Article by Michelle Appleyard
Award winning brewery, Pinellas Ale Works or “PAW” for short began in 2014 with the transformation of the historic Harold’s Auto Body buildings in downtown St. Petersburg. The Tap Room opened its doors in 2016 with a wide selection of beer styles. The 30+ taps feature Lagers, IPA’s, Amber and Brown Ales, Black Lager, Milk Stout and Imperial Stouts, Sours, and Seltzers, all made in house. There’s a large air-conditioned Tap Room and an adjacent shaded beer garden popular with craft beer aficionados and their dogs. Dennis Decker, head brewer and owner, reflects on the transformation: “Looking back, it was a long road to get to where we are now, but when we see our customers enjoying our beer and having a great time, we know it was worth every bit of the effort. We’re proud to be a part of the St. Pete brewery culture and we’re committed to giving our patrons a world-class product.”
Awards—In 2017, Pinellas Ale Works started distributing its beer in kegs and cans to local restaurants, bars, and beer stores in surrounding counties. Since then, PAW beers have received recognition on a state and national level. Standouts are Milk Bone Stout – 2017 Great American Beer Festival Silver Medal winner; 1888 Russian Imperial Stout – 2017 Best Florida Beer Gold and 2018 Silver Medal winner; and Schwarzhound Black Lager – 2019 Best Florida Beer Gold Medal.
Private Events—Adjacent to the tap room are the barrel aging event room and spacious beer garden, which are commonly reserved for private events. The private indoor barrel aging room event space is perfect for hosting weddings, wedding rehearsals, corporate events, birthdays or anniversaries.
Happenings—During the week, PAW hosts daily events in their Tap Room including Monday night Yoga, Tuesday night Euchre, Wednesday night trivia, and Thursday night “Yappy Hour” when local rescues head to PAW to promote their dog or cat adoptables. PAW makes a donation to a pet rescue for every beer sold from 6-8pm. PAW also hosts live music every Friday night and Sunday afternoon. PAW prides itself on being the perfect place to bring your four-legged friends while enjoying a delicious craft beer.
Visit the Tap Room or ask for PAW beer at your favorite bar or restaurant.
Pinellas Ale Works
1962 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
pawbeer.com • (727) 235-0970