Aardwolf Taproom & Brewery

Jacksonville craft brewers have a new addition to their scene. Aardwolf Brewing Company debut their phenomenal space and brews a couple of months ago when they opened their taproom and tapped their kegs on Hendricks Avenue in San Marco. Once the city’s old ice house, Aardwolf Brewery and Taproom is an amazing space with exposed brick walls, wood beamed ceilings and cool ambient lighting. Just as interesting and great conversation as the renovated space, is the brewery’s name - Aardwolf. An aardwolf is a small, insectivorous mammal or earth wolf. Coincidentally, the Latin name for hops translates to humulus lupulus or earth wolf. Hence the logic in the name, Aardwolf.  

 

Upon entering, one is struck by the spaciousness of the taproom and the inviting bar spanning the entire wall, which separates it from the actual brewery. Throughout are a variety of tables and plenty of seating all in keeping with the rustic yet comfortable atmosphere. A nice architectural touch is the glass window giving patrons the opportunity to get an eyeful of the large brewing vats. On the far wall of exposed brick, a large chalkboard sign lists the days taproom offerings complete with alcohol content and price. But unlike the other breweries, Aardwolf thoughtfully lists both their beer offerings on the left-hand side, while on the right cleverly offering

ales from other local breweries. Like most Jacksonville taprooms, a food kitchen is not part of the brewery, however, Aardwolf books Jacksonville Food Trucks on Friday and Saturday nights making it the perfect weekend spot to hang out, enjoy some great brews and satisfy your pallet.

Aside from the main taproom, Aardwolf boasts a Biergarten and a Back Lounge, both perfect private gathering spaces. Last Wednesday night MPI North Florida held a happy hour event for members and guests to showcase the venue and try out the newcomer to the Jacksonville craft brew arena. MPI After 5 took over the Back Lounge, an amazing space with plenty of couches and comfy chairs for guests. A convenient “take-out” style window allowed for easy brew ordering and Corporate Caterers provided a little something to nosh while the group mixed, mingled and enjoyed the beer.

Being new to the Aardwolf brand, I would’ve liked a flight of beers to get a true sense of what the brewery had to offer. I eventually opted for the Aardwolf Belgian Pale Ale – amber colored with a slight head and an amazing hint of clove and tropical fruits. The pint went down smoothly and I loved every last drop. By far one of the better Pale Ale’s I’ve ever had, refreshing and light yet completely satisfying. My guest, wanting the lightest beer offered, opted for Aardwolf’s Hasselhoffenweisse.  A cloudy, golden hued brew with a sweet aroma of citrus and a touch of yeast, this brew was just the right flavor for her. Around us, many had to chosen to taste the newly tapped Ermah-Gourd Pilot Batch pumpkin ale. The Pilot Batch series, I came to find out, is special limited beer, brewed in small batches and tapped every Wednesday. Although I am not a pumpkin ale drinker, this particular brew, a nod to the fall season, did not disappoint the beer connoisseurs that enjoyed a glass.

When I left the taproom around 7:15pm, the place was still happening with most spots at the bar occupied and tables full of people enjoying the beer and the atmosphere. I am looking forward to being back on a Food Truck night to sample more beer and culinary delights. What a terrific new spot for after work and weekend crowd!

Aardwolf Taproom
1461 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville
Wed - Sat: 3pm-11pm
Sunday: 2pm-10pm