Craft Beer in Clearwater | Pair O' Dice Brewing

Occupying warehouse space just off of 118^th Ave. in Clearwater, Pair O' Dice very much feels like a real, live brewery. If you have a questionable sense of direction (like me) it can be easy to miss on the first pass (as I did) and with no other attractions or distractions among the otherwise industrial surroundings, the brewery is the destination. I was reminded of a visit I made to Flying Dog in Maryland, about a year ago. The lack of surrounding entertainment somehow adds to the experience – you are here for this place, and this beer.

The allocation of square footage inside – the large production space and relatively small tasting area - suggests that the ultimate focus may be on outside distribution. The brewery is impressive, with the equipment housed mostly on the perimeter; though it's largely bare. Patrons are welcome to explore the brewery on a self-guided tour.

Right now, if you're paying a visit to Pair O' Dice, you are almost certainly there for the taproom. The look of the space is clean and very laid-back, with the same mostly orange-and-black color scheme as the brand's logo. At the time of my visit, there were about 15 people in the room, and I would estimate that it could hold a little more than double that number before it began to feel like a crowd (but I'm roughly as good with numbers as I am with directions). The tables are small 4-seaters that can easily be maneuvered to accommodate the size of your party. The seats are not densely packed, which was appreciated - I found it very easy to carry on a conversation at a comfortable distance from the other folks in the room.

The bar itself is styled as an unrolled wooden barrel, with about 10 cushioned, backless stools. A pair of (or pair o', I suppose?) chalkboards display the current selections. No kitchen here, just beer (though food trucks do roll in). There were 16 active taps on this day, representing a solid variety of styles. The beers rotate frequently and by the looks of their website, the only consistent year-round offering is their flagship brew, Hop Bet Red IPA.

Let's talk about the beer. I mean, we're five paragraphs deep into a brewery article, so it feels like it might be time. Pair O' Dice Brewing focuses on balance, aromatic, and flavorful West coast inspired American craft beer. Their words, not mine. It's encouraging to know that the brewers are working from a focused mission statement. A short review of the owners' history reveals a legit brewing industry pedigree that predates our local craft beer boom. It shows in the finished product. The most representative beers are surely the aforementioned Hop Bet, and maybe also The Pit Poss triple IPA (currently their only beer available in bottles).

I went with the Lowball Session IPA (served in a tall stemmed tulip glass, as most of their beers are) which was excellent. Well-balanced, hoppy but totally drinkable. Just what I was (and very often am) looking for. Lucky Lucy Strawberry Blond, their spring seasonal which is brewed with local Plant City strawberries, is said to be a crowd favorite. My girlfriend's impulse growler purchase helped to confirm this report. I managed only to sneak one taste, but I was again impressed. An easy, dry blond ale that showcases the fruit nicely.

If you're a local brewery completest like I am, I don't need to tell you to make the pilgrimage to Pair O' Dice, it's already on your list, but I might encourage you to move it a few spots closer to the top.

Here are the quick facts:

4400 118th Avenue North, Suite 208
Clearwater, Florida 33762
TAPROOM HOURS:
Wed-Thurs 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
32oz growler fills range from $7 - $12

For additional information about the craft beer industry in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties be sure to read: