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Cigar City Cider & Mead: A Taste of Tampa's Craft Beverage Scene

Discover Tampa's craft beverage scene beyond beer at Cigar City Cider & Mead in historic Ybor City, offering unique ciders and meads made with local ingredients for a refreshing taste of Florida.

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Cigar City Cider & Mead, located in Tampa's historic Ybor City, offers a refreshing alternative to the area's numerous breweries. Founded as a side project to the renowned Cigar City Brewing, this establishment crafts a diverse selection of ciders and meads using local ingredients, providing a unique taste of Florida. The tasting room, set in a beautifully renovated space, provides a welcoming atmosphere for both cider and mead enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With its innovative flavors and commitment to quality, Cigar City Cider & Mead has become a popular destination for those seeking a different kind of craft beverage experience in Tampa. It's a great place to expand your palate and discover the distinct flavors of Florida-grown ingredients in expertly crafted ciders and meads. The location also contributes to the vibrant atmosphere of Ybor City, making it a must-visit for tourists.

A brief summary to Cigar City Cider & Mead

  • Wednesday 5 pm-12 am
  • Thursday 5 pm-12 am
  • Friday 5 pm-12 am
  • Saturday 12 pm-12 am
  • Sunday 12 pm-12 am

Local tips

  • Check the tap list online before visiting to see the current selection of ciders and meads, as the offerings change frequently due to their experimental brewing style.
  • Consider trying a flight to sample a variety of ciders and meads, allowing you to explore the diverse range of flavors and styles.
  • Ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations based on your personal preferences; they can guide you towards ciders and meads that suit your taste.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Ybor City, exploring the historic streets, cigar shops, and Cuban restaurants in the area.
  • Visit during off-peak hours (weekdays or early afternoons) for a more relaxed experience and to avoid crowds.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of Ybor City, such as Centro Ybor or the Ybor City State Museum, Cigar City Cider & Mead is easily accessible on foot. Head north on N 15th St. The tasting room is located on the right side of the street, a short walk from the main 7th Avenue strip. The walk is generally flat and straightforward, allowing you to take in the sights and sounds of Ybor City along the way.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving via the TECO Line Streetcar, disembark at the 15th Street & 8th Avenue stop. From there, walk north on 15th Street for approximately two blocks. Cigar City Cider & Mead will be on your right. A single ride on the streetcar costs $2.50. Alternatively, several HART bus routes serve Ybor City. Check the HART website for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. Bus fares are typically around $2.00 per ride.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Tampa. Simply request a ride to 1812 N 15th St, Tampa, FL 33605. From most locations in downtown Tampa or Ybor City, the fare should be in the range of $8-$15, depending on traffic and distance.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 1812 N 15th St, Tampa, FL 33605. Parking in Ybor City can be challenging, especially during peak hours. Street parking is available but often limited to 2 hours. Several parking garages and lots are located nearby, including the Centro Ybor Garage (1500 E 5th Ave) and the Fernando Noriega Jr. Garage (2010 N 13th St). Parking rates typically range from $2-$3 per hour, with daily maximums around $10-$12. Be aware of parking restrictions and rates to avoid tickets.

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Discover more about Cigar City Cider & Mead

Cigar City Cider & Mead, nestled in the heart of Tampa's historic Ybor City, offers a delightful departure from the area's better-known breweries, presenting a diverse range of handcrafted ciders and meads. Born from the innovative spirit of Cigar City Brewing, this establishment has carved out its own niche in Tampa's thriving craft beverage scene, attracting both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers. Stepping into the tasting room is an experience in itself. The space, formerly occupied by Tampa Bay Brewing Company, has been thoughtfully renovated to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Exposed brick walls, low-top tables crafted from repurposed barrels, and expansive windows overlooking 15th Street blend rustic charm with modern industrial aesthetics. The ambiance is both relaxed and engaging, encouraging visitors to linger and explore the unique flavors on offer. The focus, of course, is on the ciders and meads themselves. Unlike mass-produced beverages, Cigar City Cider & Mead takes pride in using high-quality ingredients, with a particular emphasis on locally sourced Florida honey and Washington State apples. This commitment to local sourcing not only supports regional agriculture but also infuses the beverages with a distinct sense of place. The cider selection is diverse, ranging from traditional dry ciders to innovative fruit-infused creations. Flagship offerings like the "Fight the Power" Sour Apple cider showcase the cidery's playful approach to flavor, while seasonal releases highlight the best of Florida's agricultural bounty. Mead, an ancient beverage made from fermented honey, takes center stage here, with a wide array of styles to explore. From light and refreshing hydromels to rich and complex spiced meads, there's a mead to suit every palate. One of the defining characteristics of Cigar City Cider & Mead is its commitment to experimentation. Head cider and mead maker Jared Gilbert is constantly pushing the boundaries of flavor, incorporating unique ingredients and techniques to create truly memorable beverages. Past creations have included ciders infused with elderflower, cactus, jalapeño, cantaloupe, honeydew, cucumber, and tea, while meads have featured gallberry honey, prickly pear cactus, cardamom, lemon peel, and peppercorns. This willingness to experiment ensures that there's always something new and exciting to discover on the tap list. Beyond the beverages themselves, Cigar City Cider & Mead offers an educational experience for those interested in learning more about cider and mead making. The tasting room features detailed explanations of different mead styles, as well as historical references to mead throughout the ages. Knowledgeable staff are always on hand to answer questions and guide visitors through the tasting process. Cigar City Cider & Mead's location in Ybor City adds to its appeal. This historic neighborhood, once the cigar capital of the world, is now a vibrant cultural hub, with a mix of restaurants, bars, shops, and art galleries. A visit to Cigar City Cider & Mead can easily be combined with exploring the other attractions of Ybor City, such as the Ybor City Museum State Park, the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory, and the numerous Cuban restaurants that line 7th Avenue. Whether you're a cider aficionado, a mead enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and flavorful beverage experience, Cigar City Cider & Mead is well worth a visit. With its commitment to quality ingredients, innovative flavors, and welcoming atmosphere, it's a true gem in Tampa's craft beverage scene. The tasting room is a great place to relax and enjoy a flight of ciders and meads, learn about the history and production of these beverages, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Ybor City. It's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the diverse flavors of Florida.

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