Kelly Taylor launched Destin Brewery in 2015, part of a fantastic blossoming of craft beer along Florida’s Emerald Coast. The microbrews here include a sturdy stable of six year-round flagship offerings: Destin Ale, Red Sky Rye Pale Ale, Emerald Köast Kölsch, East Pass IPA, and Bridge Rubble Double IPA.
These come supplemented by seasonal releases as well as single-batch “Uncommon Beers” on the more experimental side of the spectrum. Then there’s the seductive and indulgent Barrel Series, which includes the Hot Mama Scott: an imperial brown ale aged in bourbon barrels and boasting a not-messing-around ABV of 10.1%.
You can track down these beers in many places in the area, but there’s nothing like a visit to the small but very inviting Destin Brewery tasting room to get the deepest sense for the label’s beer aesthetic and variety. It’s open Tuesdays through Saturdays from March to October, and Thursdays through Saturdays from November to February.
You’ll have to work a little to track down the place: nestled amid the warehouses of an industrial district, and not the easiest to find. You’ll be rewarded, though, with your choice of fresh draft beer by the taster flight, the glass, or the takeaway growler.
If this is your first visit, the flight’s definitely the way to go so you can sample the spectrum. If you’ve brought along somebody who doesn’t have a taste for beer, fear not: There’s red and white wine available, as well as homemade root beer.
Some great local food trucks typically stake out at Destin Brewery on the weekends, and you can also bring in your own eats. The taproom offers peanuts and other bagged snacks as well.
The staff here tends to be super-friendly and happy to walk you through the ins-and-outs of the brews currently on tap. It’s a family-friendly joint, too, with kids welcome in the tasting room; there are games on hand. Given Destin Brewery’s popular among locals and beer-safari-going visitors as well, you’re liable to make some fast friends in this cozy watering hole.
Throw in Happy Hour specials and cornhole boards for some ale-fueled competition, and you’ve got a heck of a fun place to hang out—not to mention some of the best locally brewed beer to be had on the Emerald Coast.
It’s really hard to go wrong at Destin Brewery, but here are some standouts among sudsy standouts!
Destin Ale
The straight-shooting Destin Ale is a light, wonderfully quaffable beer brewed from Pilsner malt and flaked oats that goes down mighty nice on a hot Emerald Coast afternoon.
Red Sky Rye Pale Ale
Rye brewed in the mash give this beautifully colored pale ale (6.5% ABV) its distinctive, hearty flavor.
Mango Habanero IPA
This major favorite (6.2% APV) commands attention with its bold tropical zest and s subtle finish of peppery spice on the tongue.
Beer in the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village doesn’t get any more local than the first-rate brews being whipped up at Destin Brewery.
Insider Tip:
-If it is your first time visiting Destin Brewery, consider ordering the “The Works,” which is a flight of nine, four-ounce beers for approximately $15. Once you try all nine, grab to-go growlers with your favorites.