Ep. 40: Attorney Trevor Brewer talks Beer Laws, Business Shifts, and Finding Community
Send us a textWhat does it really take to succeed in Florida's craft brewing industry today? Attorney Trevor Brewer pulls back the curtain on the business challenges facing brewery owners across the Sunshine State in this revealing conversation with Florida Beer News editor Mark DeNote.Trevor's journey into beverage law began when he noticed a local brewery's prolonged "Coming Soon" sign and later learned the owner had sold his prized toy collection to finance his dream. This entrepreneurial spirit captivated Trevor, who has since advised approximately 40% of Florida's breweries over the past decade through his practice at Brewer Long in Longwood.The discussion dives deep into market analysis using Trevor's monthly "Brewer's Report," which tracks production numbers and tax data. His findings reveal a sobering reality: Florida brewery sales peaked in March 2022 and have since declined to March 2020 levels despite a growing number of breweries competing for market share. This challenging landscape requires brewery owners to be increasingly adaptive, with many diversifying beyond traditional beer into distilling, wine production, and non-alcoholic offerings.Perhaps most valuable are Trevor's insights on what truly differentiates successful breweries. While adequate capitalization remains critical, he emphasizes that strong community connections—both externally with customers and internally among owners, staff, and even landlords—often determine which breweries thrive long-term. The most resilient operations have established themselves as neighborhood fixtures, constantly evolving to meet the needs of their specific communities while maintaining financial discipline.
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Ep. 39: Sean Sasser's Journey at Cigar City Brewing
Send us a textSean Sasser invites us into the evolving world of Cigar City Brewing, where tradition meets innovation in Tampa's iconic brewery. As technical brewing manager, Sean's journey from college homebrewer with a Mr. Beer kit to brewing leader traces the fascinating evolution of craft beer itself.Over pints in CCB's historic Tampa tasting room, Sean pulls back the curtain on what he calls the "Wild West days" working alongside Wayne Wambles, when the "rule of cool" trumped everything else. Those early years cultivated CCB's reputation for boundary-pushing beers that defined Florida's craft scene. But the conversation doesn't shy away from tough questions about ownership changes and the criticism that followed Monster Beverage's acquisition."We're not going to stop what we're doing because of outside opinion," Sean explains with quiet confidence. "If there's ever a time for us to be really putting our best foot forward, it's absolutely now." This philosophy has guided CCB through transitions that would have derailed lesser breweries.What stands out most is Sean's thoughtful evolution as a brewer. Once focused on creating beers that "punch you in the face" with flavor, he now pursues nuance and subtlety: "I want to make beers that, after three pints, they're wondering if they can have another one and call an Uber." This shift reflects broader industry trends while maintaining CCB's distinctive voice in an increasingly crowded marketplace.From insights about the legendary Hunapuʻ to his current love for Czech dark lagers, Sean's perspective balances reverence for brewing tradition with forward-thinking creativity. After 12 years at CCB, his passion remains undiminished: "It's exclusively driven by pride and love I have for what we have done and what we will do."Ready to experience what Sean calls "the best beer we've ever made"? Visit Cigar City's Tampa tasting room where everything's brewed on their original 2009 system—a perfect blend of heritage and innovation that defines modern Florida beer.
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Ep. 38: It's Tampa Bay Beer Week 2025! Talking TBBW with Executive Director Sean Nordquist
Send us a textJoin us as we celebrate the vibrant Tampa Bay Beer Week! This episode explores the fascinating journey of beer enthusiasts as they immerse themselves in a unique week of craft beer events, seminars, and tastings. Host Mark DeNote interviews Sean Nordquist, the Director of the Tampa Bay Brewers Alliance, who emphasizes the exciting changes taking place this year due to a new partnership with Beer Week organizers. Sean outlines the variety of new events designed to engage attendees and boost the local beer community. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer aficionado or a newcomer, there are plenty of experiences waiting to be discovered, from unique tastings to community-focused activities.Discover how the Tampa Bay Beer Week celebrates the craftsmanship behind each beer while fostering a sense of togetherness among participants. Sean provides valuable tips on how to make the most of your week, including the importance of hydration and trying new brews. As we dive into the realm of craft beer, we invite listeners to think beyond just drinking—it's about building connections and embracing the joyous culture of beer in all its diversity.With so many events happening, there’s something for everyone, from art, craft, and education to just plain fun. Be inspired to participate and support your local breweries during this special week, ensuring they thrive and continue to bring you exceptional beers. Don't miss out on this immersive experience—subscribe now and get ready to raise your glass!
