Escape Brewing Company: Where Craft Beer, Art, and Community Converge

Discover a Hidden Gem in Tampa Bay's Trinity Area, Where Vibrant Taproom Vibes and Artistic Delights Await

How did Escape Brewing Company start?

The story of Escape Brewing Company began many years ago with a homebrew kit and two friends' shared passion for craft beer. John McGregor and Matt Thompson found themselves obsessed with honing their brewing skills. They dreamed of one day opening their own brewery close to home in Trinity, Florida. 

In 2014, they took the leap, launching Escape Brewing Company in a 1,200-square-foot space with a small 3BBL brewhouse. They focused on brewing approachable beers like IPAs, sours, and stouts to share with their local community. Word spread of their quality offerings, and they began winning awards at competitions like the Best Florida Beer Competition. 

Within a couple of years, demand grew steadily. The team expanded to include new employees to help scale up production. They upgraded equipment and added more fermentation vessels and capacity. By 2016, Escape Brewing had outgrown its original location. They relocated to a larger 2,400-square-foot taproom and brewery, with an additional 3,000-square-foot warehouse for storage. 

Today, Escape Brewing Company produces over 1,800 BBLs annually in its current space. They've maximized every inch of the brewery through hard work and creativity. While growth continues, they remain committed to controlling it in order to focus on brewing the beers they love without compromise.

Over a decade later, Escape Brewing Company has stayed true to their founding principles. They prioritize their community, customers, and ingredients. John, Matt, and their team approach each brew day with passion, driven to create balanced and flavorful ales and lagers. Their dream of operating a locally embraced brewery lives on through countless hours invested. Escape Brewing Company's story is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication to craft.

Escape Brewing Company: Where Craft Beer, Art, and Community Converge

Escape Brewing Company is a hidden gem nestled in the Trinity area of Tampa Bay. From the outside, it may seem unassuming, but step inside, and you'll discover a vibrant and inviting taproom that will captivate your senses. The walls are adorned with stunning artwork, showcasing the talent of local artists, and the best part is that the artwork is available for purchase, allowing you to take a piece of the brewery's unique ambiance home with you.

What sets Escape Brewing apart is not just its captivating atmosphere, but also its impressive selection of craft beers. With around 12 beers on draft, their offerings span a spectrum of styles, ensuring that there's something to please every beer lover's taste buds. From the hop-forward delights of their West Coast IPAs to the juicy and hazy goodness of their New England IPAs, and the irresistible tang of their sours and rich indulgence of their stouts, each sip is a flavorful journey that showcases the skill and creativity of the brewers.

The experience at Escape Brewing is elevated by the warm and friendly staff who serve as your guides through the beer menu. The bartenders are not only knowledgeable about the offerings but also passionate about their craft. They are always ready to provide recommendations and engage in friendly conversation, making you feel like a welcomed regular from the moment you step up to the bar.

While Escape Brewing doesn't serve food, they have established a delightful partnership with the adjacent pizza place. You can order mouthwatering pizzas that will be hand-delivered to your table at the brewery, allowing you to savor the perfect pairing of a delicious slice with your favorite brew. Additionally, they offer a selection of fancy popcorn, providing a tasty snack option to complement your beer-drinking experience.

The taproom itself exudes a classic bar-style vibe, with both barside seating and table seating available. If you prefer to soak up some sunshine while enjoying your beer, there is also a small outdoor seating area. On occasion, you might even find a food truck parked outside, further expanding the dining options.

Escape Brewing takes pride in their product, and it's evident in the thought and care they put into their beer offerings. Their diverse selection ensures there's always something new and exciting to try. Each beer is crafted with passion and precision, creating a memorable drinking experience.

Escape Brewing Company is more than just a place to enjoy exceptional craft beer; it's a hub of community and connection. The owners and staff foster an environment where strangers become friends, and conversations flow freely. 

Whether you're a local looking for a regular spot or a visitor seeking an authentic craft beer experience, Escape Brewing Company is a must-visit destination. The quality of their beer, the captivating artwork, and the warm and welcoming atmosphere make it a standout in the Tampa Bay area. So, come, escape the ordinary, and immerse yourself in the exceptional world of Escape Brewing Company.

What about the Beers?

Escape Brewing Company offers a diverse range of beers that cater to various tastes and preferences. Here's a review of five standout brews from their collection:

1. Flucht: Märzen 5.5% ABV

Escape Brewing's Flucht: Märzen is a well-crafted beer that strikes a perfect balance between maltiness and lightness. With a superbly balanced flavor profile, this Märzen delivers mild bitterness on the finish. True to style, it features mild grain notes, earthy and spicy noble-style hops, and a subtle copper yeast finish. It's a clean and easy-to-drink Märzen that leaves nothing more to be desired.

2. Flight of the Cascade Pale Ale: New England IPA 5.5% ABV

In their Flight of the Cascade Pale Ale, Escape Brewing showcases New Zealand Cascade hops. This New England IPA offers a slight hop bite and hints of orange peel, giving it a solid IPA character. What sets it apart is its exceptional drinkability, as it goes down smoothly and effortlessly, making it an unexpectedly quick finish.

3. Scandalous IPA - Imperial Double IPA 9% ABV

For those seeking a big, juicy hop bomb, the Scandalous IPA is a standout choice. Packed with Citra and Simcoe hops, this Imperial Double IPA bursts with dank, citrusy flavors. Its smooth and creamy texture, coupled with its juicy profile, makes it a deliciously satisfying DIPA. Despite its 9% ABV, it manages to avoid excessive sweetness, resulting in a well-balanced brew.

4. The Other West Coast IPA - American IPA 7% ABV

Escape Brewing's The Other West Coast IPA boasts an aggressive hopping technique using Centennial, Mosaic, and Citra hops. This IPA showcases tropical fruit flavors that are complemented by subtle notes of berries and stone fruits. With an ABV of 7.1%, it strikes an excellent balance between hop intensity and drinkability. The Citra and Mosaic hops shine, providing a delightful citrusy experience with a smooth mouthfeel.

5. Goofy Footed Wheat Beer - American Pale Wheat 5.5% ABV

Escape Brewing's Goofy Footed Wheat Beer offers a refreshing take on the American Pale Wheat style. It presents subtle citrus notes that contribute to its overall smoothness. With a clean finish, this beer delivers a sweet and light experience that's perfect for those seeking a mellow and enjoyable brew.

Escape Brewing Company's lineup of beers showcases their commitment to quality and flavor. Whether you're a fan of malty Märzens, hop-forward IPAs, or smooth wheat beers, Escape Brewing has something to offer every beer enthusiast.

Where are they, When are they open and how can you contact them?

Escape Brewing Company is located at 9945 Trinity Blvd #108 Trinity, FL, 34655. You can contact them via phone at (727) 807-6092. For a comprehensive overview of their offerings and upcoming events CLICK HERE to visit their website.

The brewery operates Monday to Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 12 pm to 11 pm, and Sundays from 1 pm to 9 pm.