FLIGHTS: Coppertail Brewing Co. in Tampa, Florida

(Photo by John Holl)

TAMPA, Fla.—If you can remove your eyes from the glass in front of you, it’s easy to get lost in the intricate detail of the bilevel tasting room at Coppertail (2601 E. 2nd Ave.). Done in maritime steampunk mixed with weather-worn industrial, it shows subtle art that pays homage to the area as well as brewing history. The real show is through the two-story windows that show the impressive brew house in all its operational glory. The 4-ounce samples are $2 each. –John Holl

*Unholy
9.5% | American-Style Tripel

Bursting with aromas of fig and plum, it has a country honey flavor that also is perceived in the mouthfeel. Warming like the Florida sun and soothing like the waves on the shore. Heavily carbonated and lively. Blood orange pulp flavors emerge, and while it finishes syrupy, it doesn’t weigh you down.

Free Dive
5.9% | India Pale Ale

Grassy and pine-forward with a lupulin bite on the finish. This is an IPA that also embraces a melon-forward character with aromas of ripe honeydew and mango. There are generic tropical flavors as well, creating a bright and lively glass of ale.

Wheat Stroke 
5% | American Wheat Ale

Thin and citrusy with a soft carbonation, this is a refreshing beer to enjoy all afternoon long. It’s a gateway beer with a long driveway, built for all tastes and executed flawlessly.

Night Swim
6.2% | Robust Porter

It tastes like chocolate-dusted biscotti chased with a rich cup of black coffee. Served ice-cold and in cans, this is the beer to bring on the fishing boat for the afternoon to break up any monotony of lager drinking.

Blueberry Caracara
3.5% | Berliner-Style Weisse

Tart and resembling a cranberry juice cocktail, it has a bite from the blueberry tannins before some fresh lime emerges. Finishes in a very savory, salivating way; this is an excellent introduction into the Florida-weisse style.

*Order the full pint