Why Hourglass Brewing’s new location is about to be your favorite brewery in Orlando
If you were following along with my adventures on Instagram this past weekend then you already know I was busy eating and drinking my way through Orlando. Even though I don’t need much of an excuse to hop in the car and check out some breweries, I was actually there for a specific reason.
The folks over at Hourglass Brewing we’re kind enough to invite my friend Susie (If you don’t already know Susie she’s a beer blogger as well and you can find her on Instagram @susieontap) and I to check out their brand new space. I personally didn’t know a whole lot about Hourglass prior to being invited, but we’d been talking about an Orlando trip for a while so it was enough to help make the decision for us
About Hourglass Brewing
If you didn’t know already, Hourglass has 2 other locations. Founded in 2012, their Longwood, FL location grew from a humble 12 capacity building to an impressive 240 seat taproom. Additionally, they have a brewery focused on sour and wild ales cleverly named Sourglass.
Hourglass Brewing’s New Taproom in Orlando
After checking out two other local breweries, Ellipsis Brewing & Rockpit Brewing, we made our way down to the revitalized Hourglass District to see what this place was all about. Honestly, I was pretty blown away from the moment I walked in the door. The whole vibe of the brewery is so elegant, from the high wood mahogany ceilings wrapped in string lights down to the beautiful honeycomb bar with over 40 taps to please even the pickiest beer snob. Aesthetically they checked all the boxes for me, but I was here to see what really matters most to all of us, how the beer was.
How is the Beer at Hourglass Brewing?
After grabbing a menu off the table I knew I was going to need a minute or 2….or 10...maybe 15...to go through everything there. I had so many questions. What the heck is a marionberry? Why is this fruit beer loaded with apricot and honey 17.5% ABV? Yo, why does that guys Saison look like a frickin PORTER and can I get one?! I had officially made it to beer heaven my friends.
Me looking like a happy little clam sipping on Blackberry Permeation the blackberry version of their foeder fermented solera style sour ale. Brewed with barley, a touch of oats, and hops aged in burlap, and aged to perfection in a large oak foeder. Once the flavor is just right, they rack the beer into oak barrels with a huge amount of real blackberry. You can expect this beer to pour deep red in color with a flavor that is all tart blackberry up front with a bit of barnyard funk and a dry, oaky finish
Don’t get me wrong I like an IPA as much as the next pretentious dude bro, but It gets old and it gets old FAST. My favorite part about craft beer is the weird, experimental, and just plain how the heck did they do that? I live for it, and Hourglass delivered ten fold. I was lucky enough to try so many delicious beers that evening, but there was one that stole the show in my eyes.
Tower & Rose Saison 9.4% ABV a blend of barley, oats, and wheat lay the foundation, while debittered barley and chocolate wheat give this farmhouse ale a beautiful, dark color. Tettnang hops play perfectly with additions of rose hips and rose petals for an aroma and flavor that is grassy, floral, and slightly tart. They ferment this beer in an oak foeder with their house culture of traditional and wild yeasts before resting it in pinot noir barrels.
If you’re in Central Florida and can make it out to any of their locations I cannot recommend Hourglass Brewing enough. Even if it’s a bit of a hike for you, trust me it’s worth it and you’ll be so happy that you made the trip.
Hourglass Brewing’s Grand Opening Party
If you want to help Hourglass Brewing celebrate their beautiful new space in the Hourglass District, the official grand opening is on July 3rd, 2019. If you end up attending be sure to tell them we sent you!
Have you been a long time fan of Hourglass or is this the first time you’re hearing of them?
I’d love to know in the comments below.