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Ep. 37: Kreis Holland of Tactical Brewing Talks Orlando Beer Week
Send us a textEver wondered how a small grassroots initiative can morph into a celebrated event? Discover the fascinating evolution of Orlando Beer Week as I chat with Chris Holland, the co-founder of Tactical Brewing. Chris brings his insider perspective on how the local brewing scene has burgeoned into a vibrant festival, thanks to the dedicated efforts of brewery owners and enthusiasts. Through our conversation, you'll uncover the collaborative spirit that has made this celebration a cornerstone event, transcending its humble beginnings and drawing attention from the broader central Florida region. You'll also witness the excitement and anticipation as we gear up for this year’s lineup of events that promise to captivate both local and visiting beer aficionados.Prepare to be immersed in the bustling world of Orlando Beer Week, where creativity meets camaraderie. As the festivities unfold, from unique beer pairings to the ever-popular "Lord of the Wings" event, there's something for every taste. Get the scoop on the much-anticipated Mega Collab, featuring this year’s hazy IPA with an exciting twist of Florida honey and oranges. We also venture into the innovative realm of lagers, exploring how brewers like Rock Pit Brewing push boundaries with traditional and experimental brews. Join us as we navigate the challenges of staying ahead of market trends, and hear firsthand how brewers blend creativity with consumer demands in this dynamic industry.______________________________________________________________Please remember to like, subscribe, and follow BeerWise on your favorite podcast platform, so you don’t miss an episode. Also, please remember to review the show on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach new audiences.Florida Beer News and this podcast are now on PATREON! I have begun new fundraising efforts for the website and podcast in hopes of making some updates and changes. Check out patreon dot com slash Florida Beer News spelled out for information on how you and your business can help fuel our growth and get some cool rewards.Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News.If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!
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Ep. 36: Wayne Wambles of Griffon & Sphynx Brewing Company
Send us a textWayne Wambles, the founding brewer of Cigar City Brewing, joins us for an engaging conversation that promises an enlightening exploration of the craft beer world. Wayne talks us through his career from his beginnings in Dothan, Alabama, to becoming synonymous with Tampa's beer scene. Hear about his journey through unique legal hurdles and professional challenges, all the way to his innovative work at Griffin and Sphinx in Brevard, North Carolina. It's a story of passion, resilience, and the enduring allure of brewing.The episode talks about Wayne's creative process in crafting beers like Hunahpu's Imperial Stout and Jai Alai IPA. Experience the evolution of these beers and the pivotal moments that have shaped his career. Wayne shares insights into the delicate balancing act of brewing—where market demands meet personal standards meet innovative ideas meet traditional brewing techniques, speaking about flexibility and innovation in a rapidly changing industry.Finally, we turn our focus to the excitement and challenges of launching Griffin and Sphinx. Wayne opens up about the joy of starting small, the thrill of homebrewing, and how these experiences have shaped his current venture. We discuss the brewery's commitment to quality, the innovation of low-alcohol beers, and Wayne's current favorites like a unique Irish red ale. This episode is a rich tapestry of brewing philosophy, growth, and the pursuit of crafting beers that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking.______________________________________________________________Please remember to like, subscribe, and follow BeerWise on your favorite podcast platform, so you don’t miss an episode. Also, please remember to review the show on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach new audiences.Florida Beer News and this podcast are now on PATREON! I have begun new fundraising efforts for the website and podcast in hopes of making some updates and changes. Check out patreon dot com slash Florida Beer News spelled out for information on how you and your business can help fuel our growth and get some cool rewards.Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News.If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!
The BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote, editor of Florida Beer News, delves into the dynamic world of craft beer, offering listeners a comprehensive look at industry trends, news, and in-depth interviews with key figures shaping the beer landscape. Each episode explores the past, present, and future of brewing, providing insights into the evolution of beer styles, brewing techniques, and the stories behind renowned breweries. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or new to the craft beer scene, BeerWise serves as an engaging platform to expand your knowledge and appreciation for the art of brewing and craft beer culture.
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