Welcome to Jacksonville, where craft beer enthusiasts thrive and local breweries are aplenty. Have you ever wondered what makes the Jax craft beer scene so special? Is it the unique flavor profiles, the passion of the brewers, or the vibrant atmosphere of the pubs? Join me as we dive into the world of Jax craft beer and uncover the top brews and pubs that make this city a beer lover’s paradise.
When it comes to exploring the Jax craft beer scene, one popular way to embark on a flavorful journey is through the Jax Ale Trail. But what is it about the Jax Ale Trail that makes it a must-do for both locals and visitors?
Key Takeaways:
- Jacksonville’s craft beer scene offers a variety of local breweries and pubs to explore.
- The Jax Ale Trail allows you to visit breweries, collect stamps, and earn free Jax Ale Trail beer gear.
- Notable breweries on the Jax Ale Trail include Engine 15 Brewing Co., Intuition Ale Works, Aardwolf Brewing Co., Veterans United Craft Brewery, and Wicked Barley Brewing Company.
Contents
- 1 How to Explore the Jax Ale Trail
- 2 Participating Breweries on the Jax Ale Trail
- 3 Aardwolf Brewing Company: A Unique Craft Beer Experience
- 4 Bold City Brewing: Jacksonville’s First Locally-Owned Brewery
- 5 Engine 15 Brewing Company: Beach Brewpub and Downtown Taproom
- 6 Intuition Ale Works: Florida’s First Craft Brewery to Can its Own Beers
- 7 Wicked Barley Brewing: Waterfront Brewery with a Wide Selection of Beers
- 8 FAQ
- 9 Source Links
How to Explore the Jax Ale Trail
To participate in the Jax Ale Trail, you’ll need a Brewery Passport, which can be obtained at any of the participating breweries or at Visit Jacksonville Visitor Centers. With your passport in hand, you can visit the breweries along the trail, receive a stamp at each one, and enjoy a drink.
Collecting four stamps earns you a koozie, eight stamps earns you a Jax Ale Trail t-shirt and a koozie, and a fully stamped passport earns you a koozie, t-shirt, and a special surprise. Don’t forget to ask for a stamp at each brewery to track your progress.
Exploring the Jax Ale Trail
- Obtain a Brewery Passport at any participating brewery or Visit Jacksonville Visitor Centers.
- Visit breweries along the Jax Ale Trail.
- Receive a stamp at each brewery.
- Enjoy a drink at each brewery.
- Collect stamps to earn rewards.
Rewards on the Jax Ale Trail
- Collect 4 stamps: Earn a koozie
- Collect 8 stamps: Earn a Jax Ale Trail t-shirt and a koozie
- Fully stamped passport: Earn a koozie, t-shirt, and a special surprise
“The Jax Ale Trail is a fun and rewarding experience for beer enthusiasts. By exploring the local breweries and collecting stamps, you not only get to try a variety of craft beers but also earn exciting rewards along the way. It’s a great way to support the thriving craft beer scene in Jax and enjoy some delicious brews!”
Get your Brewery Passport today and start your journey along the Jax Ale Trail. Cheers to exploring local breweries in Jax!
Participating Breweries on the Jax Ale Trail
The Jax Ale Trail offers an exciting and diverse selection of over 20 local craft breweries in the Jacksonville area. Each brewery on the trail provides a unique experience and a wide range of craft beers to explore. Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable breweries you’ll find along the Jax Ale Trail:
Aardwolf Brewing Company
Nestled in the vibrant San Marco neighborhood, Aardwolf Brewing Company is a must-visit destination for craft beer lovers. Known for their delicious variety of sour beers, Aardwolf also offers a selection of IPAs, stouts, and more. The brewery is housed in a charmingly repurposed ice house, featuring exposed brick walls and both indoor and outdoor seating options. With its inviting atmosphere and dog-friendly policy, Aardwolf is a great spot to enjoy excellent brews with friends and even furry companions.
Bold City Brewing
As Jacksonville’s first locally-owned brewery, Bold City Brewing holds a special place in the city’s craft beer history. This family-owned brewery, run by a mother and son team, offers a range of brews to delight all palates. Be sure to try their popular Killer Whale Ale and Cold Nose Brown Ale. Set in an intimate setting, Bold City Brewing provides great service and a lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit stop on the Jax Ale Trail.
