Whether you want to explore the Sarasota-Bradenton craft beer scene and learn the ins and outs of local flavor or you just want an excuse to day-drink on a trolley with a good-natured bunch of soon-to-be friends, the arrival of Brew Thru SRQ craft beer tours gives reason to celebrate. Officially launched this past Saturday, Brew Thru SRQ offers guided tours on the Siesta Key trolley through the region’s growing brew scene, stopping at both breweries and bars of note. “In two years, Sarasota has gone from one brewery to now eight,” said founder and tour leader Meg Hughes. “Sarasota needs this.” A craft beer aficionado, Hughes lays claim to an extensive collection of growlers as trophies, collected from bars across the nation – proving her craft beer bona fides – and as an entrepreneur and event planner, the endeavor was a perfect match.

The “Full Pint” tour comprises five “brew stops” and takes most of the afternoon. At each stop, the group enjoys complimentary drinks while Hughes offers insights and stories related to the beer or the brewery, and leads little bouts of trivia. Common stops include JDub’s, Big Top and Darwin’s brewing companies, as well as craft beer havens such as Mandeville Beer Garden. After a successful test run with family and friends this past November, Hughes led the first official tour last Saturday with a full trolley of 30 thirsty riders and plans to continue them monthly.

The March tour is already sold out, however, and the April tour has scant remaining seats, so move quickly to reserve a seat. To meet rising demand, Hughes will also be introducing a more frequent series of “Half-Pint” tours comprising three stops geographically themed to explore a particular region of Sarasota. A possible Sunday brunch brew tour could also be in the works, Hughes hinted.

But as much as she loves the brew, the tours are about the people, said Hughes. “I had people over 60 and people in their 20s,” she said, “and by the end everybody’s talking and going out together after. It’s a very good feeling.”

For details and pricing check the Brew Thru SRQ website below.

Brew Thru SRQ