Cigar City Brewing - Tampa's Craft Beer Story

If you're looking for a spot that truly captures the spirit of Florida's craft beer world, then, you know, Cigar City Brewing in Tampa is a place that comes up often. It's a name that, in some respects, has become synonymous with good brews from the Sunshine State. This brewery, which calls Tampa, Florida, home, has been making waves since it first started pouring beers back in 2007. It was founded by Joey Redner, and, honestly, it's been a pretty big deal for beer lovers ever since. They've got a main spot where all the magic happens, and that's been their home base from the very first batch of beer they ever made.

So, when you think about what makes a brewery stand out, Cigar City Brewing really brings a lot to the table. They're known for making a wide array of different beer styles, which means there's probably something there for nearly everyone. From the kinds of beers that are full of hops, often called IPAs, to those that have a pleasant tartness, known as sours, their selection is quite varied. You can find all these different options at their brewery and taproom, right there in Tampa, Florida. It's a place where you can sit back, relax, and actually get a feel for what they're all about.

Beyond just the drinks, there's a whole experience waiting for you at Cigar City Brewing. You can, for example, visit their original brewing location and the taproom on Spruce Street. If you're not in the immediate area, don't worry, because you can often find their beers at other spots closer to you. For anyone curious to learn more about what they offer, including their specific beers, when they're open, how to get there, and where else you can find their creations, their website is a really good place to start. It's all there, waiting for you to explore.

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Table of Contents

• What's the Story Behind Cigar City Brewing?
  • The Beginnings of Cigar City Brewing
• Where Can You Find Cigar City Brewing's Brews?
  • Visiting the Cigar City Brewing Taproom
• What Makes Cigar City Brewing's Beers Special?
  • A Closer Look at Cigar City Brewing's Flavors
• How Has Cigar City Brewing Made a Mark?
  • Cigar City Brewing's Achievements
• Beyond the Brews - Cigar City Brewing Merchandise
  • Staying Connected with Cigar City Brewing

What's the Story Behind Cigar City Brewing?

So, you might be wondering, what's the whole background here? Like, where did Cigar City Brewing even come from? Well, it all started in Tampa, Florida, which is, you know, a pretty cool place to begin. This craft brewery first opened its doors in 2007. It was the idea of a person named Joey Redner, who, apparently, had a vision for making some really interesting beers. Since that first moment, the place where they brew everything has been their main spot. It’s been their home base for every single batch of beer they've created, right from the very first one they ever made. This consistency, you know, really speaks to their roots and where they come from as a company.

The Beginnings of Cigar City Brewing

When we talk about the beginnings of Cigar City Brewing, we're talking about a story that starts with a passion for good beer. Joey Redner, the person who started it all, clearly had a clear idea of what he wanted to do. This wasn't just about making beer; it was about creating a particular kind of beer experience, one that felt like it belonged to Florida. In fact, the name itself, "Cigar City Brewing," pretty much tells you a bit about the history of Tampa, which was once a big center for making cigars. This connection, in a way, gives the brewery a sense of place and heritage.

Over the years, the work they do at Cigar City Brewing has grown quite a lot. They actually produce a huge number of different beer types every single year. We're talking about more than 6,000 distinct kinds of beer annually, which is, you know, a really impressive amount. Among these many creations, there are some that have become very well-known and loved. For example, there's the Jai Alai IPA, which many people seem to really enjoy. Then there's Hunahpu's Imperial Stout, a beer that tends to be quite rich and full-bodied. And, of course, there's the Florida Cracker, which, you know, has its own unique appeal. These are just a few examples of the wide selection they offer, showing their range and how much they put out for people to try.

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Where Can You Find Cigar City Brewing's Brews?

So, once you're curious about trying some of these beers, a natural question comes up: where can you actually get your hands on them? The good news is, there are a couple of ways to do that. The most direct way, of course, is to go straight to the source. You can visit their original brewery and taproom, which is located on Spruce Street in Tampa. This is the spot where it all began, and it's where you can really get a feel for the place. However, if you're not in the Tampa area, or you just happen to be somewhere else, you might still be able to find their beers. They are, apparently, available at other locations near you, so it's always worth looking around.

