Florida is not usually the first place people think of when discussing barrel-aged stout and heavily hopped modern craft beer. Uncommon Path seem fairly comfortable ignoring that.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, the brewery has built a reputation around bold small-batch releases, particularly imperial stouts, hazy IPAs and barrel-aged projects. The beers lean modern and flavour-driven, often carrying the sort of intensity normally associated with some of the bigger names in American craft brewing.

The stout programme appears to be a major focus. Long barrel ageing, adjuncts like coconut, vanilla and pistachio, and substantial alcohol levels all feature heavily. Thankfully the brewery seems interested in balance as well as excess, which is usually helpful once double-digit ABV enters the room.

Alongside the darker beers sit heavily hopped IPAs and stronger modern styles that reflect contemporary American brewing trends without feeling entirely trapped by them. There is a clear enthusiasm for experimentation running through the range.

Florida’s beer scene continues growing well beyond its older reputation. Breweries like Uncommon Path are part of the reason people increasingly pay attention.