FreshieCraft beer in Tampa
Florida craft beer powerhouse
Cigar City Brewing put Tampa — and Florida craft beer — on the national map starting in 2009. Their Jai Alai IPA and Hunahpu's Imperial Stout (a famously chocolate, cinnamon, and chile aged release) made Tampa a beer-tourism destination. The metro's scene now spans Cigar City, Coppertail, Hidden Springs, and dozens of smaller producers.
Breweries Tracked
1
Specialty
Tropical IPAs, imperial stouts, Florida-grown citrus beers
Hub Neighborhood
Seminole Heights, Ybor City
How Tampa shaped American craft beer
Cigar City Brewing opened in 2009 — Joey Redner's project named for Tampa's tobacco-rolling heritage. Their Jai Alai (named for the regional sport) became one of the first Florida IPAs to ship nationally. Hunahpu's Imperial Stout — released annually on Hunahpu's Day each March — drew 8,000+ pilgrims at its peak before the brewery moved to limited bottle sales. Cigar City was acquired by Oskar Blues (then CANarchy) in 2016 but maintained its quality and Tampa identity. The Florida craft scene exploded in the 2010s; Tampa remains the regional anchor.
Where to visit in Tampa
Tasting Room HighlightsCigar City's main brewery and tasting room on Spruce Street (right next to Tampa International Airport — convenient layover stop) for Jai Alai and limited releases. Coppertail Brewing in Ybor City for a beautiful 60-barrel brewhouse and consistent IPAs. Hidden Springs in Tampa Heights for hazy IPAs. Hunahpu's Day in March is the annual destination event.
Common date code formats from Tampa breweries
MM/DD/YY
1 brewery