This summer we finally moved to Sarasota, and I’m lucky that I’m very closed to one of the best breweries in town, Calusa Brewing! I’ve been there almost every week, so I had the opportunity to check out many of their beers. So to start with, here are some of the Calusa beers I’ve tasted:
- Zote: It’s probably their flagship IPA, a hazy and refreshing 7.5% New England style brew with a fruity mix of flavors and hops
- Battle Canoe: Stronger double New England IPA at 8%, but with tropical Citra aromas that make it easy to drink
- Cosmic Thought: Even stronger double NEIPA, a full flavored 8.5% beer
- Zero Zero: Another flavor of New England IPA, heavy on mosaic hops at 8%
- Citronious: Might be their oldest double IPA, a big beer with great tropical aromas.
- Victronious: They don’t only make New England IPAs. This one is a very good West Coast double at 8.2%, nice for a change
- Florida Flavor: Pretty hoppy Pilsner (including Centennial and Mosaic hops), a refreshing light 5.5% beer perfect for hot afternoons by the pool
- Mad World: A lighter amber ale, but with a strong mix of hops and 6.5%
- Ravenhold: For a light beer with a strong flavor, try this 5% English-style ESB!
- Batch 600: A very strong Imperial Stout, 13% of vanilla, coconut and lactose flavors
It’s a bit annoying they don’t do flights (I like to sample several beers at once), but since I’ve been there so many times I had time to try more. On the other hand, they have more cans for sale than other breweries, which is great because I also like to take home my favorite beers.
Calusa has a nicely sized tasting room, and it’s rumored to move into an even bigger one (a former restaurant in the area). While closed on Mondays, they have food trucks every day, with delicious food. For example, Tuesday they have amazing burgers, and Sunday I once got the very nice Currywurst truck.
Due to its proximity, Calusa Brewing will continue being my go-to brewery when I feel thristy, so I’ll update this with other new releases.
Florida Vacation Reviews 