Crafting Community, One Sip at a Time: A Review of Dirty Oar Beer Company
Discover the Charismatic Blend of Artistry, Community, and Flavor at Cocoa Village's Premier Brewery
How did Dirty Oar Beer Company Start?
Nestled in the heart of Cocoa Village, the Dirty Oar Beer Company emerged not merely as a brewery but as a testament to passion, community, and the craft of brewing. This journey began with a trio of devoted homebrewers, whose hands coaxed hops and grains into concoctions that would eventually lay the foundation for their dream.
Each brew was a step towards a vision, and with a modest treasury bolstered by boundless ambition, they set their sights on Cocoa Village, a locale they believed was ripe for a brewing renaissance. Their path was strewn with the red tape of bureaucracy—planning, zoning, permitting, construction, and rigorous inspections. After a grueling 18-month odyssey, their diligence bore fruit: in June 2017, Dirty Oar opened its doors, proudly becoming the inaugural brewery to call Cocoa Village home.
More than a mere slogan, "Nobody Has More Fun Than Us!" is the lifeblood of the Dirty Oar Beer Company. It's a mantra that permeates every pint, every gathering within the taproom's convivial walls, and every moment shared among the Dirty Oar family and their cherished patrons. The brewery is a living room for the community—a place where laughter flows as freely as the ale.
With a 22-tap menu brimming with innovative brews and beloved staples, the Dirty Oar stands as a beacon of relentless creativity. They don't just serve beer; they offer a rotating gallery of liquid artistry, ensuring every visit holds the promise of a new favorite.
But the heart of Dirty Oar beats beyond the brewery's walls. Their roots intertwine with the Cocoa Village community, where they are not just neighbors but active participants in the local tapestry, always seeking ways to uplift and engage.
Their commitment to service extends to the heroes among us—first responders and front-line workers. Through a partnership with the Survive First Foundation, the Dirty Oar Beer Company goes beyond gratitude, ensuring that those putting their lives on the line have access to vital mental health and wellness resources. The "Everyone’s Hero IPA" is more than a brew; it's a homage in hops, with every sale funneled directly to the foundation, sustaining support for our guardians.
The annual Cocoa Village Brewer's Bash is the Dirty Oar's crowning event—a festival where the spirit of camaraderie among Florida's finest breweries converges. Here, craft beer enthusiasts indulge in a symphony of flavors, knowing that their revelry serves a greater cause, with all proceeds channeled to charitable endeavors.
The Dirty Oar Beer Company is not just a brewery. It's a story of grit and barley, a tale of community and cause, and an unfolding legacy of what it means to be a thread in the vibrant fabric of Cocoa Village. Drink by drink, they're not just crafting ale—they're crafting history.
Crafting Community, One Sip at a Time: A Review of Dirty Oar Beer Company
Tucked away in the charismatic enclave of Cocoa Village, Dirty Oar Beer Company stands as a beacon of craft brewing ingenuity on Florida's Space Coast. A labor of love from a trinity of beer aficionados—Paul, Chris, and Lindsay—this establishment has fast become the village's premier destination for beer enthusiasts and casual sippers alike.
Upon entering, one is greeted by the infectious enthusiasm of Chris, a brewmaster whose profound love for the craft is as evident in his conversations as it is in his brews. Paul's warm welcome is a testament to his passion for the place he's helped cultivate, and the inviting layout of the brewery itself exudes a sense of belonging and community that is hard to come by.
The Dirty Oar's ingenious use of space is typified by its thoughtfully designed beer garden, a verdant oasis that offers respite from the Florida sun, allowing patrons to savor their craft beers in the great outdoors. This brewery isn't just about exceptional beer; it's about an experience that lingers long after the last drop.
After a long journey, nothing quite compares to the hospitality encountered here, where even close to closing will welcome you with open arms and filled growlers, ready to share stories and laughs. The brewery's magnetic atmosphere has patrons crossing state lines for a taste of their convivial charm and, of course, their exceptional brews.
Renowned for its innovative and downright delicious beers, Dirty Oar has earned its stripes as Cocoa Village's top brewery. Their ever-rotating selection ensures that each visit presents a new opportunity to find a favorite amongst their creative offerings. And while parking may sometimes be a quest in itself, the journey is always rewarded with an array of beers that has become the talk of the Space Coast.
