Jax Ale Trail Guide: Top Breweries and Stops in Jacksonville
Jacksonville may be known as the largest city in Florida, but some don’t know the city has an exploding craft beer scene. While big names like Anheuser Busch have called Jacksonville home for years, the last decade has seen rapid growth in locally owned gems. To find some of the best, here’s a Jax Ale Trail guide for first-timers.
Jax Ale Trail Guide: What to Know Before A Trip
How to Get a Jax Ale Trail Passport
Want free swag and bragging rights? Visitors who get their passport stamped at each local brewery receive free merchandise and join beer aficionados as Jacksonville experts. Here’s how to get a passport:
- Stop by a Jacksonville Visitor Center or ask for it at the first brewery.
- Visit each brewery on the Jax Ale Trail list.
- Order a beer or drink, and get the passport stamped.
Local Breweries in Jacksonville
As of 2019, there are more than 18 locally owned breweries on the trail. While it’s recommended to visit them all, some travelers are short on time. To narrow down the list, here are four top-rated options, so guests can earn a koozie.
Aardwolf Brewing Company: Located minutes from downtown. Aardwolf offers a brewery and taproom that dates from the 1930s. For something new, visit on Wednesdays when they release a weekly special small batch. Other beers include a slow pour Adalwolf and San Marco Sour.
Bold City Brewery: Has two locations – a downtown hangout and production facility plus tasting room. In downtown, select from a dozen beers on tap such as Goombay Smash and Bold Berliner Weisse. For a tour, visit the production facility on Saturday afternoon.
Intuition Ale Works: The first Florida craft brewery to can beers and has five brands. Popular options include People’s Pale Ale and King Street Stout. Intuition’s brewery and taproom are located downtown, and tours are available upon request.
Wicked Barley: Offers a spacious taproom and plenty of parking. Wicked Barley ranks among the newest breweries in Jacksonville and sits on the waterfront. This award-winning spot serves popular options such as Left Leg Lager, Eradicator and Brierwood Brown.
Who Can Attend?
The legal drinking age in Florida is 21, however many places welcome all ages to enjoy good food and friendly vibes. If visiting with people under 21, call ahead to make sure they are permitted to enter.
Jacksonville Beer Events and Tours
In addition to this Jax Ale Trail guide, it’s important to note events and tours hosted throughout the year. For example, Jax Brew Bus takes guests on a 4.5-hour journey, which includes stops at three local breweries. During the tour, expect to sample 10 to 12 local beers.
To meet other beer lovers, attend an annual event. Jacksonville Oktoberfest occurs every October at Anheuser-Busch, or attend one of the largest Oktoberfests in Florida at Jacksonville Beach. In November, support local vendors and try new flavors at Jax Beer Week.
For more fun, check out Veteran’s United Craft Brewery, Green Room and Engine 15 – all of which host events such as live music, sports, trivia and watch-parties.
After reading this Jax Ale Trail guide, check out Jacksonville’s sports scene and browse vacation homes in Jacksonville.