Drink Beers With Green Man Brewery Owner and "Hop Hustler" Dennis Thies

Ever since the brewing industry took hold in Florida, it seems that the Sunshine state is attracting beers from afar. This includes Green Man Brewing Company from North Carolina, Asheville's second-oldest brewery which announced it would begin South Florida distribution in November.  

Now, South Florida zythophiles will have a chance to tip a few back with the "hop hustler" himself, Green Man owner Dennis Thies, and his crew at several official launch events happening across the tri-county region beginning less than a week from now. 

In addition to drinking Green Man's flagships, those in attendance at each event will be privy to some brewery swag, as well as small batch brews that are usually only available in its tap room up north. 

Starting on Sunday, December 13, at noon, Thies will be hanging out for a launch event at Tucker Duke's Lunchbox (1101 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach; 954-708-2035). 

Also on December 13, at 4 p.m., Thies and crew will be heading up north to Banana Boat Lounge and Restaurant (739 E Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach; 561-732-9400). 

Then, on December 14 at 7 p.m., the Beer Trade Company (145 NE Fourth Ave., Delray Beach; 561-808-7304) hosts a Green Man event with Thies and crew. 

And lastly, on December 15, Coconut Grove's Barracuda Raw Bar and Grill (3035 Fuller St in Miami; 305-918-9013) is throwing a Green Man launch party starting at 7 p.m., although it's unclear if Thies will be there. 

According to Elise Carlson, who does marketing and public relations for Green Man, it was the growing craft-beer craze that brought her brewery to Florida. That, and according to Carlson, Thies himself is a Palm Beach County native. 

"Dennis knows there's an emerging craft beer market and he's also received a lot of feedback from consumers and distributors," Carlson says. "It pretty much was a logical step." 

Green Man signed on to several distributors in Florida, enough to cover the entire state. 

Having recently completed a multi-million dollar expansion project, the extra capacity afforded Green Man the opportunity to expand beyond its borders. To keep a consistent supply throughout Florida, the brewery signed with Brew Hub in Lakeland to have their flagships brewed there and distributed across the state. 

Green Man beers can be found in Florida in 12-ounce bottle six packs and on draft. They include Green Man IPA, Green Man ESB, and Green Man Porter. Look for them where craft beer is sold across South Florida.