While we at the St. George Inn are quite partial to fine wines from boutique wineries around the globe, we know our visitors also love to enjoy an ice-cold beer on their visit to St. Augustine. Bin 39 Wine Bar features a select menu of local beers as well as some of the national favorites like Bud Light and Corona, but for those real beer enthusiasts, keep reading for a list of some best craft breweries in the ancient city.
First, let’s talk about craft breweries. How does craft beer differ from those big corporate brands that you can find in any grocery or liquor store? In the U.S., craft beers are traditionally made by smaller, independently owned breweries that focus on unique brewing techniques and experimenting with fun, new flavors. The first craft brewery was founded in December 1829 in Pennsylvania, and it might just be a name beer lovers will recognize: D. G. Yuengling & Son. Flash forward 90 years and in 2018, Yuengling was not just a household name but the largest craft brewery in the U.S. Craft breweries rose in popularity with microbrewing in the 1990s, though craft beers popped up around the country all throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Today there are over 9,500 craft breweries in the U.S., and the numbers continue to climb. For visitors in St. Augustine, there is no shortage of unique craft brewers and taphouses.
Dog Rose Brewing Co. began hand-crafting their infamous lagers and ales in historic Lincolnville in 2017. While their location is mere minutes from the historic district, it is definitely worth the extra steps. The taproom is spacious, inviting and full of fun often featuring live music. You can also participate in a friendly game of shuffleboard, cricket, or darts. Dog Rose Brewing features both stylish and traditional craft beers ranging anywhere from Hefeweizen to fruity sours to India Pale Ales. Plus, this company goes above and beyond being part of the St. Augustine community, like fundraising for nonprofits like the Boys and Girls Club and collaborating with other restaurants and bars for special events.
Steve Mendoza spent years working in the craft beer industry and amongst his global travels, he fell even more in love with the art of brewing. These experiences inspired him to found Bog Brewing Company in 2016. Bog is known for having unique, seasonal brews that are delicious and complimentary to St. Augustine. Try their Smoked Datil Ale which is sourced locally from hot datil peppers which are about as St. Augustine as a vegetable can get. The Bog beer list is reminiscent of Belgian, German, and American-Farmhouse style ales. Step out of your comfort zone and into Bog Brewing Company for some truly interesting brews.
When beer lovers visit us at Bin 39, they often ask if we have any local brews, and our favorite, hands down, is Ancient City Brewing. Ancient City has been creating quality craft beer in St. Augustine for years, serving their six favorite original brews daily and rotating another 16 or so depending on the season and the brewmaster's whim. The six fan-favorite Ancient City brews include Galleon's Golden Ale, Augustine's Orange Amber Ale, Matanzas River Red Ale, Ponce's Pale Ale, Castillo Coconut Porter, and Anastasia Island IPA. They are always available at their brewing pubs and can be found wherever their beer is served. The seasonal, specialty, and one-time-only brews are served only at their brewhouse and their downtown taproom locations. The brewery offers wine as well as 20 brews on tap and hosts special events and weekly activities all year long such as corn hole, pool, shuffleboard, darts, food truck appearances, and live music. Ancient City Brewing also hosts wedding parties and other private events in their taproom.
Looking for a brewery with great vibes and a well-rounded variety on the menu? Then take a short trip over the Bridge of Lions and onto Anastasia Boulevard to visit Old Coast Ales. Like many other great breweries, Old Coast began brewing about 10 gallons at a time in their makeshift garage brewery. The founders have carried their bootstrapping hard work over the years to what they are now, producing over 200 gallons of brews daily. From malty stouts to hoppy IPAs to porters, Old Coast has something for everyone. Some of the go-to favorites are the Empirical American IPA, the No A'Postrophe red ale, and the Sabotaged imperial porter. You can also enjoy live music several days throughout the week while sipping on an ice-cold brew.