Engine 15 Brewing Company
With two locations, Engine 15 Brewing Company is a versatile brewery to explore. At their Beach Brewpub, you can enjoy a wide variety of beers, including sours, IPAs, stouts, and more. The beach brewpub features rotating guest taps and a food menu to complement your craft beer experience. If you’re looking for a different ambiance, their Downtown Taproom and Biergarten boasts outdoor space and a small playground for kids. With both locations attracting a loyal following of locals and visitors, Engine 15 Brewing Company is a popular destination on the Jax Ale Trail.
Intuition Ale Works
Being Florida’s first craft brewery to can its own beers, Intuition Ale Works has made a name for itself in the Jacksonville beer scene. Their downtown location offers a wide variety of creative craft brews on tap, featuring unique flavors like Banana Brown and Graham Boat. With its rooftop patio, it’s an ideal spot to soak up the Florida sun before or after a game or concert. You can also find their beers in select grocery stores, making it even more accessible to enjoy the excellent brews from Intuition Ale Works.
Wicked Barley Brewing
Located on the picturesque banks of Goodby’s Creek, Wicked Barley Brewing offers a waterfront brewery experience like no other. Their extensive selection of beers, ciders, and meads on tap is sure to satisfy any beer enthusiast. Pair your drink with pub-style favorites from their menu while enjoying the spacious taproom with vaulted ceilings and ample seating. If you’re interested in the brewing process, Wicked Barley Brewing also offers brewery tours. It’s a fantastic place to relax and enjoy quality beers while taking in the scenic surroundings.
These are just a few of the many breweries to discover on the Jax Ale Trail. Each one offers a unique brewing style and atmosphere, providing a memorable craft beer experience for locals and visitors alike. With so many options to explore, the Jax Ale Trail is a beer lover’s paradise.
Aardwolf Brewing Company: A Unique Craft Beer Experience
If you’re a craft beer enthusiast looking for a unique experience in Jacksonville, look no further than Aardwolf Brewing Company. Located in the vibrant San Marco neighborhood, Aardwolf is known for its delicious variety of sour beers that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
But it’s not just sour beers that make Aardwolf special. This local brewery also offers a selection of IPAs, stouts, and more, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy brews or prefer rich and robust flavors, Aardwolf has you covered.
Step inside the brewery, and you’ll be greeted by a cool vibe with exposed brick walls that add to the industrial-chic atmosphere. The spacious indoor and outdoor seating options provide a comfortable and relaxed setting where you can savor your craft beer.
But what sets Aardwolf apart is its dog-friendly policy. You can bring your furry friend along to join you in enjoying the unique flavors and aromas of their craft beers. It’s the perfect opportunity for a day out with your four-legged companion.
At Aardwolf Brewing Company, you’ll not only indulge in exceptional craft beer but also immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind brewing experience. So, make sure to add Aardwolf to your list of must-visit local breweries in Jacksonville, and create unforgettable memories with every sip.
Bold City Brewing: Jacksonville’s First Locally-Owned Brewery
When it comes to craft beer in Jacksonville, one brewery stands out as a true pioneer. Bold City Brewing holds the distinction of being the city’s first locally-owned brewery, and it has been delighting beer enthusiasts since its founding. Founded by a mother and son team, Bold City Brewing is a testament to the passion and dedication that goes into creating exceptional craft beers.
At Bold City Brewing, the focus is always on quality and flavor. The brewery offers a variety of brews to please all tastes, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and everything in between. Their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods is evident in every sip.
One of the brewery’s standout beers is the Killer Whale Ale, a smooth and refreshing pale ale that has become a local favorite. With its citrusy hop profile and balanced malt backbone, it’s the perfect beer to enjoy on a warm Jacksonville day. Another popular brew is the Cold Nose Brown Ale, a rich and malty beer with notes of caramel and chocolate.
When you visit Bold City Brewing, you’ll be greeted with great service and a lively atmosphere. The intimate brewery provides a cozy setting to relax and enjoy your beer, with music playing in the background to enhance the experience. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends or unwind after a long day.
“Bold City Brewing is not just a brewery, it’s a labor of love. We pour our heart and soul into every batch of beer we brew, and we’re proud to share our passion with the Jacksonville community.”
No visit to Jacksonville’s craft beer scene is complete without stopping by Bold City Brewing. As the city’s first locally-owned brewery, it holds a special place in the hearts (and taste buds) of locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or simply looking to try something new, Bold City Brewing is a must-visit stop on the Jax Ale Trail.
