A Celebration of Local Craft: Swamp Head Brewery

Visit Swamphead Brewing Company, a haven for hopheads and casual beer enthusiasts alike. This isn't your typical sterile taproom; it's a celebration of local ingredients, innovative brewing techniques, and a passionate community that thrives on good beer and good company. Step inside Swamphead, and you're greeted by the intoxicating aroma of malts and hops, the lively chatter of patrons discussing their favorite brews, and a palpable sense of community spirit.

Swamp Head Brewery was founded in 2008 by University of Florida alumnus Luke Kemper. Kemper got the idea of starting a brewery in Gainesville, Florida from the social beer culture of Colorado while living in Boulder, Colorado. Kemper got together with brewer Craig Birkmaier to start on making a brewery in Gainesville called Swamp Head Brewery. Kemper and Birkmaier got equipment from a former brewing company in Ocala called Spanish Springs Brewing Company and reassembled it in a warehouse in Gainesville. In November 2009 Swamp Head Brewery started distributing its products throughout Gainesville. In 2011, Swamp Head won 11 awards at the Best Florida Beer Championships. Two of the awards were best in show for Darkwater Floridian Dark Ale (Black IPA) and second best in show for Smoke Signal Smoked Porter.[2] In 2012 a tasting room called The Wetlands was established for Swamp Head Brewery. In 2015 Swamp Head Brewery relocated to its present-day location on SW 42 Avenue.[3] During the COVID-19 pandemic Swamp Head Brewery had to close The Wetlands tasting room and temporarily stop its draft beer orders but continued to make canned beer selling wholesale to distributors and retail through its on-site drive-thru.[4]

(Information from Wikipedia)

Swamp Head Brewing Company goes beyond just serving delicious craft beers; they offer a variety of food options and activities that elevate your experience:

Food Truck Fare: Swamp Head partners with a rotating selection of local food trucks, ensuring there's something to satisfy every craving. From gourmet burgers and tacos to wood-fired pizzas and vegan delights, the food truck offerings perfectly complement the diverse range of beers.

A Hub for Community Events: Swamp Head is more than just a taproom; it's a hub for community events. They regularly host live music performances by local bands, trivia nights, and beer release parties, fostering a vibrant and social atmosphere.

Family-Friendly Fun: Swamp Head welcomes families with open arms. The spacious taproom offers ample seating, and they often have outdoor games available for children to enjoy. While the focus is on craft beer, the welcoming atmosphere ensures everyone feels comfortable and included.

Beyond the Taproom: Exploring Gainesville with Swamp Head

A Stone's Throw from the Swamp: The brewery is conveniently located just a short drive from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, affectionately nicknamed "The Swamp," home to the Florida Gators football team. Enjoy a pre-game Swamp Head beer before cheering on the Gators to victory.

A Supporter of Local Businesses: Swamp Head takes pride in supporting the local Gainesville community. They collaborate with local farms and purveyors to source ingredients for their beers, and they partner with other local businesses for events and promotions. By supporting Swamp Head, you're also supporting the vibrant tapestry of Gainesville's economy.

A Gateway to Craft Beer Paradise: Gainesville boasts a thriving craft beer scene, with several other breweries within a short distance of Swamp Head. Embark on a self-guided brewery tour, sampling the diverse offerings of Gainesville's craft beer scene.

Looking for a place to stay while visiting the local Gainesville attractions? Look no further than Gainesville's locally owned vacation rental company, StayGainesville. Book directly on our site, or call us at 352-519-3994 for guidance. For homes and condos, StayGainesville has many options- large and small/ budget and luxury, and more. For a shorter stay, we have 2 beautiful historic Inns in downtown Gainesville. The Camellia Rose Inn and The Laurel Oak Inn- both have unique personalities and they both feel like a home away from home.

Looking for more things to do in Gainesville? Visit our Things to Do link.