Sarasota, a charming coastal city in Florida, is not only known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture but also for its thriving craft beer scene. In this article, we bring you “The Best Breweries in Sarasota: Top 10,” where we showcase the most exceptional establishments that have made their mark on the local beer landscape.
With our extensive research and expertise in the field, we have carefully curated a list of the top 10 breweries in Sarasota. Among the notable mentions is a gem called Calusa Brewing, where their commitment to quality and innovation shines through in every pour. One interesting finding about Calusa Brewing is its focus on barrel-aged beers, resulting in complex and layered flavors that captivate the senses.
Here are the top 10 breweries in Sarasota
- 3 Keys Brewing & Eatery
- Big Top Brewing Company
- Brew Life Brewing
- Calusa Brewing
- Darwin Brewing Co.
- Good Liquid Brewing Co.
- JDub’s Brewing Company
- Motorworks Brewing
- Naughty Monk Brewery
- Sarasota Brewing Company
Also Read: Comparing Dark Ale Vs Stout: A Comprehensive Guide
The Top 10 Breweries In Sarasota
1. 3 Keys Brewing & Eatery
One of the notable things about 3 Keys Brewing & Eatery is that it is both a brewery and a restaurant. This means that visitors can enjoy delicious food alongside their hand-crafted beers. When it comes to beer, 3 Keys Brewing & Eatery has a wide variety of options to choose from.
They have several core beers, such as the Belgian Witbier and the Dry Irish Stout, but they also have a rotating selection of seasonal and experimental brews. In 2018, they won a gold medal at the Best Florida Beer competition for their Midnight Espresso Porter. They were also named the Best Local Brewery in the Bradenton Herald’s People’s Choice Awards in both 2019 and 2020.
2. Big Top Brewing Company
Big Top Brewing Company is a Sarasota-based brewery that was founded in 2013 by a group of friends who shared a love for craft beer and circus arts. The brewery’s name and branding are inspired by Sarasota’s rich circus history, and its taproom features a rotating selection of circus-themed art.
Big Top offers a wide range of handcrafted beers, including core beers like the Circus City IPA and the Trapeze Monk Belgian Tripel. Notable beers include the Hawaiian Lion Coconut and Coffee Porter and the Peanut Butter and Jelly Time Ale.
They won a gold medal at the 2016 Best Florida Beer competition for their Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat Ale and a bronze medal in 2017 for the Circus City IPA. They were also named one of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Craft Breweries in the US by the Brewers Association in 2018.
Also Read: Exploring the Differences Between IPA and Imperial IPA
3. Brew Life Brewing
Brew Life Brewing is a small-batch brewery located in Sarasota, Florida. Established in 2019, this brewery has quickly made a name for itself with its unique and flavorful beers. Some of the notable beers at Brew Life Brewing include the Mango Habanero IPA and the Tropical Notes Pale Ale.
They also offer a range of specialty and seasonal brews that change often, so there’s always something new and exciting to try. They won the People’s Choice Award at the 2020 Sarasota Craft Beer Festival, and their Mango Habanero IPA was named one of the Best Florida Beers of 2021 by the Tampa Bay Times.
4. Calusa Brewing
Calusa Brewing is a craft brewery located in Sarasota, Florida, that was founded in 2016 by Ryan Gougeon and Vic Falck. The name Calusa is a nod to the indigenous people who once inhabited the southwest coast of Florida. One of the standout beers from Calusa is their JPB or Juicy Pale Ale with Brett. Other popular beers include Citronious Citra IPA, Oxbow Amber Ale, and Pulp Juice Double IPA.
In 2018, they won the gold medal for Best American Brett Beer at the Great American Beer Festival, as well as the bronze medal for Best Juicy or Hazy IPA. They have also been named one of RateBeer’s Top 100 Brewers in the World for multiple years.
Also Read: Kolsch vs Pilsner: Which Beer Is Right for You?
5. Darwin Brewing Co.
Located in Bradenton, Florida, Darwin Brewing Company is a small-batch brewery that produces handcrafted beers with unique flavors. The brewery was founded in 2012 by Darwin Santa Maria, a brewer with Cuban and Colombian roots who draws inspiration from the tropical notes of his homeland.
One of the brewery’s most popular beers is the Circa 1926 Tangerine Wheat. The brewery also offers a variety of other beers that showcase a range of flavors, from the Circa 1926 Coffee Porter to the Summadayze IPA.
