According to today's issue of Tampa Bay Business Journal, "Florida floats near top of ranking of states with most breweries." As they put it, breweries are 'bubbling up' across the state and nothing could be more evident here in Tampa, Florida where several breweries we've been restlessly waiting for like Rock Brothers, Zephyrhills and more are now OPEN while new breweries like Zydeco Beer Werks in Ybor makes news. Fledgling breweries like 81Bay in South Tampa and Craft Life in Land O' Lakes sprouted wings, and are flying high, offering craft beer fun loving folks many choices when it comes to things to do in Tampa.  So with fun in mind, and American Craft Beer Week kicking off today, we wanted to give you a guide to local breweries, brewpubs and craft beer bars offering specials this week.

We will update as we learn more, as of right now here is what we know:

81Bay Brewing Company

The beer meisters in South Tampa's first brewery are kicking off the celebration with the release of Hook'd on Hefe - a 5.3% traditional Hefeweizen perfect for the Florida heat. Join like-minded craft beer lovers in the HUGE 81Bay taproom for the first sips and don't forget - 1/2 off Flights every Monday!

4465 W Gandy Blvd #600, Tampa FL Phone (813) 837-2739

The Brass Tap | Centro Ybor

The Brass Tap is an upscale beer bar offering 60-80 different craft beers on tap, more than 300 bottled varieties of imports, domestics and local craft beers with incredible pub food, wine and craft cocktails. For American Craft Beer Week Brass Tap in the Ybor City entertainment district is racking up:

1600 E 7th Ave, Tampa FL Phone 813-241-0000

Cigar City Brewing

This week at Cigar City Brewing for $10.00 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm you can take part in Tap Talk: Florida Cracker Belgian-Style Wheat Ale as the Tampa Bay History Center peels back the label to reveal the stories behind this signature brand. Curator Rodney Kite-Powell and CCB’s Brewer/Cellarman Mark LaPierre, take a close up look at the history behind the brew. Did you know that Florida was the birthplace of the American cattle industry? Saddle up for a great ride into the history behind Florida Cracker.

3924 W. Spruce St., Tampa FL Phone 813-348-6363

Coppertail Brewing Co.

Coppertail Brewing Co is a production brewery in the Ybor neighborhood of Tampa, founded by home-brewer and reformed attorney, Kent Bailey. Join Kent and his team this week for specials each day. Today, to launch American Craft Beer Week look fo Monday's Pick-Me-Up  Lemon Powder. A hop powder IPA made with lemons. Sales started at 1 pm today!

2601 E. 2nd Ave. , Tampa FL

Craft Life Brewing

Located on Land O' Lakes Blvd., this small batch Craft Brewery, serves Craft Beer, Wine and Domestics. This Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm head to Craft Life for Pints and Pups an adoption/fundraiser event for ARK-Animal Rescue Konsortium, Inc. Come out and meet your new best friend during American Craft Beer Week and enjoy great craft beer by Craft Life Brewing and other local Florida breweries.

2624 Land O Lakes Blvd., Land O Lakes FL Phone 813-575-8440

Four Stacks Brewing Company

Apollo Beach's first local craft brewery featuring original ales, local and regional beers will be offering American Craft Beer Week specials to be announced. As I find out the deals I will update!

5469 N US Highway 41, Apollo Beach FL Phone 813-641-2036

In The Loop Brewing

There are few things better than getting together with good people and sipping a great beer. "In The Loop Brewing" was started with this simple idea in mind. Be in the Loop this May 17th for Sip & Paint with the Color Wheelz 7 - 9 pm and the on Sunday, Yoga in their stunning outdoor, under the mossy trees beer garden, the zen life begins at noon.

3338 Land O Lakes Blvd, Land o' Lakes Fl Phone 813-997-9189

Rock Brothers Brewing Company

Rock Brothers Brewing unites craft beer and music to support great artists and great beer. Slated to open Spring 2016, we have patiently awaited the opening of Rock Brothers in historic Ybor City.  Finally open, they offer live music, well-crafted beer and drink specials nightly. Of particular interest this week is the Beersicle Party scheduled to take place at  Cask Social Kitchen on the 20th from 4 pm to 10 pm. Enjoy live music, giveaways, and Rock Brothers Beersicles -- Brews to be featured include 311 Homebrews Amber Ale, Hootie & the Blowfish's "Homegrown Ale", and Rebelution's Feeling Alright IPA.

