Brewery Profile

The Florida Brewery

Auburndale’s beer scene is smaller and quieter than the taproom districts found in larger Florida cities, which makes this brewery stand out for a different reason. Visitors walking in encounter a local stop with a production story that reaches well beyond Polk County. The Florida Brewery has been part of the state’s brewing landscape since the late 1970s, and its modern identity is shaped by its role as a significant production facility. Since being acquired in 2009 by Venezuela’s Empresas-Polar, it has operated with an international dimension, producing proprietary beers as well as Malta beverages distributed to more than 15 countries. That scale gives the place a different feel from a small neighborhood-only operation.

Travelers moving through central Florida often look for breweries that show something specific about the region rather than a repeat of the same big-city taproom formula. A stop here fits that search because it connects local brewing with broader Caribbean and Latin American beverage traditions through its Malta production and international ownership. Visitors should not assume a long list of named house beers or a particular specialty style unless it is posted or available that day. The draw is the chance to see how a long-running Florida brewery presents itself while it is in a period of re-branding, and to compare that identity with the smaller craft breweries found elsewhere in the state.

Because public amenities, tour availability, food service, and event schedules are not confirmed here, the taproom is the place to confirm the day’s pours and any visitor options. Check current hours before making the trip, especially if Auburndale is a detour rather than the main destination. Ask staff what is being served on site, what is made for wider distribution, and whether any Malta beverages are available to try or purchase. The most practical way to approach a visit is to treat it as a production-focused brewery with a local public face, rather than arriving with fixed expectations about tours, releases, or taproom features.

Nestled in Auburndale, The Florida Brewery has been a quiet giant of the Sunshine State's brewing scene since the late 1970s. While undergoing an exciting re-branding effort, this facility is unique for its massive international reach, having been acquired in 2009 by Venezuela's Empresas-Polar. This expansion has transformed the brewery into a major production hub, crafting both proprietary beers and Malta beverages that now reach over 15 countries worldwide.

Website available

202 Gandy Rd, Auburndale, Florida, 33823-2726

Phone: 863-965-1825

Website: http://www.floridabrewery.com