Darwin Brewing Company has received numerous awards and recognition for its quality brews. In 2017, they won two gold medals at the Best Florida Beer competition for their Summadayze IPA and the El Coco Coconut Flavored Porter. They have also been named one of RateBeer’s Top 100 Brewers in the World for multiple years.
6. Good Liquid Brewing Co.
Good Liquid Brewing Co. is a relatively new addition to the Sarasota craft beer scene, having opened its doors in 2019. One of the standout brews from Good Liquid is the Beach Blonde Ale. The brewery also offers a variety of other core beers, such as the Good Liquid IPA and the Night Vision Porter, as well as seasonal and limited edition brews that showcase unique flavor profiles.
In 2021, the brewery was awarded a gold medal at the Best Florida Beer competition for their Beach Blonde Ale, and they have also received praise from local beer connoisseurs for their inventive and flavorful brews.
Also Read: Negra Modelo vs Heineken: Comparing Taste, Alcohol Content, Color & Price
7. JDub’s Brewing Company
Founded in 2014 by Jeremy Joerger and his wife, the brewery quickly made a name for itself in the local craft beer scene with its unique and delicious brews. One of the most notable beers from JDub’s Brewing Company is the flagship beer, the Up Top! IPA.
This beer has earned numerous awards, including a gold medal at the Best Florida Beer competition in 2015. The brewery also offers a variety of other core beers, such as the Poolside Kölsch and the Bell Cow Milk Chocolate Porter, which have received rave reviews from beer connoisseurs.
8. Motorworks Brewing
Motorworks Brewing is known for its handcrafted beers, which are brewed on-site in small batches. They offer a wide range of beers on tap, including many seasonal and experimental brews. Some notable beers from Motorworks Brewing include their V Twin Vienna Lager and their Cruiser Kolsch, both of which have won awards at the Great American Beer Festival.
The brewery’s barrel-aged beers are also highly sought after by beer enthusiasts. Aside from its great beer, Motorworks Brewing also features a spacious beer garden, indoor and outdoor seating, and a taproom complete with board games and plenty of TVs for sports viewing. The brewery hosts events throughout the year, including live music, food truck rallies, and charity fundraisers.
9. Naughty Monk Brewery
Naughty Monk Brewery is relatively new to Sarasota’s craft beer scene, having opened in 2018, but it has already made a name for itself with its Belgian-inspired brews. The brewery takes its name from the Trappist monk tradition of brewing beer, and it puts its spin on classic Belgian styles.
Some of Naughty Monk’s notable beers include the Dubbel Trouble and the Triple Play. The brewery also offers a wide range of rotating seasonal and experimental beers, as well as a solid lineup of core beers. Naughty Monk has already received some recognition for its beers, winning a bronze medal at the Best Florida Beer Competition for its Belgian Blonde Ale in 2019.
Also Read: Exploring the Differences: India Pale Ale vs American Pale Ale
10. Sarasota Brewing Company
Sarasota Brewing Company, founded in 1989, is the oldest brewery in Sarasota. It was started by L.J. Govoni and his wife, M.J. Govoni. The brewery features a unique, copper-bar top, and its walls are adorned with historical photographs of Sarasota.
Sarasota Brewing Company’s flagship beers are the Ringling Red Ale, a bold American amber ale, and the Midnight Pass Porter, a silky smooth porter with notes of chocolate and coffee. Both of these beers have won numerous awards at the Great American Beer Festival and the Best Florida Beer Competition.
Brewery Tours And Tastings In Sarasota
For a comprehensive experience, visitors can book a 3-hour guided tour with Thirsty Beer Tours. This tour offers tastings at 4 different brewpubs and takes guests through the entire brewing process from grain to glass. The cost is $79 per person and includes 6 beer samples, snacks, and souvenirs.
Alternatively, visitors can take part in the hour-long Craft Beer Tour offered by Sarasota Brew Bus. This tour stops at 3 different breweries for tastings and provides an educational look into the brewing process. The cost is $50 per person and includes 4 beer samples as well as transportation between breweries.
For those looking for something extra special, Darwin Brewing Co. hosts monthly Brewery Tours & Tastings nights which feature 5 unique beers paired with gourmet food bites prepared by local chefs. The cost is $50 per person and includes a souvenir pint glass to remember your experience.
Conclusion
After carefully evaluating and tasting some of the best brews Sarasota has to offer, it’s safe to say that this list of top 10 breweries is comprehensive and covers some of the best craft beers in the area. Whether you’re a serious beer connoisseur or just looking for a great night out, these top 10 breweries are sure to please. So what are you waiting for? Plan your brewery tour today and explore the unique flavors that Sarasota has to offer! Cheers!