1901 N 15th St. , Tampa FL

Six Ten Brewing

A great neighborhood bar offering wonderful beers and delicious food. During American Craft Beer Week Six Ten will host their inaugural Mac n' Cheese Competition on May 21st from 2 pm - 6 pm. Do you make the best Mac & Cheese in Tampa? If so they are looking for contestants. Here's what you need to know:

  • The competition will be limited to 20 entries - first come first served
  • You must use a Six Ten beer in your recipe. We will provide a 32 oz growler and your choice of beer.
  • You may use any type of pasta and cheese in your dish, any other ingredients are permitted but not required (other than the beer of course). Your entry must be made from scratch, no commercial mix or canned products may be used as the base of your Mac & Cheese.
  • You must supply a minimum of one gallon of Mac & Cheese, delivered cooked and ready to go in a crock pot so we can keep it warm.
  • We will provide all utensils, please don't bring your own, we don't want to worry about getting them back to you.
  • You must deliver your Mac & Cheese to the brewery between 11 am and 1 pm on May 21st.
  •  If you'd like to compete, please send an email with your contact info to info@sixtenbrewing.com or sign up at the brewery.
  • We will select 5 judges at random the day of the event, contestants are not permitted to judge. All guests will vote for Fan Favorite.
  • The judges will be led by a guest judge, Michael Landis a world renowned cheese expert from Gourmet Foods International.
  • Entries will be judged on Flavor, Texture, and Consistency
  • Judging will be blind meaning no one knows the identity of the chef
  • Trophies will be awarded for Best In Show, Runner Up, and Fan Favorite

Everyone is welcome to join in the delicious fun, admission is $5 with 100% of proceeds going to LifePath Hospice.

7052 Benjamin Rd, Tampa FL Phone (813) 886-0610

Southern Brewing & Winemaking Supply

Southern Brewing & Winemaking will celebrate American Craft Beer Week with a fashion Brunch Sunday, from 11:30 to 2:30. Tickets are on sale, the cost is $20. The Summer 2017 Style event provides women with experience of styling and profiling as well as self-image inspiration! 100% of ticket proceeds will help support  The Mavuno Project and Alpha House of Tampa, an organization offering homeless pregnant women safe housing and the tools they need to become self-sufficient and responsible parents. Last year, 105 mothers and their 119 children were provided emergency shelter along with an array of services targeted at improving life skills and employability. Your $20 TICKET includes brunch and one champagne or wine. Look for auction items and more at this beery good Charity Event in Tampa.

4500 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa FL Phone 813-238-7800 

(All photos courtesy of brewery Facebook accounts and Wikimedia Commons)

The Pub

The Pub at International Plaza & Bay Street is a British-inspired bar & restaurant serving a wide selection of European craft beers. This week for American Craft beer Week in Tampa find something happening every day of the week:

  • Monday 5-15- they will be tapping Two Pump Chump by Angry Chair Brewing. Cigar City Jai Alai and Highland Mocha Stout are also available all week.
  • Tuesday 5-16 – Funky Buddha Hop Gun will be featured.
  • Wednesday 5-17 – Big Storm Brewery we will have Arcus IPA and Tropic Pressure featuring a keep the pint night.
  • Thursday 5-18 – Tampa Bay Brewing Reef Donkey will be tapped.
  • Friday 5-19 – Motorworks Midnight Expresso will be our featured beer with a keep the pint night.
  • Saturday 5-20- A special release Cigar City with a keep the pint night!
2223 N. West Shore Blvd, Tampa FL Phone 813-443-5642
 
Don't forget to bookmark this article and check back, we will update it as we learn more about the special deals offered by breweries, brewpubs and craft beer bars as we celebrate American Craft Beer Week in Tampa!