Drinking Around Town: Your Guide to Gainesville’s Local Breweries

Gainesville’s beer scene has been growing, and three local breweries are entertaining and quenching the thirsts of the casual beer drinker and connoisseur alike.

Gainesville breweries, Swamp Head, First Magnitude and Cypress and Grove all offer guests unique, fresh beers while also focusing on conservation and sustainability. I have been to both Swamp Head Brewery and First Magnitude Brewery and I loved the atmospheres at both.

Swamp Head

Swamp Head Brewery’s slogan is “inherently Floridian” and they have been living by that motto since their founding in 2008. Their focus is not only on great beers, but also sustainability efforts to improve the community. Their sustainability efforts include sourcing their ingredients as locally as possible, and selling their used grain to farms for cattle.

Their products are sold across the state of Florida. They also have a local food trucks at the brewery, so guests can grab a bite while enjoying their drinks. Their most popular beer is Big Nose IPA, said Brandon Nappy, the tactical marketing director at Swamp Head Brewery.

“It is one of the most relaxing places in town to grab a beer due to our laid-back atmosphere and park-like setting,” Nappy said.

First Magnitude

First Magnitude Brewery began in 2012 and has become a Gainesville beer staple since. They offer four year-round beers and eight seasonal beers that are available during certain months of the year. Their beverages are sold at many locations in Gainesville and St. Augustine, including Publix.

“Most of us that work here at the brewery are young adults, so we’ve made this a place where we like to hang out,” said Ben Guzman, event coordinator. “Free live music, brewery tours, Gator games on the big screen in the warehouse, quiet relaxation under our oak tree in the beer garden. We think the beer’s pretty good, too.”

First Magnitude Brewery is all about supporting the outdoors, especially the springs in Florida. They support many local charities focused on conservation.

Free live music, brewery tours, Gator games on the big screen in the warehouse, quiet relaxation under our oak tree in the beer garden. We think the beer’s pretty good, too.

From my experiences at First Magnitude, it is very family friendly with outdoor games and a laid-back vibe.

Cypress and Grove

Cypress and Grove Brewery also has a focuses on both crafting the best brew and saving the environment. The grain used in the brewing process is donated to local farms and the brewery building is a refurbished ice factory.

They offer six beers and four flavored sodas, along with seasonal brews and kombucha. They also host food trucks at their brewery for guests to enjoy a bite.

“Cypress & Grove is a place for anyone that appreciates thoughtful craftsmanship, values the character of historical space, and enjoys connecting with others over a pint of delicious beer, well-crafted seltzer, a glass of wine or local kombucha,” said Pat Burger, one of the founders of the brewery. “We strive to create a neighborhood gathering space where everyone can enjoy great beverages.”

---