Not long ago, if someone said the words “beach” and “beer” in the same sentence, the only adjective that mattered in describing the beer was “cold.” Temperature is still important, but in recent years a whole new wave of beers and beer aficionados has arrived in Panama City Beach. Craft beer is here, and its appeal is growing steadily. So if you’re a “beer geek” and you want to know where to find all sorts of amazing brews when you’re visiting the world’s most beautiful beaches, read on.
Fishale Taphouse and Grille
Fishale Taphouse and Grille is Panama City Beach's original gastropub with over 65 different craft beers on tap. Specializing in Craft Microbrews and a unique menu that includes fresh gulf seafood, specialty sliders, flatbread pizzas and many other great menu options, including the best desserts on the beach. Enjoy a variety of beers at this hot spots large mahogany bar or choose to eat in the intimate dining room that features two fireplaces, custom designed personal spaces and a modern lounge setting. As the only Gastro-Pub in Bay County with an untouched selection of hand-crafted beers that feature new beers weekly, this unique place is perfect for friends and families to enjoy any day of the week!
The Craft Bar
The Craft Bar features 30 taps and sells about a dozen craft beers in bottles. Worth noting is that Wine World, the beer, wine and spirits specialty store next door to the Craft Bar, lists “between 700 and 800” craft and import beer selections. As part of the Wine World family, The Craft Bar offers something unique in the form of 32-ounce “crowlers.” These are 32-ouncer cans available along the Gulf Coast since early 2016. Crowlers are cans filled and sealed on-site and there is no deposit required, as in the case of glass growlers. The Craft Bar sells an average of 50 crowlers a week, and Hardman recalls one customer who bought 12 of them filled with Oyster City’s Hooter Brown, made with Tupelo honey. The Craft Bar’s gastropub aspect means that regular events involve special pairings of food and craft beer. For instance, there’s even been a Movie Monday event that combined “Jaws” with Lost Coast Sharkinator White IPA.
Offering an abundant amount of unique craft beers, Brass Tap looks forward to serving the season beers of winter, like a Pumking from Southern Tier or a St. Bernardus Christmas Ale, which according to The Brass Tap team, “tastes like a Christmas Tree in a glass”. In addition to a Brew Crew rewards program and regularly scheduled events, Brass Tap also works craft beer into its food menu. There are offerings such as Guinness Bacon Waffles and Seadog Blueberry Ale Waffles, and the menu includes recommendations on how to pair certain dishes with specific beers.
