Restaurant
Unclaimed profileThe Brass Tap
Lakeland, FL · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Brass Tap pairs a 150-plus beer list with a serious cocktail program built on premium spirits. Specialty cocktails run $9 to $14, including a tableside-smoked Old Fashioned. Wine by the glass and bottle, plus nonalcoholic options, round out a program that rewards exploration beyond the taps.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Smoked Old Fashioned, made with 1792 Small Batch Bourbon, Angostura bitters, Filthy Black Cherry, and orange peel, smoked tableside. For something lighter, the Watermelon Rita uses Don Julio Blanco and a Tajín rim.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who want both craft beer depth and creative cocktails will find common ground here. The nonalcoholic mocktails and nonalcoholic beers also give designated drivers a real menu rather than an afterthought.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour brings $6 house wines, $7 premium wells, and $5 select drafts, making it a sensible time to sample across categories.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Specialty cocktails range from $9 to $14, wines by the glass from $8 to $15, and mocktails are $7. Happy hour discounts several options.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The dual focus on 150-plus beers and a cocktail list that uses premium spirits like Don Julio and Elijah Craig sets it apart from typical beer-centric bars.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A diverse specialty cocktail menu spans margaritas, martinis, mules, and more, all built on premium spirits. Prices stay moderate, with a tableside-smoked Old Fashioned as a theatrical centerpiece.
Menu strengths
- — Uses premium spirits such as Don Julio, Tito's, and Elijah Craig across the cocktail list.
- — Eight specialty cocktails show range, from tequila-forward ritas to bourbon smashes and an espresso martini.
Standout selections
- — Smoked Old Fashioned: 1792 Small Batch Bourbon, Angostura bitters, Filthy Black Cherry, house-made simple syrup, orange peel, smoked tableside.
- — Watermelon Rita: Don Julio Blanco Tequila, watermelon purée, fresh citrus, organic agave, Tajín rim.
Pricing: $9-$14
Wine
The wine list covers red, white, and sparkling by the glass or bottle, with familiar California labels and a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Happy hour house wine drops to $6.
Menu strengths
- — Offers both by-the-glass and bottle options across red, white, and sparkling.
- — Happy hour includes $6 house wines, keeping entry accessible.
Standout selections
- — Red Blend, Pessimist — 13 (glass), 52 (bottle) — California red blend
- — Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc: New Zealand, $10.50 glass/$35 bottle.
Pricing: $8-$15 by the glass; bottles from $35-$60
Beer
With over 150 beers on draught and in bottles, the selection spans local Florida breweries, Belgian classics, and American craft standards. Happy hour offers $5 select drafts.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive 150+ selection covering draught, bottles, ciders, and hard seltzers.
Standout selections
- — 3 Daughters Vagabond: Hazy IPA at 6.9% ABV.
Pricing: $5 select drafts during happy hour; otherwise varies
Nonalcoholic
A full nonalcoholic program includes three $7 mocktails plus nonalcoholic beers such as Athletic Free Wave Hazy IPA and Guinness 0.0.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a variety of nonalcoholic beverages beyond soft drinks, including mocktails and nonalcoholic beers.
Standout selections
- — Island Daydream: Vita Coco Coconut Water, pineapple and lime juices, house-made simple syrup.
Pricing: Mocktails $7
Spirits
The bar identifies as a craft beer and spirits kitchen.; Spirits are used in cocktails and available as premium wells during happy hour.
Menu strengths
- — Spirits are used in cocktails and available as premium wells during happy hour.
- — Venue is marketed as a 'Craft Beer & Spirits Kitchen'.
Standout selections
- — Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon: featured in the Peach Bourbon Smash.
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