The Four Stacks logo mimics the TECO power plant stacks in Apollo Beach. Lisa Stark photos.
Beer lovers in Apollo Beach now have a new taproom where they can enjoy the latest craft beers. Four Stacks Brewery, at 5469 U.S. 41, directly across from the entrance to Mira Bay, is brewing new creations regularly, thanks to owners Nathan Hangen and Shawn Christenson.
Recognizable by its logo picturing the four stacks of Apollo Beach’s TECO plant, the new taproom is quickly becoming a popular spot for connoisseurs to taste new flavors in a cozy atmosphere with other like-minded beer-buffs.
Four Stacks co-owner Nathan Hangen decided to settle in Ruskin with his wife Heather and their three school-aged children after serving in the Army and working in the business world for several years.
“We wanted a community where we could be involved and start a locally based business,” he said.
Teaming up with fellow beer aficionado Shawn Christenson, Hangen began experimenting with different beer recipes and traveling to craft beer festivals around the country to sample some of the most unique tastes and flavors in craft beer.
“We’ve developed our brews by trial and error,” said Nathan, “which is really the best way to learn.”
A microbrewery or craft brewery is one that produces a small amount of distinctive beer, unlike the big “mega-brewery” corporations we’ve come to know as household names. Craft breweries are characterized by their emphasis on quality, flavor and brewing technique rather than large production. Craft brewers enjoy adding unique twists to traditional flavors and developing new brews that have no precedent.
“I guess I’m a beer snob,” said Nathan, laughing. “I just really enjoy creating something new and different.”
From left, bartender Cassie Frias, co-owners Shawn Christenson and Nathan Hangen.
Nathan says he has been an entrepreneur his entire life, so channeling his passion for beer into a viable business was a natural step for him. He also owns a successful software business which employs a global team of e-commerce professionals that services a worldwide market.
“The software company still pays the bills, but I wanted to start a business that was more personal and community-oriented,” he said. “This is something we plan to build slowly, naturally and organically.”
The taproom at Four Stacks is simply furnished with eclectic items and recycled materials.
“Most of the stuff in here is from Schiller Salvage in Tampa,” said Nathan, including the metal in the bar and the weathered wood on the walls. “Everything in here has a story behind it.”
On the walls are hand-drawn chalk murals done by local artist Charlie Schiller, featuring sailboats and other nautical symbology. Behind the bar is a large chalkboard framed in rustic wood announcing the current week’s selection of brews.
Craft breweries are characterized by their emphasis on quality, flavor and brewing technique rather than large production.
Although craft beer is generally made with traditional ingredients such as malted barley, the addition of interesting, nontraditional ingredients give it a distinctive flavor. The microbrewing movement began in the 1970s, and has since grown in popularity all over the world. Described as “pure happiness in a glass,” craft beer is meant to display the creativity and passion of its maker.
Craft beer is treasured by millions around the world who see it as not merely a fermented beverage, but something of an art. “It’s not just about getting your beer on the shelves,” said Nathan, “but about giving people the craft beer experience.”
Four Stacks offers a comfortable tasting-room atmosphere, with a Sunday afternoon NFL ticket, and food available from Massimo’s and Latitudes for delivery. There is also a food truck present from 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s open seven days a week from 3 to 10 p.m. For more information, check its website at fourstacksbrewing.com or call 813-641-2036.
New beers appear on tap regularly at Four Stacks Brewery.
Wall art at the taproom was created by local artist Charlie Schiller.
