'Beer Can Building Beer' gives Tampa's most iconic building the respect it deserves

Thirty-six years after it popped out of the ground, Tampa’s “Beer Can Building” is finally getting the respect it deserves.

This morning, a five-person team topped off and packaged about 100 cases of “Beer Can Building Beer,” a new guava wheat ale from JDub’s Brewing Company and Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.

Brewed by Michael Beard and his team at Channelside Brewing, the easy-drinking beer features a hint of the funky fruit that gave the Big Guava its name.

Clocking in at 4.2% ABV, the beer, obviously, comes in one-pint tall boys. It’s wrapped in a design by St. Petersburg-based artist Todd Bates who stayed as true to architect Harry Wolf’s Fibonacci sequence measurements as he could.

“As someone who grew up in Tampa, it’s such an iconic building for me,” Bates said about the downtown’s 31-story, limestone-faced skyscraper also known as Rivergate Tower. Bates’ label includes an homage to the Exploding Chicken sculpture, which used to live outside but has since found a home in Channelside.

Brewed to commemorate the 2024 Best of the Bay awards happening this fall, Bay area residents can get their first taste of Beer Can Building Beer at Bolts Brew Fest happening inside Amalie Arena on Friday, Aug. 9 .

“Being in the Big Guava, it was exciting to learn that JDub’s was already planning a guava wheat,” CL Publisher James Howard said about the partnership with the resurgent Bay area beer brand now based in Ybor City. “This represents a flavor and fun package as unique as Tampa Bay itself. I’m excited for everyone to try it.”

“The big Best of the Bay party is one of the most fulfilling things we do at CL,” Ray Roa, Editor-In-Chief at CL, added about the ceremony set for the Hard Rock Event Center on Sept. 25 . “The awards give our readers a chance to celebrate all that is special about their communities, and I’m really grateful to the JDub’s and Channelside brew teams who were on board to create a beer as unique as the people we serve.”

Beard lauded Beer Can Building Beer’s balance and described the fruit-forward flavor as perfect for hot Florida summer days.

"Channelside Brewing Co. is grateful and excited to collaborate with Creative Loafing and JDub's Brewing Co. on this unique and interesting beer,” he added.

Founded in Sarasota, JDub’s shut down shortly after the onset of the pandemic, but was revived last year by Tampa lawyer Rich McIntyre, who also owns Ybor City’s 1920 cafe and music venue .

“It’s an underdog, comeback beer in my eyes,” McIntyre recently told CL about his acquisition of the brand. “This has been in the works for years.”

Now headquartered in the historic district, JDub’s works with Channelside Brewing Co.—located at 812 N12th St. right next to Four Green Fields—to produce the Poolside Florida Ale, Bell Cow Chocolate Porter, Passion Wheat Ale, and Up Top IPA.

We can’t wait to drink Beer Can Building Beer with everyone at Bolts Brew Fest and again at the Best of the Bay awards.

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