There are some new developments in the Southwest Florida Craft Beer scene! Two closings, a new opening, and an alliance of breweries. And of course – Happy Valentine’s Day!
Scotty’s Bier Works and Crazy Dingo both closed in late 2025 for a variety of reasons including transitions to new ownership, lease issues, and retirements. It was reported in early January that Labelle Brewing Company will continue to brew two of Scotty’s beers from their recipes – the Red Ale and the Hazy IPA.
At some point in early 2026, Resurgence Brewing Company will open in a new building near Sun Harvest Citrus off Six Mile Cypress Parkway. This brewery hails from Buffalo, New York and Beer Club members from up North enjoyed their beer in Buffalo. Let’s hope this brewery opens soon – some have said this is close enough to ride their bikes to – riding there is easy – riding home may not be so easy!
And now the alliance of Craft Brewers in downtown Fort Myers. Millennial, Swamp Cat, Coastal Dayz, and Point Ybel have formed the Downtown Brewery Alliance. Within this alliance, the breweries will collaborate on brewing beers together, sponsor events together (Holiday P.J. Crawl), and work to support one another. The craft beer industry is seeing a decline in sales and other challenges. This alliance will help these breweries bring people in for special events and collaborative beers. Point Ybel is not yet in downtown Fort Myers but plans to open a tasting room sometime in 2026.
But what about Valentine’s Day?
If your Valentine’s Day Honey likes chocolate and beer, you could do a pairing and spend some quality time together. Three or four beers and the same number of chocolates could make a great Valentine’s Day event together. Here are some suggestions for a pairing.
Select 3 or 4 chocolates – White Chocolate orange/key lime, Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Truffle, Sea Salt Caramel and Espresso Dark Chocolate Truffle. Depending on your Honey, you may each want a chocolate to yourselves, so two of each chocolate.
Purchase one bottle/can of the following beers – a 12- or 16-ounce beer can be shared. Belgium Wit – Allagash White or Blue Moon; American Amber – New Belgium Fat Tire Ale or Bells Amber Ale; English Brown Ale – Cigar City Maduro or New Castle Brown Ale; and last but not least, Stout or American Porter- Guinness Stout Irish Draft or Funky Buddha Last Snow Porter.
Here is how they pair up and sample in this order – lightest to darkest – chocolate and beer!
* White Chocolate Orange/Key Lime Truffle with Allagash White or Blue Moon – citrus flavors in the ale will complement the citrus in the chocolate.
* Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Truffle with New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale or Bell’s Amber Ale – the toasty caramel flavors, slightly fruity yeast flavors and slight bitterness will complement the milk chocolate and nut flavor of the truffle.
* Sea Salt Caramel Dark Chocolate Truffle with Cigar City Maduro or New Castle Brown Ale – the rich caramel and nut flavor of the ale will complement the caramel and dark chocolate of the truffle.
* Espresso Dark Chocolate Truffle – Guinness Stout Irish Draft or Funky Buddha Last Snow Porter – the coffee bitterness and malty roast of these ales will complement the coffee and dark chocolate of the truffle.
Pour the beers, same size glasses if possible and let them warm up a bit – same with the chocolates. A bit of warmth releases more flavors. Each of these beers should complement some flavor in the chocolates. Eat a bite of chocolate, drink a sip of the paired beer, and savor. The beer may enhance the flavor or draw out some flavor notes that were not noticed before. Talk with your Honey about the flavors and sensations! You may need to shop around for the chocolates and beer, but your beer and chocolate loving Honey is worth it. Happy Valentine’s Day!
February is a great month for beer and remember to support your local craft breweries! Remember to drink responsibly!
