Baseball fans, rejoice! Pitchers and catchers are reporting in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues for spring training and we’re one step closer to baseball’s opening day! To prepare you for the full slate of spring training action that’s on tap for the month of March, it’s time for us to introduce you to some of the best local craft beers in Florida and Arizona! Break those pint glasses out, pour the brew of your choice and you’ll feel like you’re right behind home plate!
This week, we’re going to focus on the best craft beers in the Grapefruit League! These Florida microbreweries are situated in a city with a spring training site, so if you can’t make it to a game in person, you’ll have the next best thing.
Dunedin is the spring training home to the Toronto Blue Jays and if you want a bottle of local flavor, look no further than the Dunedin Brewery. As one of Florida’s best craft breweries, Dunedin Brewery is home to a whole host of American pale ales and dark stouts with an eclectic lineup to choose from. Dunedin’s crown jewel is its pale ale, which was voted “Best Florida Beer” in 2003 by the BFBC Best Florida Beer Championship. The Amber American Pale Ale instantly grabs you with its rich, hoppy flavor.
If you’re a fan of the Boston Red Sox or the Minnesota Twins, your eyes will be focused on all the action coming out of Fort Myers, Florida this Spring. As your team gets into shape, you can kick back with Hops Grill and Brewery in Fort Myers. This well-decorated brewpub has a rich assortment of seasonal beers available for you to enjoy from light, crisp taste of Clearwater Light to the rich ale with a smooth finish called Alligator Ale. But, if you want an award-winning taste that can’t be beat, head over to Hops and have them pour you a glass of Lumberjack Oatmeal Stout. This dark and smoky stout will be perfect to savor while watching your favorite team take the field! Hops has locations all throughout Florida, so if you can’t make it down to Fort Myers, check to see where it is available so you can quench your thirst at once.
Every baseball fan knows that if you’re situated in Tampa in March, you’re in Yankee country. Tampa is home to the New York Yankees’ spring training facility and there’s no better way to enjoy a taste of Tampa than going to the Tampa Bay Brewing Company. With several British sles and stouts available year round, you have a rich selection of beers to top off a pint glass with. If you’re looking for the best Tampa Bay Brewing has to offer, get a taste of Redeye Ale. This Red Amber American pale ale is rich, full of malty caramel notes that is full of flavor and will keep you satisfied from the first pitch to the last out!
Image courtesy of bonappetit.com.
