 draft beers including a British-style Honey Nut Brown Ale; Veteran’s Pride, an American pale ale; and Hopsic Waste, a hazy IPA. Be sure to sample their Oktoberfest beer, aptly named Woptoberfest. wopshopsbrewing.com

Savor a flight of beer at Dees Brothers Brewery

The cozy and colorful taproom at Deviant Wolfe Brewing