81Bay Brewing Company announced statewide distribution throughout Florida of four of their flagship brands, Lightning Lager, Reel Slo Irish Red, Ramble on Raspberry Ale and The Sun Viking IPA. Beginning immediately, and sustaining the current distribution partnership, Micro Man Distributors will expand draught distribution with a heavy focus in the Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami/Fort Lauderdale markets.
“Slow and steady growth in our home state is a key element of defining and expanding our brand,” said Michael Beard, president and co-owner of 81Bay Brewing. “The craft beer portfolio produced by our state is stunning and we’re thrilled to join the many recognizable and well-known brands serving Florida.”
81Bay’s most recognizable brand, Lightning Lager, made it’s debut last August in the Tampa Bay region and surrounding markets. This American style, light-bodied lager is smooth and balanced with subtle hints of wheat and a nice dry hop finish, making it a great choice for consumers who are looking to adventure from macrobrews. Newer to markets, Reel Slo Irish Red is a balanced, easy drinking, traditional Irish style red ale that’s slightly malty with a soft sweetness and roasted dryness in the finish while Ramble on Raspberry Ale is an all-natural fruited ale, similar to a framboise style, brewed with 400 pounds of real raspberries and zero synthetics. The Sun Viking IPA is the fourth beer for the brand to take to distribution and launches on Monday, May 22, 2017. This American style IPA is dry hopped with Idaho 7 for a tropical hop-forward brew perfect for summer.Lightning Lager – 4.2% ABV; 20 IBUReel Slo Irish Red – 5.5% ABV; 29 IBURamble on Raspberry Ale – 5.5% ABV; 5 IBUThe Sun Viking IPA – 6.3% ABV; 45 IBU
The name 81Bay (pronounced Eight One Bay) pays homage to the origin of the brewery with a play off Tampa’s area code and the Bay region. Located in South Tampa, 81Bay’s oversized industrial taproom provides entertainment for all with communal seating, taproom games, live entertainment, a private event gallery showcasing local talent, and multi-media murals by renowned local artist, Sebastian Coolidge. Coolidge teamed up with local lighting designer Jason Lashley of Pixel Rain Digital to create a one of a kind 3D projection mapped mural that is still a work in progress.