Sun King brewery arrives in Sunshine State

If you don’t have plans for this weekend, you do now. 

Sun King Brewery, a key player in the independent craft beer movement, is scheduled to open July 22 in Sarasota. The 5,000-square-foot brewery and taproom is located at 1215 Mango Ave., in the former JDub's Brewing Co. spot.   

Headquartered in Indiana, the Sarasota location will be the brand’s first brewery and taproom in a different state, though beer enthusiasts have been able to find Sun King on tap and in cans since 2017 throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, Orlando, Daytona and Jacksonville. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of our Sun King Sarasota Brewery and Tap Room and are excited to get brewing, share our craft beers with thirsty beer lovers and contribute to the friendly Sarasota community that’s welcomed us,” Clay Robinson, co-founder of Sun King Brewery, says in a news release. “I am excited to move to Sarasota later this year and join our Florida-based team to oversee operations and collaborate with local businesses, community organizations and nonprofits.”

Robinson adds that the company is dedicated to giving back to each local community they’re located in and plan to work with organizations in Sarasota, including the Humane Society of Sarasota, ALSO Youth and the Selby Foundation.

The new Sarasota location will feature 10 beers on tap. While year-round beers like Sunlight Cream Ale, Keller Haze and Orange Vanilla Sunlight Cream Ale will be available, the brewery will also have seasonal and specialty beers to offer, including ones that are specifically made for Florida beer drinkers.