The Rise of Cigar City Brewing: Where Craft Beer Dreams Come True

Located in the heart of Tampa, Florida, Cigar City Brewing has become a household name in the craft beer industry. With a passion for brewing and a commitment to quality, the brewery has managed to capture the hearts of beer enthusiasts from all over the country. But what makes Cigar City Brewing so special? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the brewery's history, its brewing process, and what sets it apart from other craft breweries.

At its core, Cigar City Brewing is a story of passion and dedication. The brewery was founded in 2009 by Joel Sherwood, a passionate homebrewer who wanted to share his love of craft beer with the world. With the help of his wife, Jessica, Joel began brewing beer in his backyard, experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. But it wasn't until the brewery moved to its current location in 2012 that things really started to take off.

A Brief History of Cigar City Brewing

Cigar City Brewing's history is marked by a commitment to quality and a willingness to take risks. In its early days, the brewery was known for its innovative beers, such as the Jai Alai IPA and the Florida Cream Ale. These beers quickly gained a following among beer enthusiasts, who praised their unique flavors and ingredients.

Over the years, Cigar City Brewing has continued to innovate and experiment with new flavors. The brewery has released beers ranging from traditional ales and lagers to more experimental beers, such as the Lupulin Series and the Grand Cru series. These beers have received widespread critical acclaim, solidifying Cigar City Brewing's reputation as one of the top craft breweries in the country.

Key Figures and Teams

Cigar City Brewing has a number of key figures and teams that have played a crucial role in the brewery's success.

• Joel Sherwood: Founder and CEO of Cigar City Brewing, Joel is a passionate homebrewer and beer enthusiast who has been instrumental in shaping the brewery's direction.
• Jessica Sherwood: Joel's wife and co-founder of Cigar City Brewing, Jessica is a skilled brewer and businesswoman who has played a key role in the brewery's growth and success.
• Donato "Nobo" Nodrow: Head brewer at Cigar City Brewing, Nobo is a seasoned brewer with a passion for creating complex and flavorful beers.
• Ryan Carroll: Marketing and sales manager at Cigar City Brewing, Ryan is a beer enthusiast who has played a key role in the brewery's marketing and sales efforts.

Awards and Accolades

Cigar City Brewing has received a number of awards and accolades over the years, including several Great American Beer Festival medals and a Beer Advocate "Top 100" ranking.

• 2014: Cigar City Brewing won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival for its Jai Alai IPA.
• 2015: Cigar City Brewing's Florida Cream Ale was ranked #10 on Beer Advocate's "Top 100" list.
• 2016: Cigar City Brewing's Perpetual IPA was awarded a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival.

Brewhouse and Brewery Operations

Cigar City Brewing operates out of a 21,000-square-foot facility in Tampa, Florida. The brewery features two brewhouses, a fermentation hall, and a packaging hall, as well as a tasting room and a taproom.

• Brewery Capacity: Cigar City Brewing has a brewery capacity of 200 barrels per week, allowing the brewery to produce a wide range of beers.
• Brewing Process: Cigar City Brewing uses a combination of traditional and modern brewing techniques to produce its beers. The brewery uses a combination of Cascade, Willamette, and Mosaic hops, as well as malted barley, corn, and wheat.
• Equipment: Cigar City Brewing features a number of state-of-the-art brewing systems, including a conditioning cellar and a canning line.

Tasting Room and Taproom

Cigar City Brewing's tasting room and taproom are designed to provide an immersive experience for beer enthusiasts. The tasting room features a large bar and a selection of Cigar City Brewing's beers, as well as a few guest beers.

• Tap List: The tap list at Cigar City Brewing changes frequently, but it typically features a wide range of Cigar City Brewing's beers, including IPAs, pale ales, stouts, and sours.
• Food Menu: The tasting room and taproom offer a selection of food options, including snacks and meals.
• Events: Cigar City Brewing hosts a number of events throughout the year, including beer festivals, tastings, and educational seminars.

Distribution and Availability

Cigar City Brewing's beers are widely available throughout the United States and around the world. The brewery distributes its beers to a wide range of retailers, including grocery stores, bars, and restaurants.

• Distribution: Cigar City Brewing's beers are distributed to 30 states and 15 countries.
• Beer Style: Cigar City Brewing offers a wide range of beer styles, including IPAs, pale ales, stouts, and sours.
• Pricing: The pricing of Cigar City Brewing's beers varies depending on the state and the retailer.

Marketing and Sales

Cigar City Brewing's marketing and sales efforts are focused on building a strong brand and connecting with beer enthusiasts.

• Social Media: Cigar City Brewing has a strong social media presence, with over 100,000 followers on Facebook and Instagram.
• Beer Festivals: Cigar City Brewing participates in a number of beer festivals throughout the year, including the Great American Beer Festival and the Florida Beer Festival.
• Marketing Partnerships: Cigar City Brewing partners with a number of