Beer Around The NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Throughout the fall we have been taking a look at the beer scenes in cities representing all 32 NFL teams — from local brewers to beer-centric bars to the finest beer shops. One thing is for sure, football fans are drinking very well. And if you're not into sports but enjoy a quality imperial oatmeal stout, then read on anyway to see how cities across the country are taking their suds more seriously than ever. Up next, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
WHAT TO DRINK
Cigar City "Jai Alai" IPA: Named for a game native to Basque country in Spain, this IPA has the typical bitter citrus, piney hoppiness you expect from the style, but also lusher fruity notes to balance it out. Nice, clean finish. cigarcitybrewing.com
Saint Somewhere "Saison Athene": An unusual microbrewery based in Tarpon Springs, it specializes in über-old-school unfiltered Belgian-style farmhouse ales that undergo refermentation in the bottle. This one pours cloudy and full of floral aromatics, and is savory and herbaceous in the mouth. saintsomewherebrewing.com
Tampa Bay "Jack the Quaffer" Porter: Billed as an old-world porter, this jet-black beer is rich in body and flavor. Expect typical notes of roasted malts, coffee and molasses, with a gently bitter edge to balance it out. tampabaybrewingcompany.com
WHERE TO DRINK IT
Mr. Dunderbak's: The self-proclaimed oldest beer hall in Tampa, this European-style establishment boasts 55 taps, including an English-style hand-pumped beer engine, plus some 400 bottles. The bar doesn't only want you to drink on the premises – a market section sells beer to take home and a homebrew club encourages patrons to make their own. 14929 Bruce B Downs Boulevard, Tampa, 813-977-4104, dunderbaks.com
Willard's Tap House: Just across the bay in Largo, this beer bar specializes in microbrews, with 40 taps in rotation. In particular, it prides itself on an impressive selection of IPAs and double or imperial IPAs, but isn't above serving you an ice-cold Bud, either. 12500 Starkey Road, Largo, 727-581-8600, willardstaphouse.com
Ale & the Witch: Specializing in American craft beer, this downtown newcomer (it opened last year) has 32 rotating taps. Prescribed flights allow you to try a few things at once without getting blitzed. Local bands are featured nightly. 111 2nd Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, 727-821-2533
WHERE TO BUY IT
Shep's Foodmart & Deli: It may not be much to look at from the outside, but inside microbrews from around the country and beyond can be found. Customers report high prices, but great selection. Mix and match your six-packs with the help of the friendly staff. 2001 4th Street N, St. Petersburg, 727-823-6565
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