Visiting the Cigar City Brewing Taproom

When you step into the Cigar City Brewing taproom, you're not just walking into a place that serves drinks. It's, in a way, an experience. This is where you can truly sample the variety of beers they offer, from those hoppy IPAs to the tangy sours. It’s pretty much a central spot for anyone who wants to explore their different creations. While you're there, you might also find that they have a food menu available. So, if you're feeling a bit hungry while enjoying your beer, there are options to grab a bite to eat right there at the Cigar City Brewing taproom in Tampa, Florida. It adds to the whole experience, making it a place where you can spend some time.

For those who like to plan ahead, or just want to get more information, the Cigar City Brewing website is a really helpful resource. It's where you can find out all about their different beers, which is pretty useful if you're trying to pick something new to try. You can also get details about their operating hours, which is important for planning your visit. Directions to their main spot are there too, along with information about any other places where you might be able to find their beers. And, you know, if you're interested in more than just tasting, you can also learn about any tours they might offer or other activities happening at the brewery. It's all there, laid out for you to check out.

What Makes Cigar City Brewing's Beers Special?

So, with all the breweries out there, what exactly is it that makes Cigar City Brewing's beers stand out from the rest? There's definitely something about their approach that seems to resonate with people. They put a lot of thought into the flavors and aromas, which, you know, really comes through in the final product. It's not just about making a beer; it's about crafting something that offers a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. They seem to pay attention to the little things, like how different ingredients come together to create a specific taste or smell. This focus on detail, in a way, is part of what sets their beers apart and makes them quite distinctive.

A Closer Look at Cigar City Brewing's Flavors

Let's talk about some of the specific flavors you might encounter when you try a beer from Cigar City Brewing. For example, one of their modern IPAs offers a blend of bright nectarine and the lively zest of citrus fruits. This is combined with a light malt base and a pleasant, bubbly carbonation. The result is what many describe as a truly refreshing craft beer experience. It's, you know, the kind of beer that feels just right on a warm day, or any time you're looking for something that's easy to enjoy. The combination of those fruit notes with the gentle malt and the bubbles really creates something special, making it, frankly, quite pleasant to drink.

Then there's another one, a modern double IPA, which, apparently, has a really tropical feel to it. This comes from the mix of American hops they use, including types like Citra, Azacca, El Dorado, and Mandarina Bavarian. These hops give it a taste that reminds you of faraway places. But it's not just about the hops; this beer also has a gentle peach flavor, which comes from a particular type of double IPA yeast they use. And, just to add another layer of something interesting, they put in a little bit of Canadian honey malt. This combination, you know, creates a beer that's both bold with its hop presence and, at the same time, has a subtle sweetness and fruitiness, making it quite complex.

Another one of their creations offers aromas and tastes of bright berry, lime leaf, and tangerine. These qualities come from their exclusive use of Citra hops, which is, honestly, a pretty neat way to get those specific notes. These fruit-forward flavors are, in some respects, balanced by a noticeable bitterness and a mild bready quality from a straightforward malt recipe. It's a beer that you could, arguably, drink a lot of, but it also has enough depth to make you want to really think about what you're tasting. It's like it's easy to enjoy, but also has a lot going on for those who pay closer attention to their drinks.

Consider, too, a richer version of their popular Jai Alai. This one brings together the inviting smells of bright Valencia orange, sweet marmalade, grapefruit, and Meyer lemon. These aromas, in a way, blend together quite nicely, making it easy to appreciate. A subtle caramel taste and a touch of malt sweetness add to the beer's boldness. This is, you know, then complemented by a slight hint of bitterness, which helps to create a really balanced and pleasant overall taste. It's a good example of how they can take something familiar and give it a bit more depth and character, making it, frankly, a very satisfying drink.

