It was pointed out to me the other night that what we're creating is something truly unique, and individual to us. Now, I am the first person to admit that a opening a brewery is not novel, brewing a citra-hopped pale ale is nothing extraordinary (although it is very delicious), and our concrete bar tops are nothing you haven't seen before.
However, the makeup of who is behind Leaven Brewing is what makes this place, our place (soon to be your place) a really neat, individual, independent of other projects kind of place.
KJ has brewing experience that is unlike most others. Not to say it's better in any way - but it is different. KJ started at Fort Myers Brewing Co. and learned the process from Rob, the owner there. KJ quickly became the head brewer of Fort Myers, which went on to receive respectable awards at Best Florida Beer, and collect accolades on RateBeer.
After FMB, KJ became the senior brewer at Brew Hub, ultimately helping other local brands to grow their beers. Brewhub, unlike FMB, was a 100bbl system (#nbd) and produced roughly around 98,000 barrels of beer a year.
KJ is a brewer, who's learned under some super unique circumstances, but he's also now the owner of a brewery. A brewery that was built with his own hands, beer recipes written by him and brewed by him. At Leaven Brewing you are experiencing the absolute heart and soul of everything KJ has ever worked for. We are a husband and wife team who has taken everything we've had (and all of our sleep) to build a place where people can connect while drinking some dang delicious stuff. We grew this. No frills, no venture capitalists, no investment group, just us and our long list of friends that we are absolutely the most grateful for.
Meet Brewhouse Mc Brewface, a big hunk of 304 stainless steel construction with glass manways, American made Baldor SS washdown pumps, and an available production of 5bbls. He likes long rinse cycles of brewer's no. 5 and can't resist a good caustic cycle. Most brewhouses his size don't come with automatic rakes and plows, but Brewhouse McBrewface does.
Riverview Location
11238 Boyette Rd, Riverview, FL 33569
Plant City Location Opening Soon!
202 E Reynolds St, Plant City, FL
Back in 2017 when Leaven was just an itty, bitty idea we claimed that we would brew authentic beer, true-to-style for genuine people. Eight years ago we were confident that the Leaven community would create a sense of belonging.
Now that we’re here, we feel we’ve done just that and more! Leaven offers 12 beers on tap at all times, aiming to have a variety of styles. From our flagship, Cheeky Blonde Ale to our hazy Aging Hipster IPA, we think you’ll find somthing you’re seeking.
Leaven is a neighborhood brewery, where probably someone knows youre name!
This hazy IPA is double dry hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe hops... effortlessly and classically cool.
This Amarillo dry-hopped Berliner is refreshingly perfect for sittin' & sippin' the afternoon away. The combination of Pomona yeast and Nektaron hops bring out big notes of peach and tropical fruit.
Calm down folks, we’re talking about her … personality, This cheeky blonde serves as a great refresher on a hot summer day. Light in color, clean, crisp flavor, with a balance of floral hops.
This cold IPA combines Galaxy and Amarillo hops to bring out notes of peach, citrus, and tropical fruit!
Karl would take a sip of KJ’s Kölsch and say: “Is good KJ, is good.” So, we stole the name from him. Brisk carbonation, a light malt sweetness, alongside traditional German hops.
This west coast, old-school style IPA is hopped with Simcoe and Centennial. Don't say sorry to us, say it to the baby.
Crisp & tart with a dry finish, its the drink of summer!
Sometimes you get to make beer with your best friends and when you do, you go BIG! This full bodied, imperial lager was brewed with our BFFs at Barriehaus!
… And the cheers were heard throughout the city that day, The Red was back on! This robust blend of pilsner, caramel and roast malts is our hero. A single bugle plays when it taps.
Whether you're relaxing in the A/C or find yourself digging holes in the desert, this American wheat ale is made with a special yeast strain engineered to bring out notes of peach, citrus, and tropical fruit - very refreshing!
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