Greetings, Great Beer Now fans and followers! This is the first in a multi- part series of blog posts relating to the Great Beer Now Cigars and Sunsets Beer Tour, which took place in Tampa, Florida. I explored Tampa’s exploding craft beer scene and made many discoveries along the way while also getting reacquainted with breweries and beers I have grown to love. Open a can or bottle of your favorite beer, light up a good Cuban cigar, and follow along on my journey through this Gulf Coast paradise. Cheers!
Tampa, Florida is a city loaded with attractions that range from amusement parks to deep sea fishing and beyond. The city has always been known for tourism, much like other Florida destinations, but it is also making a name for itself as a hotbed for craft beer. And the brewery that helped place Tampa, Florida on the craft beer map is Cigar City Brewing, located at 3924 W. Spruce Street in Tampa.
Light Up and Drink
Cigar City Brewing was founded in 2009 and has grown exponentially over the years. The brewery is divided between the original brewhouse, which utilizes a 15 barrel system, and the second brewhouse which sports a larger, 30 barrel system.
Most people who visit Cigar City Brewing congregate in the large tap room where they can sip on beers that include the top- selling Jai Alai IPA and lesser- known, limited release beers. The taproom limits the television viewing and other distractions so that you can focus on what matters: The beer and the people around you.
Cigar City offers tours and is open every day of the week between 12 and 14 hours each day, for maximum enjoyment. The brewery’s products are currently distributed to 28 different states and this number will likely continue to expand in the coming years.
Beer with Your Smoke
Cigar City Brewing serves a large variety of beers on tap, with several beers served in the taproom that are not available elsewhere. Here is a listing of the beers I tried, listed alphabetically by name, followed by the style and my Untappd rating on a five point scale:
- Emotional Support Duck, Imperial Stout, 4.5
- Guayabera, American Pale Ale, 4
- Hunahpu’s, American Imperial Stout, 4.5
- Marshall Zhukov’s, Russian Imperial Stout, 4.5
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, English Brown Ale, 4
- The Smiling Nut, Imperial Stout, 5
- Space Pope IPA, American IPA, 4.25
- Tocobaga, Red IPA, 3.75
- White Oak Jai Alai, American IPA, 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.28
Cigar City overflows with fine brew. I tended to stick with beers I had not tried previously during my visit and I was happy I did, as several of them were incredible, with the Smiling Nut and Emotional Support Duck ranking as my favorites overall.
Large is Good!
Cigar City Brewing is the Tampa area’s best known original brewery and it was the first brewery I visited on my tour. I was already fully aware of Cigar City beer, having consumed more than a six pack or two during my time spent in Florida on previous vacations and in my own home, now that Cigar City is distributed here in Texas. Knowing the size and influence of this brewery, I made it a top priority and decided it would be the best place to kickoff my Tampa visit.
I took a tour of the brewery when I was here and learned much about the operation and its brewing philosophy in the process. I knew that Cigar City Brewing was part of the CAN’Archy collective, a craft beer conglomerate that it has been a member of since 2017, and I knew about its widely enjoyed and admired Jai Alai IPA and other beers. During the tour, I was able to absorb more tidbits of information about Cigar City and its plans for the future, one of which is a full- service restaurant. This will be an excellent addition to the brewery experience when it becomes reality. I can only imagine the amazing food/beer pairings that will be created once Cigar City hires an executive chef who knows what makes for the perfect beer and food marriage.
Back in the taproom, I spent time talking to other Cigar City personnel and craft beer fans who were there enjoying beer, learning more about the craft beer scene and Cigar City’s leadership role among the growing number of craft breweries that call Tampa home. The personable staff members at Cigar City Brewing really make you feel at ease and they are more than ready to spread their knowledge and love of the craft to all who visit.
Cigar City has shifted most of its products to canned packaging, but they still bottle some of the big beers and special releases. I was able to try some of these special, one time offerings and they were nothing short of amazing! In fact, as much as I love old favorites like Jai Alai IPA, Florida Cracker, and other Cigar City mainstays, I decided to try mostly beers that I have not tried previously and cannot get back home. I recommend that anyone who visits do the same. You wouldn’t want to miss out on so much deliciousness, much of which you may never have the opportunity to try again.
Cigar City Brewing has gained widespread recognition thanks to its emphasis on quality and its membership in CAN’Archy. The brewery’s products are sold in 28 states right now, but this figure is only likely to grow as more craft beer fans discover Cigar City beer and what it offers. Yes, this brewery is one of the larger craft breweries out there, but don’t think for a second that Cigar City Brewing’s size and success has made it lost its edge. The beer brewed here today is every bit as great as in the past and the emphasis on quality hasn’t wavered in the slightest. It’s a brewery not to miss when you visit Tampa, so be sure to make your way to Cigar City Brewing Brewery the next time you’re travelling on Florida’s western Gulf Coast. And tell them Great Beer Now sent you.
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