Green Bench Brewing Up For National Honors

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Green Bench Brewing Co.’s founders Nathan Stonecipher and Steven Duffy love a good challenge.

That might explain why the two are among the only brewers on the country’s east coast to craft Belgian beers using foeders, special oak fermentation vessels. They also happen to own the only microbrewery in Florida nominated as a finalist in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in the Favorite New Brewery category. The next closest brewery is Orpheus Brewing in Atlanta.

“For us, it’s an honor,” Stonecipher said of the nomination.

Green Bench Brewing got its start about two and a half years ago. The microbrewery was St. Pete’s first, Stonecipher said, “which we’re very proud of.”

When Duffy and Stonecipher set out to open their doors at 1133 Baum Ave. N., they had some very specific goals in mind meant to help them and their frothy creations stand out.

“(We) focus on quality and innovative beer styles,” Stonecipher said. “Everything we create here is difficult, special and unique.”

In addition to its oak-fermented Belgian beer series, the brewery also offers a line of barrel-aged sour beers aged in an onsite cellar and more standard ales, as well. While making innovative beers is Green Bench’s business, Stonecipher said community involvement is also a real source of pride for those behind the brews. Since its inception, Green Bench has played host to a number of events meant to highlight community groups.

Green Bench boasts its own 1,500-square-foot tap room and 6,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden featuring landscaped seating areas and a covered patio.

“With over 15 constantly changing taps, there will always be something new to stop in and try,” the brewery’s website promises.

The tap room is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from noon until 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from noon until midnight and Sundays from noon until 10 p.m. It’s closed on Mondays.

Green Bench microbrews are also available at bars and restaurants in Florida and at many stores that sell microbrews, too.

As for that 10Best award, voting remains open until noon on Monday, Feb. 29. The 20 nominees in this year’s contest were selected by a “panel of beer aficionados,” USA Today explains on its website.

To vote for Green Bench, visit the 10Best website. Fans can vote once per day through Feb. 29. To learn more about the microbrewery, visit Green Bench online.

Photo courtesy of Green Bench Brewing

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