Cigar City Brewing has led the charge for craft brewers in Florida. Not only leading by example in the brewing process, ensuring quality and consistency from beer to beer, but also in their advocacy of the issues that face the industry in our state. It's not luck that has allowed their rapid growth and place of importance in the country's brewing culture. With that, Cigar City has continued to build on their facility, improve their process, and make additions to their team that will bring new perspectives and enhance the quality of the product leaving the brewery. Ashley is the latest addition to the brewing team. She brings a west coast perspective to an east coast juggernaut. She brings an attention to detail and love for brewing to enhance an already meticulous and passionate team. Most of all, she's just awesome. We chatted with Ashley about all things beer, the future at Cigar City, the importance of women in the industry, and "brewpies". We hope you enjoy.

Cheers,

Craft Commander

Florida craft beer has been facing an uphill battle in Tallahassee over the past couple years as the market share being taken over by craft beer continues to grow. Large breweries and distributors have used longstanding political influence to do what they can to stunt the growth of this craft beer boom. Sadly, rather than evolve and grow, these dinosaurs are trying to legislate out the competition. This is about as un-American as it comes. This can not be tolerated. This must be fought.

Breweries like Cigar City, Florida's craft beer leaders, have learned very quickly that the challenge is a real one. Millions of dollars are being funneled into the attack by big beer and age-old relationships between big beer and the legislature have forced the young craft beer industry to grow up quickly. A real life David and Goliath is unfolding right before our eyes here in Florida. David, armed with integrity, innovation, and the support of a generation seems poised to ensure the outcome remains the same as it did in the age old story. Just look at the growth in the last 5 years. Look at the movement and the way our generation has embraced craft beer. It's not a coincidence and it's not a surprise.

Cigar City has been the catalyst for economic growth for the bay area and the state, has employed hundreds of local people, has increased tourism in a state that prides itself on it, and among other things, has become a source of pride for many Floridians. Through hard work and dedication, Cigar City is leading by example and paving the way for the other breweries who have opened and will open in the coming years.

The legislature needs to see what a great industry ours is and what a benefit to Florida helping craft beer along can be. I think they are. I know they will. Florida craft beer is here to stay.

Cheers,

Craft Commander

Ashley Smith - Brewer Cigar City Brewing

Joey Redner & Justin Clark - Cigar City Brewing and Florida Craft Beer Legislation