Sunshine in Your Stein: A Guide to the Ale Trail of Florida’s Palm Beaches
Florida’s sun-drenched Atlantic coast is home to a burgeoning craft beer industry, with offerings ranging from ciders to saisons, and porters to pilsners.
Although the craft beer scene continues to expand its reach to the far corners of civilization, the Sunshine State of Florida may not immediately come to mind when you ponder pilsner or contemplate kolsch – but its 250-plus breweries beg to differ. While the Tampa–St. Petersburg area is arguably the hotbed of craft brewing in Florida, the roster of 19-plus (and growing) taprooms of Palm Beach County continues to surprise and delight. Here, we highlight a few of the stops along the Ale Trail of The Palm Beaches (as well as a newcomer or two) that are worth a visit.
Back to the Grind
Located just a couple of miles north of Jupiter Beach Resort, Tequesta Brewing Company has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike since it first opened in 2011. As many as 10 daily offerings range from tart sours to an American wheat ale, loaded with blood oranges and raspberries, cleverly named “Wheat the People.” Be sure to try the “Daily Grind,” a 6.5% ABV coffee porter infused with locally roasted Mexican Chiapas coffee beans – sure to give you the stamina you’ll need to continue on your journey.
(Tap)roots Run Deep
A visit to West Palm Beach just wouldn’t be complete without a craft draft from the family-owned and -operated Civil Society Brewing. Known for their hop-forward flavor, the brewery serves a popular imperial sweet stout, known as “Grandpa’s Fudge,” conditioned with Madagascar vanilla beans that will challenge your taste buds (in a good way). The microbrewery has two tasting rooms, in Jupiter and West Palm Beach, just in case one visit isn’t enough.
There’s More to PBG than PBR
Twisted Trunk Brewing in Palm Beach Gardens is brought to you by the same folks at Tequesta Brewing Company. Its eponymous name pays homage to the banyan trees scattered throughout the city, and its spacious taproom features a bar crafted from a 100-year-old piece of elm. Nominated for a 2021 Palm Beach Post’s Best of Palm Beach County award, the brewery is a favorite for its themed release parties, pet-friendly patio, and growlers to go (we suggest their crisp, clean, and well-balanced West Palm Lager).
Seeking Serious Cider Sippers
Cider lovers rejoice! Helmed by veteran sixth-generation (!) beverage maker Matt Stetson, Accomplice Brewery & Ciderworks in West Palm is a showcase of his love for both tradition and flavor experimentation. The craft beer selection consists primarily of locally sourced guest taps and selected cans from as far away as New England, with nonalcoholic offerings that include CBD-infused seltzers and Boynton Beach’s Non-Prophet kombucha. Can’t decide? Try their curated flight of eight ciders for just $20, or customize your flight to include a mead or two.
Throttle to Bottle
New kid on the block Skunkworts Brewery has garnered early praise for its all-natural small-batch beers, using only time and temperature to clarify their brews. Located in the heart of West Palm’s historic Northwood Village, the aviation-themed taproom pays tribute to Lockheed Martin’s cutting-edge aircraft developer, the legendary Skunk Works. Try the light-bodied “Stratus” pale hefeweizen, characterized by pear and clover notes, or the “Kill Devil Pils,” which spends seven weeks in fermentation to achieve its authentic German pilsner flavor profile.
Where to Stay Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa
