GOOD THINGS SPRING FROM HERE. First Magnitude is a craft brewery and tap room located in the South Main Street area of downtown Gainesville. We are about great beer, an excellent space for enjoying a pint, and being an active part of our community.
‘First Magnitude’ is inspired by the unique geologic characteristics of North Central Florida that give us the highest density of freshwater springs in the world. First magnitude springs are the most powerful – over 100 cubic feet of water per second boils up from their limestone openings to form cool, clear pools that feed our rivers and lakes. And the brightest star you can see with your naked eye is called a first magnitude star.
Our five year round beers that are described below are always available in our tap room. We also offer numerous small batch specialty beers on tap on a rotating basis, as well as a couple Florida ciders and some wines.
Vega Blonde Ale is a refreshing, approachable choice for an afternoon at the beach or a sunset paddle. Featuring more hop character and bitterness than a standard blonde ale, she compares favorably with a pilsner. ABV: 4.9%.
72 Pale Ale is a beer for the hop lover. It has a prominent citrus and somewhat floral aroma paired with a bready malt note in the background. The beer has an enticing, light copper color and is balanced, but leans decidedly towards the hops in its flavor and aroma. It is medium-bodied with a semi-dry finish that leaves a lingering herbal/spicy sense on the tongue. The aroma is enhanced by dry hopping. ABV: 5.6%.
Drift is First Magnitude’s dark, malt-focused beer. It is a robust English Mild, a style you can think of as a session brown ale, that is full of malt flavor, but still has a medium body and can be fully enjoyed in warmer weather. ABV: 4.4%
Ursa is a classic American-style IPA. Named after two of the most familiar constellations; those of the Ursa, or Great and Little Bear. Hops are the star of this intense brew with heavy doses of Centennial, Simcoe, and Mosaic providing bright tropical, pine, and citrus aromas. The hop flavors are well balanced by a malt body with a lightly sweet character. ABV: 7.1%.
Wakulla is named for the largest of Florida’s First Magnitude springs. Our refreshing, German-style wheat beer is full of the banana, clove, and vanilla notes associated with this style. Medium-light bodied and hazy from suspended yeast, this is a thirst quencher of the first magnitude. ABV: 5.4%.
