We are right in the thick of summer, and one of the most refreshing ways to cool down is with a nice, cold adult beverage. Jacksonville boasts a thriving and ever growing craft brewery scene that is sure to have something that meets every beer lover’s palette.
Check out these local craft breweries that we identified as some of our favorite spots around the Jacksonville area!
Southern Swells
Starting us off, we have Southern Swells, who has been “keeping things hazy in Jax Beach since 2017.” This craft brewery is located just blocks from the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, Southern Swells is a perfect option to accompany a relaxing day on the beach, whether you’re soaking up the sun or tearing up the waves.
Chill out on their patio and enjoy one of these refreshing favorites:
- “What Peach” – A sour ale with peach + lemon
- “Karate in the Garage” – NE IPA w/ Simcoe + Mosaic Cryo
- “Session at Sunrise [Vol. 2]” – Collab w/ Sunrise Surf Shop – NE Pale Ale
- “Constellation Prize” – a West Coast IPA
Better yet, they’ve been a Hazlnut partner since 2020; we love supporting our local businesses! Download their app here to receive notifications and pre-order their limited time releases. “Come for the beer. Stay for the vibes. Southern Swells is committed to brewing only the highest quality craft beer where ingredients, creativity and taste are never compromised.”
Ink
“Pressed in Ink. Brewed in Culture.”
You might be wondering why this craft brewery chose the name “Ink.” Well, Ink was founded by the owners/creators of Void Magazine, a local Jacksonville cultural publication, and they have brought their renowned creativity to the beer scene in a major way.
Having started brewing beer in their own garage, Ink couldn’t pass up the opportunity when the warehouse they currently occupy in Jacksonville Beach became available. Beyond the brews on tap at Ink, you’ll also find a robust espresso bar if you want something to accompany a relaxing book or the latest edition of Void.
Check out these thirst-quenching beverages next time you’re in the Jax Beach area:
- “Florivana” – A unique beer/wine hybrid. A Hazy IPA heavily whirl-pooled with Phantasm (White Marlborough Sauv Blanc Grapes from New Zealand), Cascade, Strata & Mosaic CRYO.
- “Acid Test” – Coconut, Passionfruit and Boysenberry blend. Super tart, heavily fruited sour ale series.
“Come on the journey with us as we will continue inking the pages with each unique beer that we create & with every community event that we host.”
Fishweir Brewing
Fishweir Brewing derives its name from the beautiful park where the craft brewery was born. Now with a unique brewery and taproom located in Murray Hill, “Fishweir Brewing Company’s goal is to craft clean and locally inspired beer. Fishweir focuses on educating our customers and fostering relationships that allow the community to become an integral part of the brewery.”
Fishweir features an abundance of easy drinkers for those hot summer days in Jacksonville, such as:
- “Pinch & Squeeze” – Table beer; ABV 5.2%
- “Bait & Switch” – Coffee Blonde Ale; ABV 5.2%
IPAs are always in abundance, and for sour beer lovers, there is always a version of “Level Up” on tap that is sure to strike your fancy.
And for the those who like their beer on the darker side, pay homage to our hometown Jacksonville Jaguars by trying the “Stand Up And Stout Duuuval” Irish Stout.
Wicked Barley
How many craft breweries are you able to access by boat? I’m honestly not too sure, but Wicked Barley is one of them. Located steps from Goodby’s Creek, the waterfront brewery features a dog friendly beer garden, kayak launch, and a 100’ dock.
Celebrating their 6th anniversary this very week, Wicked Barley has quickly become a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. Voted Best Brew Pub in the state of Florida by Best Florida Beer in 2017, Wicked Barley provides 20 beers, ciders, and meads in their taproom. Check out some of our favorites, including:
- “Orange Creamsicle Bigley” – Sour brewed with Cara Cara Orange, Tangerine, Lactose and Madagascar Vanilla
- “Left Leg” – German Lager, 5.5%
- “Blood Drive” – Blood Orange IPA, 6.3%
Beyond the beverages, Wicked Barley offers a robust menu of tasty appetizers, burgers, and handhelds.
You won’t find a better setting for a craft brewery than what Wicked Barley offers, so hop on down to Mandarin for a relaxing night of craft brews and tasty eats on the water.
Reve
As Reve Brewing states on their website, “We only do a few styles. But, we do those styles well.”
And do they ever. IPA lovers, sour fanatics, and dark beer drinkers will rejoice the moment they set eyes on Reve’s taplist:
- “Hazy Things” – If you’re looking for something hoppy, they’ve got it
- “Sour Things” – An assortment of fruited sour beers that are sure to make your lips pucker
- “Imperial Things” – an assortment of stouts barrel-aged anywhere from 12-16 months
As an added bonus, Reve features a subdued kitchen with mouth-watering, wood-fired pizzas. You also can’t go wrong with the caprese if anyone is looking for something on the lighter side.
