1. What inspired you to found Orange Blossom Brewing and what keeps you going now?
I’m just a beer dork trying to show folks the wonders of great beer. In 2001, most Floridians were drinking watery swill and I’d been traveling and judging at the Great American Beer Festival since the mid 80’s and good beer was taking off in other parts of the country. I was disappointed Florida was so behind the curve. I knew regular (non beer dork) people loved my honey beer so I started brewing it for my hometown as a gateway beer!!! I wanted to wean them off the macros!!!!
Regular (non beer dorks) love my honey beer and I had a mission!!!
2. What do you love most about having a small business in House District 47?
I’m 7th generation Floridian and moved to Conway from Callahan when I was 2.
I’m Conway to the bone though. I remember when our area code was 305 and the phone book was 1 inch thick.
I’ve traveled a lot and toyed with moving but, this is my town. This is my city!!
3. What advice would you give to someone else wanting to open a small business?
Passion for the business you’re in is paramount. If you’re there only to rake all the coins to your corner, that will be evident. Do what you love! Also, you’ve got to be good at the business you’re in AND good at business in general.
4. What is one memory from the Brewery that will always stick with you?
I’m still stoked when I share OBP with someone that doesn’t like beer and they like my beer! I generally ask them what beers they’ve had and then say “no wonder you don’t like beer!”
5. Tell us more about City Beautiful IPA!
I spent the better part of 1994 designing the perfect American IPA in my garage converted to a home brewery. I made about 9 batches, tweaking it along the way, until I was it was perfect. (Nobody’s tougher on my beer than me) IPA’s have evolved a lot over the last 25 years and my IPA has now become a “Classic” American IPA. I use the OG IPA hops, the four C’s. Cascade, Centennial, Chinook and Columbus.
It’s hot in Florida and I made mine a little dryer to make it more quaffable. This beer was born in HD47; maybe I should also call it HD47 IPA!
6. How can readers get plugged into your business or show support in 2021?
Our website has a beer finder on it and we have a robust social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube). Check us out! Passion for awesome beer drives me!