LAKE COUNTY BREWERY EXPANDS OFFERINGS TO INCLUDE SPIRITS

ABOVE: Co-owners Jeff Herbst (left) and wife Peggy (right) with mixologist Megan Green (center).

Well known in Central Florida for its house-brewed craft beers, Mount Dora’s only brewery has added craft cocktails to its offerings.    Mount Dora Brewing, the popular restaurant and bar located uptown, now serves top-shelf spirits that include Patron, Crown Royale, Ketel One,  Jack Daniels Black Label, Chivas Regal, plus single-malt scotches like Oban, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet.

Jeff and Peggy Herbst, the establishment’s owners and long-time Mount Dora residents, added the premium liquors to accommodate customers that may have a thirst for something other than beer and wine.  The bar’s mixologist, Megan Green, has created a craft cocktail menu that includes the Hoppin’ Blood Mary, Very Dirty Vodkatini, Bottom of the Barrel Manhattan and a Hazelnut Caramel Irish Coffee.   

Nineteen years ago Jeff began crafting beer at home, and eventually his thirst for beer making grew into an unbridled passion.  Following the unrelenting call of hops and barley, Herbst spent three years converting his carpentry shop into a full-blown brewery.  Mount Dora Brewing, his labor of love, opened its doors in January, 2010.

Herbst's old carpentry tools and a hodgepodge of collectibles hang in the open rafters above the brewery's Tap Room.  This is the rustic space where friends gather, great beer flows and live music fills the room on weekends. The brewery also boasts an outdoor beer garden, and the Rocking Rabbit Cafe dishes out lunch and dinner Thursday through Monday to rave reviews, as well as their popular breakfasts Thursday through Sunday.

Mount Dora Brewing and Rocking Rabbit Cafe are located at 405 S. Highland Street in Mount Dora.

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