As regionally brewed beer continues to grow in popularity across the nation, the Gainesville area has seen its share of success locally.
The craft beer industry in the U.S. leapt from 1,970 craft beer breweries in 2011 to 2,483 breweries this year, according to data from the Brewers Association.
In keeping with the trend, downtown Ocala’s third annual Craftoberfest is set for next month, which will feature more than 100 beers.
Brandon Nappy, Swamp Head Brewery’s marketing manager, said he thinks the spike in craft beers can be linked to people paying more attention to what they’re drinking.
“People are paying more attention to what’s in their glass,” he said. “They are paying attention to the product, how it tastes and the whole experience.”
As for the craft beer market growing beyond its demand, Nappy said he thinks there is plenty of room to grow because there is a time and place for every kind of beer.
“I don’t think that people will go back to liking flavorless, light lager,” he said. “We all like lighter, lower-alcohol, easy-drinking beer during a tailgate. But for the most part, the main reason craft beer is growing is because people are learning to like the real flavors of different types of beers.”
Lindsey Graetz, a 21-year-old UF recreation, parks and tourism junior who first tried craft beer at World of Beer in Jonesville, agreed. She attributes the recent upward trend of new breweries and more consumer interest in craft beer to the quality of local brews.
“People are willing to spend more and enjoy themselves,” she said.”
Steve Smith, product manager at World of Beer, has seen local loyalty to craft beer firsthand. He’s been in the beer business for 12 years, and he said it has grown exponentially.
“Our best events always revolve around Florida beers because people are really excited about them,” he said.
Smith also said beer drinkers should stay on the lookout because Florida is quickly becoming a new home for breweries.
Graetz said the best part of local craft beer is that the people behind the beer are personable.
“They share the same interests,” she said. “They love the Gators. They aren’t some CEO in a factory.”
A version of this story ran on page 1 on 9/25/2013 under the headline "Locals tapping into craft beer"