It's not just the beer that keeps the community returning; it's the people. BrewTenders like Lindsay imbue each pour with expertise and friendly banter, making every patron feel like part of the Dirty Oar family. It's a place where even four-legged friends can feel at home, with a dog-friendly policy that welcomes all members of the family.
From the Sour Beer aficionado to the Ale adventurer, the Dirty Oar has something to delight every palate. Whether you're taking your taste buds on a journey with their robust selection, enjoying a casual game night, or simply soaking up the friendly vibes on their cool back patio, Dirty Oar Beer Company delivers an impeccable craft beer experience that's second to none.
In essence, Dirty Oar is more than just a brewery—it's a cornerstone of the community, a purveyor of fine ales, and a haven of good times. With the best beer selection around, cheerful staff, and an unwavering commitment to quality and creativity, Dirty Oar Beer Company is a jewel in the crown of Florida's craft beer scene.Â
What about the Beer?
In the burgeoning craft beer scene of Cocoa Village, Dirty Oar Beer Company has curated a selection of brews that not only tantalize the palate but also showcase their mastery of the brewing arts. Here's a spotlight on the top four beers that are making waves among the patrons of this beloved establishment.
Hey Buddy: Blonde / Golden Ale - Other 5.1% ABV
This effervescent Blonde Ale is a tribute to the quintessential Florida lifestyle—laid-back, sun-soaked, and utterly refreshing. "Hey Buddy" is poured with a cheerful golden hue that promises simplicity and satisfaction in every sip. It's lightly malted with a delicate hop character that whispers rather than shouts, making it an ideal companion for any occasion. This was one of the pioneering brews that marked Dirty Oar's foray into the craft beer world, and it continues to be a steadfast favorite, embodying the easy-drinking spirit that craft beer novices and aficionados can rally behind.
Smurfberry Milkshake Sour Ale: Sour - Other 5.2% ABV
Brace yourself for a whimsical twist on the sour ale genre with "Smurfberry Milkshake." This inventive concoction is as playful as it is piquant, with a vibrant blue raspberry profile that harkens back to the carefree days of sipping on an icy Kool-Aid. The color is a visual delight, and the taste is an audacious dance of tangy and sweet, with the creamy mouthfeel characteristic of a milkshake-style ale. It's a summer hit that has patrons returning for that crowler fill, eager to capture the essence of Dirty Oar's creative zest in every technicolor gulp.
Kind of A Big Dill: Sour - Berliner Weisse 5% ABV
"Kind of A Big Dill" is nothing short of a flavor adventure, an unorthodox Berliner Weisse that defies convention. Infused with genuine dill pickles, this brew is a tightrope walk of flavors where the briny notes of pickle harmonize with the intrinsic tartness of the kettle sour. Each sip is a revelation—juicy, vivacious, and innately refreshing. It's a bold statement in a glass, an emblem of Dirty Oar's fearless approach to brewing and a testament to the versatility of sour ales.
Spagical!: Wheat Beer - American Pale Wheat 5.3% ABV
Transporting you to a tropical paradise, "Spagical!" is a wheat beer that stands out with its enchanting infusion of pineapple, coconut, and toasted marshmallow. The beer is a sensory escapade, conjuring images of beach bonfires and palm-fringed coastlines. The pineapple lends a fruity acidity, the coconut offers a whisper of sweetness, and the toasted marshmallow ties it all together with a hint of velvety richness. Light yet complex, "Spagical!" is a wheat beer that doesn't just quench your thirst—it sparks your imagination.
Each of these standout beers from Dirty Oar Beer Company represents a chapter in their ever-evolving beer anthology. They shine individually, yet together, they form a constellation of tastes that vividly illustrate why Dirty Oar is not just a brewery but a tapestry of artistry in liquid form. Whether you're seeking the comforting familiarity of "Hey Buddy," the playful punch of "Smurfberry Milkshake," the audacious tang of "Kind of A Big Dill," or the tropical allure of "Spagical!," Dirty Oar ensures that every visit is a journey through the very best of craft beer innovation.
Where are they, When are they open and how can you contact them?
Dirty Oar Beer Company is located at 329 King St Cocoa, FL 32922. You can contact them via phone at (321) 301-4306. For a comprehensive overview of their offerings and upcoming events CLICK HERE to visit their website. Â
The brewery operates Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm