Movers and Shakers: Darwin Brewing Company Purchases Bradenton Property for New Production Brewery

New home of Darwin Brewing Company

BRADENTON – Chef Darwin Santa Maria and partner Bill Cornelius of Darwin’s on 4th gastro-brewpub in Sarasota recently closed on the former Bradenton Press building at 803 17th Avenue West as the new home of Darwin Brewing Company. After an extensive build-out over the coming months, the brewery will be producing their award-winning original recipe beers early next year.

“The goal and the dream has always been to create a full-scale local brewery and event space and it’s finally happening,” said Chef Santa Maria. “We’re thrilled. Plus, we feel great about joining the exciting craft beer revolution happening here in Bradenton. We will be very involved with the community and look forward to showcasing local artists, musicians and more at the brewery.”

Plans for the build-out of the 15-barrel production brewery include a tasting room, beer garden, and a performance space for local live musicians. The production line includes canning, kegging and growlers. Darwin Brewing Company will also invite local food trucks to the property for a complete experience.

Brewmaster Jorge Rosabal is charged with operations of both the Bradenton-based production brewery and the original in-house brewery at the Darwin’s on 4th in Sarasota. A master brewer and production manager with experience around the world, Rosabal plans to include the exotic Andean ingredients Chef Santa Maria is known for in both his seasonal creations as well as the six beers available year-round. The brewmaster announced the following today as part of the line: a spiced porter with Amazonian/Peruvian hot peppers and cacao, a saison with orange blossom honey, lemongrass and lavender, a Berliner Weisse with sweet plantains, passion fruit, Peruvian purple corn and mango, and a Heller pilsner made with traditional methods/discipline in an innovative style.

Darwin Brewing Company received thirteen medals during Tampa Bay Beer Week this year, as well as coming in 2nd runner-up overall for “Best Beer in Florida 2013” with their Summadayze IPA including three gold, five silver and five bronze.

While construction is in progress in Bradenton, Darwin’s on 4th in Sarasota will continue their monthly beer including First Friday Firkins, beer dinners and complimentary tastings every Wednesday. The current line of Darwin Brewing Company beers is on tap nightly.

More about Darwin’s on 4th

Award-winning Chef Darwin Santa Maria is known for his authentic Peruvian specialties such as ceviche, and special techniques with seafood and beef. His original recipes are on display on Darwin’s on 4th, a gastro brewpub located in downtown Sarasota.

Born in the jungles of Peru, Chef Santa Maria came to America at the age 13, first to Miami, then to Sarasota for his last years of high school. He returned to Miami to attend Johnson & Wales culinary college. At age 19, Michael’s on East recruited him and he quickly rose to the position of sous chef. Later he was the opening chef at Fred’s, and in 2001, Food & Wine Magazine named Santa Maria one of the top 10 chefs in the nation. The award encouraged him to strike out on his own and open Selva Grill in a small storefront at Merchant’s Point near Gulf Gate. Later he moved the restaurant downtown and after several years of incredible success, he and his wife decided it was time to start a family and to travel a bit. Santa Maria couldn’t stay away for long, and with Darwin’s on 4th he has the venue to share the perfect blend of urban, local and global with Sarasota in an intimate and comfortable upscale setting just north of downtown Sarasota.

The restaurant seats nearly 200 on two levels, has ample parking and serves dinner only. An additional component to Darwin’s on 4th is an artisan brewery on the premises with Brewmaster Jorge Rosabal in charge of the signature beer menu and plans to expand to a full-scale production brewery in early 2014.

For more information on Darwin's on 4th, call 941-343-2165 or visit www.darwinson4th.com.