The brewery industry is booming in Bradenton, and Darwin Brewing Co. is one of the O.G.s. Originally established in Sarasota in 2012, they relocated to Bradenton six years ago so they would have room to grow and expand their production across Florida.
They’re now proud to be a member of the Bradenton community, frequently working with local organizations to lend support and give back whenever they can.
This incredible brewery is truly a staple of Bradenton. Whether you’re a visitor or a seasoned local, you’ll definitely want to pay them a visit! Here’s what you can expect.
Darwin Brewery’s taproom, located across the street from LECOM Park, offers a complete beer experience with 14 Darwin beers on tap, flights, pints, growler / crowler fills, and packaged beer to go. They also offer a limited wine and cider selection and freshly made Root Beer.
Brewmaster Blue Helenga found his love of brewing at Steelhead Brewery in Eugene Oregon where he was inspired by the locally grown spices, hops, fruits, spruce tips, and other ingredients. Once coming to Darwin Brewing, he began adopting a wide variety of brewing styles that can be traced back to local farms. When creating their craft beers, he says it’s “important to involve the people who supply the ingredients and help make things happen!“
Core Brews
One of the most interesting core brews at Darwin Brewery is the Cyan Pineapple sour. It is brewed to perfection using a blend of locally produced ingredients including nutrient-rich spirulina, which provides its unique cyan color. The sweetness and tart come from a pineapple base. This beer is great with Caribbean and Mexican dishes, Indian curries, and ceviches.
They’ve also recently released Juicy Dayze, a New England IPA that Helenga describes as a “tropical, smooth, aromatic, flavorful IPA.”
Other popular Darwin brews include Circa 1926, Llama Mama, Summadayze, Siesta Key Pilsner, Leatherback Lager, and Reef Revival.
Specialty Releases
Every Wednesday, Darwin Brewery releases a new beer. Some of their recent releases include San Juan Helles Lager, Nitro Llama Mama Milk Stout, Marron Brown Ale, and Apparent Motion.
Seasonal Brands
One of Darwin’s most popular releases was the Manasota Gose, a seasonal beer that is brewed with fresh lemongrass and roselle from Gamble Creek Farm in Parrish.
Other seasonal brews include Iron Block Blonde, Culture Coast Fresh Hop IPA, and Britton Hill Sour. Every season showcases new flavors created by blending malts with a variety of ingredients such as lemongrass, cranberry/hibiscus, lime, and more.
Brews to Go!
There are three ways to order your favorite Darwin beer to go. The first is to take any of Darwin Brewery’s tapped beers home in 12oz or 32oz crowler cans. The cans are thoroughly rinsed and sterilized before purging with carbon dioxide to give you that inviting clean, fresh, and just-from-the-tap taste you’ve been looking for.
You can also choose any of the tapped beers in a 64oz glass growler. This type of order depends solely on the available supplies.
Finally, you may order half, quarter, or one-sixth bbl size kegs — perfect your next party or event! You can also find Darwin beers in many local grocery stores and at a wide variety of area restaurants and bars.
Darwin Brewing is located at 803 17th Ave. W. Bradenton, FL 34205. We suggest following their Facebook page so you can keep up with all their events and announcements.
When you visit the brewery, make sure to stop by the brewery shop where you can pick up Darwin apparel, barware, and merchandise. If you get a chance to chat with the bartenders, don’t forget to tell them you heard about it on Discover Bradenton!
