Several new breweries in planning in Orlando

   In case you haven't noticed, our local craft beer scene is in the process of getting a whole lot more exciting here in Orlando.  We know of five new breweries that are set to open their doors (and taps) to thirsty people in Central Florida by the end of the year.  None of the following have released and official opening date but most of them have stated they hope to be open by the end of 2014.  We can only hope!  Which of these soon to be open craft breweries are you most excited about?

Dead Lizard Brewing

    We first heard about Dead Lizard several months back when we exchanged a few emails with co founder and brewmaster Richard "Hops" Dine.   The website that says their core styles will consist of Summerlin Cream Ale, Orange Twist Cream Ale, Humulus Lupulus Double IPA, and Gila Monster Stout.  Dead Lizard had a free tasting in early February at Oblivion Taproom and the beers went fast!   No official brewery location has been announced but their website states it will be located "near downtown Orlando".

Aristocraft Brewing

    Aristocraft announced that it would be opening a new brewery a couple months ago.  Owner and Brewmaster Cory Montville recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to help secure some of the necessary funds to start up his brewery.  According to its website, Aristocraft's portfolio of beers will consist of a variety of IPA's, Pale Ales, Stouts, Imperial Stouts and even a Rauchbier.  Aristocraft's misson statement says "We want to provide our community with a rich, personal experience in an unique and comfortable environment -- reflecting our initiative to be socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable".

Orange Blossom Brewing Company

    Tom Moench of Orange Blossom Brewing Company recently announced plans to open a tasting room and brewery on Virginia Drive in the Ivanhoe Village area.  Best known for its Orange Blossom Pilsner and Toasted Coconut Porter, OBBC has added several more beers to its portfolio in the last few months.  The Virginia Drive location will have a small brewery on site that will concentrate mostly on small batch unique and experimental offerings.  Orange Blossom Brewing Company has also recently teamed up the new Brew Hub in Lakeland to greatly increase the production of its "core styles" of beer.

Bowigens Beer Company

    Owners Kevin Wigen and Bobby Bowen combined their last names to come up with Bowigens as the name for their new brewery.  Their website says that they have plans to open an American craft brewery in Orlando sometime this year.  It also states "We’re not interested in creating a beer unless we feel we’re making something that we are truly passionate about."  Bowigens lists their core styles as a pale ale, IPA, cream ale, brown ale, and a milk stout along with a nice portfolio of seasonals that include a Peanut Butter Hefeweizen!

Crooked Can Brewing Company

    The city of Winter Garden recently approved a $2 million plan to replace an aging apartment complex and to build a microbrewery and an artisan market.  We've always felt that Old Winter Garden would be a fantastic place for a small brewery or brewpub so this is really exciting news for us!  Since plans are just being announced, we have little information on the Crooked Can or the Plant Street Market.  Though Plant Street Market does have a Facebook Page if you are interested.  Stay tuned to Orlando Beer Guide for details as they become available.