And then, there's a beer where you're greeted with strong smells of pineapple, bubblegum, dried flowers, and even a little bit of black pepper. This mix of aromas is, apparently, quite striking and unique. It shows how Cigar City Brewing likes to experiment with different combinations to create something that really stands out. The variety in their offerings, from the very fruity to the more complex and spicy notes, is, you know, a clear indication of their creative approach to brewing. They seem to enjoy pushing the boundaries of what beer can taste and smell like, which is pretty cool for anyone who likes to try new things.

How Has Cigar City Brewing Made a Mark?

It's fair to say that Cigar City Brewing has made quite an impression in the beer world. They're not just making good beer; they've also, you know, received some recognition for their efforts. This kind of acknowledgment really shows that their commitment to quality and unique flavors has been noticed by others in the industry. It's a sign that they're doing something right, and that their brews are getting attention on a wider scale. This is, in a way, a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into every batch they produce, making them a significant player in the craft beer community.

Cigar City Brewing's Achievements

One notable achievement for Cigar City Brewing happened in 2016. In the United States Open Beer Championship that year, they actually secured 3rd place in the "top 10 breweries" category. This competition is a pretty big deal, with nearly 4,000 different beers from all over the world being entered. So, to come in third, that's, you know, a really good showing. What's even more interesting is that this was an improvement for them. They had been in the #5 position in the 2015 championship, so moving up two spots is, honestly, a pretty clear sign of their consistent quality and how they keep getting better. It speaks volumes about their brewing skill and their commitment to making great beer.

Beyond the Brews - Cigar City Brewing Merchandise

It's not just about the liquid in the glass when it comes to Cigar City Brewing; there's a whole other side to their brand. If you're someone who really likes what they do, or if you're looking for a gift for a beer enthusiast, you might be interested in what else they offer. They have an official online store, which is, you know, a convenient place to check out some of their other items. This store is where you can find all sorts of things that go beyond just the beer itself. It's a way to show your appreciation for the brewery and, frankly, to get some cool stuff too.

Staying Connected with Cigar City Brewing

At their online store, you can, for example, purchase branded merchandise. This includes things like clothing, glassware, or other items that feature the Cigar City Brewing name and logo. These are, you know, perfect pieces of gear to go along with enjoying their beers. It's a way to bring a bit of the brewery experience home with you. Also, if you ever have a question or just want to reach out, you can send a message directly to them at Cigar City Brewing. They seem to be open to hearing from people, which is, honestly, a nice touch. It shows they value their community and want to stay in touch with those who enjoy their products.

For those who are really into the details of beer, like what makes different styles unique, or what other people think of a particular brew, there are resources available. You can find information about Cigar City Brewing, including details on their beers, ratings from other drinkers, reviews, different styles they produce, and other information that a beer enthusiast might find interesting. This kind of information is, you know, really helpful for anyone who wants to learn more about their offerings and what makes each one distinct. It's all part of the larger picture of what Cigar City Brewing brings to the table for beer lovers.

Just a note, too, on how things work with Monster Brewing Company LLC, which is connected to Cigar City Brewing. They want you to know that they do not sell personal information. However, they might share personal information for targeted advertising. This is, you know, something to be aware of when you interact with their online presence. It's part of how many companies operate these days, and it's good that they are upfront about it. So, basically, they're letting you know about their practices concerning your information, which is, frankly, pretty important for people to understand.

This exploration of Cigar City Brewing has covered quite a bit, from its start in Tampa with Joey Redner back in 2007, to its impressive annual output of over 6,000 beer types, including favorites like Jai Alai IPA and Hunahpu's Imperial Stout. We've looked at how you can visit their original brewery and taproom on Spruce Street, or find their beers at other spots. We also touched on the distinct flavors of their beers, like the bright nectarine and citrus notes in their IPAs, or the tropical expression of their double IPAs with American hops. The brewery's achievements, like their 3rd place finish in the 2016 United States Open Beer Championship, were also mentioned. Lastly, we briefly talked about their online store where you can get branded merchandise and how to connect with them, along with a note on their data practices.