On Monday, Livability.com revealed the U.S. towns, big or small, that made its 10 Best Beer Cities list. Thanks to the region’s geeky devotion to all things beer, Tampa ranked No. 5.
“Tampa offers innovative and award-winning breweries, residents who consume beer at higher rates than the average American, sophisticated beer tastes and a high-quality of life for beer lovers,” said a news release from the website.
While compiling the ranking, Livability editors examined beer production and consumption.
For production, according to the release, they acknowledged cities’ award-winning breweries and suds based off Great American Beer Festival accolades. And Esri data helped determine where more craft and high-end beers are being sipped on average than macrobrews.
Liquor stores per capita, a place’s reputation as a beer town, its overall livability and some editors’ personal experiences in a city were also taken into account.
“Tampa beer lovers are experiencing a golden age of craft brewing,” continued the release. “The area is home to more than 30 breweries and brewpubs, making it a true destination for beer tourists.”
Editors made nods to Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Cigar City Brewing and the Ulele restaurant’s Ulele Spring Brewery.
Here’s the full list of top 10 cities:
1. Bend, Oregon
2. Denver
3. San Diego
4. Albuquerque, New Mexico
5. Tampa
6. Grand Rapids, Michigan
7. St. Louis
8. Bellingham, Washington
9. Hershey, Pennsylvania
10. Billings, Montana
This article appears in Dec 4-10, 2014.
