Bold City Brewery

Here's some exciting news for any locals who enjoy the occasional, the frequent, or the excessive consumption of man's favorite alcoholic discovery, the most sacred of brews: beer.

The Bold City Brewery, Jacksonville's newest and most ambitious microbrewery, recently opened its doors and kegs to both public visitors and local restaurants looking to add a much needed variety to their beer experience whilst simultaneously supporting the community.

Sure, we have the Anheuser Busch Brewery, which I'm not going to take too many potshots at because I actually commend their success despite not really enjoying much of their offerings (chalk it up to personal preference) but they're the "norm" and I think we're all a bit starved for novelty and variety around these parts. There's also Seven Bridges, the Ragtime Tavern, and the River City Brewery (which I haven't tried yet) but these are places where the beer stays on the premises and, being primarily restaurants, you don't have that friendly-local-bar vibe. This is what makes Bold City different. Not only are they providing small batch beer but they're serving it up with an engaging and welcoming attitude all the while working their way into your home and other local establishments, giving Jacksonville a local product that they can be proud to support.

So you get excited and head over to the brewery during the times when the tap room (bar) is open. First you will be greeted by some friendly folk who want to know whether you've been in before. If you haven't then you'll be invited to try a free sampler in order to find the beer that most suits your tastes. But be forewarned, this is no ordinary free beer sampler. Instead of a sip in the bottom of a tiny plastic medicine cup you'll get a series of four or five small glasses with more than a couple mouthfuls.

There are currently four beers being produced on the premises: white, rye, old english, and red, with plans to experiment with various ideas in limited runs. By the time I was half done with my samples I was already doubting my abilities to handle a glass of even the weakest offering. We each decided on a pint of the rye which was very similar in body and taste to the spiced wheat ales we both enjoy. Very nice indeed and, despite the prominent flavor of the hops, the bitterness was nowhere near overbearing which is a common complaint I've heard uttered about the beer at other microbrews.

Not only was the beer nice, the staff couldn't have been any more pleasant. I enjoyed a lengthy conversation with the brewmaster and look forward to my return when I can sample some of the interesting concoctions he plans to create in the near future. I don't know what the schedule is but he also gives tours of the brew area which we were fortunate enough to be present for. They have some serious equipment on the premises and plenty of room for more so, given enough patronage and support, this could turn into a fairly large scale operation.

Whether you go for a beer in the tap room, a gallon jug (aka a growler) to go, or request a pint at your favorite local bar, Bold City Brewery is sure to please. It's not enough just to be a local establishment, if it weren't for the quality then I wouldn't be extolling the virtues of the place. But because they deliver the goods, I'm more than happy to give money and due praise in return. Cheers.

Bold City Brewery
2670-7 Rosselle Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204
904-379-6551

Tap Room Hours:
Thursday 3pm - 8pm
Friday 3pm - 9pm
Saturday 11am - 9pm