Beer lovers rejoice! Brewery-hopping is officially one of the most popular ways to spend a weekend. Don’t want to wait for Saturday? After-work “hoppy hours” make for a perfect mid-week pick-me-up. In Orlando North, a bustling craft beer scene means the only challenge you’ll have is which brewery to visit first. Check out this guide to Seminole County’s craft breweries for our top five picks around town.
DEVIANT WOLFE BREWING
Historic Downtown Sanford is the epicenter of fun when it comes to things to do in Seminole County. Deviant Wolfe Brewing is at the heart of it all. This microbrewery and taproom make and serve up a staggering selection of beers, cider, wine, and even kombucha. Brewers Matt and Heather favor fresh, seasonal ingredients in their craft brews, rotating their specialty beer menu depending on what’s at peak ripeness. A locally owned brewery known for its sours, Deviant Wolfe is a must-stop on your Central Florida brewery tour. We recommend stopping by on trivia nights!
HOURGLASS BREWING
Fancy a pint of all-natural beer? You can get it at Hourglass Brewing’s Longwood taproom. This family-owned, award-winning craft beer brewery has made a name for itself in Central Florida and beyond for its relentless dedication to quality. You won’t find any artificial dyes, extracts, or flavors in their brews. Their ingredients are meticulously sourced both locally and internationally. Even their water is carefully filtered to make for the cleanest, most refreshing taste. Add this kid-friendly brewery (stocked with games, toys, and even a scavenger hunt!) to your weekend plans, and check out what’s on tap this season.
ORANGE COUNTY BREWERS
Don’t let the name fool you — Orange County Brewers is very much a Seminole County favorite. Tucked away in Lake Mary (right on the bike trail in case you get thirsty!), OCB is known for their flavors inspired by the Sunshine State. Their brews may be the star of the show, but this brewery has so much more to offer, including mouthwatering creations from Tin & Taco. Oh, and did we mention there’s a full bar and a menu filled with specialty cocktails?
SANFORD BREWING COMPANY
On the corner of Sanford Ave and 4th Street on the outskirts of the historic district, you’ll find a sprawling brewery and gastropub with room for you and more than 100 of your closest friends. Sanford Brewing Company is where you go whether you’ve got an appetite for southern-style grub or are thirsty for a uniquely flavored cold one. Why not make it your mission to work your way through the 50+ ales, stouts, sours, ciders, IPAs, hard seltzers, and more SBC stocks? We have just two words: challenge accepted.
WOP’S HOPS BREWING COMPANY
If you’re looking for a brewery with as much personality as they’ve got flavor, look no further than Wop’s Hops Brewing Company. Hailed as Sanford’s first microbrewery, Wop’s Hops specializes in English-style beers with no high-fructose corn syrup, GMOs, or additives. See, beer can be healthy! Plus, there’s a menu full of pub-style food with options for little ones and even your pup. Grab a spot in the beer garden and get ready for an afternoon of brews, bites, and good company.
When we’re looking to get our fill of craft brews, these five local spots are where we’re headed. Did your favorite Orlando North brewery make the cut?