Visit St. Pete/Clearwater has expanded what it’s dubbed the “Craft Beer Trail” with a new passport program. Similar to other passport programs like the recently launched Tampa Bay Ale Trail, the Gulp Coast Beer Passport encourages the exploration of the local craft beer scene.
Passports for the Craft Beer Trail, which runs north to south from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg and is divided into three regions, are free for beer lovers who want ’em. And they’re easy to get — just go online or stop into one of the participating breweries. Gulp Coast locations include Saint Somewhere Brewing Company, Stilt House Brewery, Cycle Brewing, Crooked Thumb Brewery, Brewers’ Tasting Room, Grindhaus Brew Lab, 7venth Sun Brewery, Dunedin Brewery, Woodwright Brewing Co. and Pair O’ Dice Brewing Company.
The idea is to collect a passport sticker from as many of the 30-plus breweries as possible. Limited Gulp Coast T-shirts, shatter-proof pint glasses called Silipints, and secret prizes go to those who complete the beer trail.
“As the largest craft beer destination in the state, it’s cool to finally have something like the Gulp Coast passport that connects it all,” according to a statement from Khris Johnson, head brewer and owner at Green Bench Brewing Co., another participating brewery. “What’s great for one brewery is great for all of them, so we’re excited to be involved with another fun project of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater’s.”