Hop Local
Sip, savor, and hop your way through Winter Garden’s thriving craft beer scene.
- Tarin Scarbrough
- Fred Lopez
Fact: nationwide craft beer sales are coming to a sobering halt. Beer sales have dropped for the first time in a decade, and consumers are opting for alternative beverages or going sans alcohol for good.
Also Fact: Winter Garden is the anomaly. Our local brewers refuse to conform to the statistics, and our community claps back at these numbers. Why? Because our breweries offer so much more than delicious, handcrafted, unique beer. They create an experience, not limited to just adults. No matter where you live in Winter Garden, within a 30-minute drive you will find six local breweries that welcome families, friends, and pets or an inclusive adventure that transcends drinking. It’s now become a lifestyle.
Let’s establish our local players: In Winter Garden, Crooked Can is the OG, a dominant player in the beer game with their flagship location on Plant Street, and a massive second location coming to Minneola. Grabbing attention from the ever-growing Hamlin area, Home State Brewing offers a refuge in a bustling commercial village. On the outskirts of city limits, Toll Road Brewing in Ocoee and Windermere Brewing Company encapsulate the definition of “small-town brewing” by offering massive charm in small spaces. Last, but not least, Suncreek Brewery and Clermont Brewing Company in Clermont are not only within walking distance of one another, but they provide two different aesthetics for double the hop options.
Let’s talk about things they do that are similar. Trivia and game nights? You got it. Live music? Absolutely. Pet friendly? EVERY LOCATION. Food options? Of course! Alternative beverages to beer? Almost all. But how they individualize themselves is the true magic of each space.
Whether you opt for the ultimate Winter Garden beer crawl, conquering all six breweries in a day, or prefer to savor the experience throughout the week, enhancing your post-work festivities, the journey is yours to craft.
Toll Road Brewing
Located in the heart of downtown Ocoee, Toll Road is the smallest brewery on our list, but perhaps with the most charm. In the past year, they have added a new biergarten, adding a music stage to their already established covered patio. Their themed trivia is one of the biggest drives, with some of the most interesting topics to entertain all scopes of interest. They offer service industry nights, Sunday Funday bottomless mimosa specials, and feature different food trucks each night to serve the community.
Taproom Manager & Assistant Brewer Amanda Smythe’s favorite pairing: Sun Ryes Rye IPA with blood orange lemon tart
Windermere Brewing Company
Positioned directly behind Dixie Cream Café on Main St, Windermere Brewing Company looks like a small house, blending perfectly into the neighborhood. With an incredible “front yard” and “backyard” area, one can relax on the greens and feel right at home in the neighborhood while sipping beer brewed by owners Joe Ata and Andy McGhee. Featuring food trucks, the small but mighty venue also allows you to bring your own food to enjoy al fresco. The homey vibes make it feel like you’re relaxing in your own space. On Thursdays, the brewery has a running club that features a complimentary beer upon completion of the course!
Tarin recommends: Colada Coast Pale Ale with Veggie Pizza from Pizza 14
Home State Brewing
Nestled in the heart of Hamlin, Home State is quite the gem. The brewery is situated right off New Independence Parkway, but you feel miles away from the traffic. Its expansive outdoor seating and open spaces create an inviting atmosphere, providing a sense of retreat that goes beyond the typical brewery experience. Families can enjoy a leisurely day outdoors, with options for card games and board games to entertain both adults and kids. They have their own kitchen available, offering appetizers, hot dogs and sandwiches every day and brunch options on the weekends. Don’t forget to take a selfie in their unisex bathrooms with funky wallpaper. Plus, they take the cake for most creative beer names. (Their delicious pilsner is called “Adults Are Talking” and I’ve never related to anything more.) They have creative events as well, such as a cornhole league and Dungeons and Dragons battles every 3rd Tuesday of the month. And if beer isn’t your thing, worry not. The brewery houses Filigree Coffee Co, a delightful coffee shop within its walls, ensuring that even your non-beer enthusiast friends can join in on the fun.
Founder, COO + Head Brewer Marco Reyna’s favorite pairing: “Oh My Gatos!” Florida IPA with Chicago-style Hot Dog
Crooked Can Brewing
This brewery needs no introduction, as they started the culture here in town. Located in Plant St. Market, Crooked Can has the best patio of all time. Engrained in the community, Crooked Can is an integral part of all things in the downtown area, and they serve well. Now offering yoga or barre on select Sundays, you can reward yourself after a solid outdoor workout with a nice cold beer. Golf cart and bike-friendly, they encourage you to reward yourself for that hefty trail ride or easy travel after a hard day. They provide the largest amount of live music of any brewery and have multiple food vendors in their space to satisfy any palette. Notably, Crooked Can has expanded its offerings to include sake, perfectly complementing the sushi available at the two locations within the marketplace.
Managing Partner Alan Delahunt’s favorite pairing: High Stepper with This Little Piggy’s Brisket Sandwich on Texas Toast with Fresh Pork Rinds
Clermont Brewing Company
Perhaps the best part about Clermont Brewing Company is the all-inclusive feel. One of its standout features is the diverse culinary experience it offers. The kitchen boasts a range of food genres, ensuring that every member of your group finds something to delight their taste buds. BBQ, pizza, tacos—it’s all fair game. Recognizing that not everyone is a beer enthusiast, they’ve got you covered with a full bar, catering to every palate and preference in your group. The brewery takes entertainment to the next level with a spacious stage that comes alive with full bands on the weekends, creating an incredible and lively environment. Moreover, due to Clermont’s open container allowance, you can freely pour your drink into a plastic cup and venture around the streets comfortably. Each month, they separate from their norm and offer a Latin night with dancing and drink specials!
Tarin recommends: Kolsch with Seoul Survivor Korean Tacos
Suncreek Brewing
Overlooking the picturesque Lake Minneola, Suncreek is a true brewery through and through. With its warm ambiance, amiable staff, and a selection of well-crafted beers, you’ll feel right at home. They have three restaurant options inside of the brewery (you’ll recognize Michael’s Ali and Mac’d Out from Plant St. Market) to make sure you’re properly feeding your body as you bask in the outdoor seating area. They’re the most dog-friendly of the bunch, going beyond the norm and offering dental treats and water bowls for your pups. As friendly neighbors to CBC, the relaxed rules about strolling with your beverages extend to Suncreek Brewery, allowing you to leisurely explore the surroundings with your drink in hand. And with Clermont offering their farmer’s market on Sundays, it’s the perfect spot to relax and take a break while out shopping and checking out the neighboring town. If you’re looking for a place where the community chooses to spend their time, Suncreek Brewery undoubtedly tops the list, beckoning you to join in the laid-back atmosphere and make lasting memories.
Brewtender Casey Griffin recommends: Moonlight Chocolate Milk Stout and the Reuben. The sauerkraut is infused with the milk stout!