To learn more about Bold City Brewing and their craft beers, visit their website: https://www.boldcitybrewery.com/
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| Beer | Description |
|---|---|
| Killer Whale Ale | A smooth and refreshing pale ale with a citrusy hop profile. |
| Cold Nose Brown Ale | A rich and malty beer with notes of caramel and chocolate. |
Engine 15 Brewing Company: Beach Brewpub and Downtown Taproom
When it comes to experiencing the finest craft beer in Jax, Engine 15 Brewing Company is a must-visit. With two locations to choose from, they offer an incredible selection of beers that cater to every palate. Whether you’re a fan of crisp sours, hoppy IPAs, or robust stouts, Engine 15 has something for everyone.
The Beach Brewpub is the ideal spot to sample Engine 15’s diverse range of brews. Located near the beautiful Jacksonville beaches, this beachfront destination will transport you to a world of flavor. Kick back and enjoy a cold pint while taking in the ocean breeze and stunning views.
Not only do they offer their signature creations, but Engine 15 also features rotating guest taps, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to try. Pair your favorite brew with delicious food from their menu, which includes a variety of appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches.
If you’re looking for a different atmosphere, head to their Downtown Taproom and Biergarten. This urban oasis provides a lively setting with its outdoor space and a small playground for children. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends, enjoy great beer, and relax in the heart of Jacksonville’s downtown area.
Both Engine 15 locations have become popular gathering spots for locals and visitors alike. With their commitment to brewing exceptional craft beer and providing memorable experiences, it’s no wonder that Engine 15 Brewing Company has become an integral part of the local beer scene in Jax.
Beers Available at Engine 15 Brewing Company:
| Beer Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Sours | Engine 15 offers a range of tart and refreshing sours with unique flavor profiles that will tantalize your taste buds. |
| IPAs | From juicy hazy IPAs to bold West Coast-style IPAs, there’s a hop-forward beer for every IPA lover at Engine 15. |
| Stouts | Indulge in rich, velvety stouts that showcase notes of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malts, perfect for those who appreciate a dark and robust brew. |
Intuition Ale Works: Florida’s First Craft Brewery to Can its Own Beers
Intuition Ale Works is a pioneer in the craft beer scene, holding the distinction of being Florida’s first craft brewery to can its own beers. With a commitment to creativity and quality, Intuition Ale Works offers a wide variety of craft brews that are sure to satisfy any beer lover’s palate.
At Intuition Ale Works, you’ll find an impressive selection of beers on tap, each with its own unique flavors and characteristics. From the bold and smooth Banana Brown to the refreshing and citrusy Graham Boat, their beers offer a delightful sensory experience.
Located in downtown Jacksonville, Intuition Ale Works is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The brewery’s vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff make it the perfect place to meet friends before or after a game or concert. And if you’re looking to soak up some Florida sun while enjoying a cold brew, be sure to check out their rooftop patio.
In addition to their downtown location, Intuition Ale Works has made their beers readily available by canning them. You can now find their craft brews in select grocery stores, allowing you to enjoy their unique flavors wherever you go.
Intuition Ale Works is a true testament to the passion and innovation of the craft beer community in Jacksonville. They continue to push boundaries and set the standard for excellence in the local craft beer scene.
The Beers of Intuition Ale Works
| Beer Name | Flavor | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Banana Brown | Smooth and bold with hints of banana | Brown Ale |
| Graham Boat | Refreshing and citrusy with notes of graham cracker | Golden Ale |
| Jon Boat | Light and crisp with a touch of bitterness | Pale Ale |
| King Street Stout | Rich and roasty with hints of chocolate | Stout |
Wicked Barley Brewing: Waterfront Brewery with a Wide Selection of Beers
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Wicked Barley Brewing, a fantastic waterfront brewery located on the picturesque banks of Goodby’s Creek. This hidden gem in Jacksonville offers a truly unique craft beer experience that you won’t want to miss.
One of the highlights of Wicked Barley Brewing is their impressive selection of beers, ciders, and meads on tap. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or fruity ciders, they have something to delight every palate. Their dedication to quality and craftsmanship is evident in each sip, making it a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts.
The brewery itself boasts a spacious taproom with vaulted ceilings and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you choose to sit at the bar or gather with friends at a table, there’s plenty of seating to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The waterfront views add an extra touch of tranquility, making it the perfect spot to unwind and savor your favorite brew.
If you’re curious about the brewing process, Wicked Barley Brewing also offers brewery tours. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours provide a fascinating glimpse into the art and science of brewing. You’ll learn about the ingredients, equipment, and techniques that go into creating their delicious beers, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craft.