Brewers Ball 2018 – Mecca for Beer Drinkers in Florida
This Sunday, March 4th, will mark the return of the Brewers Ball, the highlight of the Florida Beer Awards. The event features samples from the winners of the Best Florida Beer Championship, live music all afternoon, a beer raffle and onsite food vending. The Ball is also where the presentation of the Best Of Show Winners takes place.
For months leading up to the event this Sunday, both professional and amateur brewers from all over the state of Florida submitted beers for judging. Two weeks ago, the judges met at Flying Boat Brewery in St. Petersburg to go over the submissions. The winners in each category will be announced at the Ball on Sunday, and awards will be presented.
The Best Florida Beer Championship is an AHA and BJCP sanctioned professional beer, mead and cider competition. It is the most prestigious beer competition in the state of Florida. All those great Florida beers that mention things like ‘3 Time Gold Medal Winner’ or ‘Gold Medal IPA Winner’ – this is where they are winning those awards. This event is also where you get to drink them all.
The event is being held at Tampa’s Water Works Park. Constructed in late 2014, this park is situated right on the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. It features a large permanent stage, a splash pad, and large grassy areas.
Ticketholders for the ball should bring their own plastic cup as this is a self-pour event, with the exception of certain limited small-batch samples which will be poured by volunteers. Samples will be available from nearly all Gold Medal and category winning beers.
Live music will be provided by Meg Shannon as well as Have Gun, Will Travel.
Water Works park is located at 1710 North Highland Avenue just north of downtown Tampa.