Press Release:
Ron Raike, one of Florida’s most respected craft beer brewmasters and certified beer circerones, has partnered with Brevard County’s newest craft brewery – Playalinda Brewing Company in Titusville.
Raike spent the last two years with Cask & Larder Southern Public House in Winter Park bringing his knowledge and expertise of the entire grain-to-glass experience to the Central Florida beer scene. He very recently forged a friendship with Bryan and Donna Scott, owners of Playalinda Brewing Co., and is eager to work together with them to promote quality production, new flavors, and innovative processes on the coast and beyond.
“We are very excited to have Ron partner with us on our operation,” says Bryan Scott. “He brings a wealth of knowledge of both the industry and of brewing to the table and is eager to share his love of craft beer with a wider audience.”
Raike first began brewing when he was studying for his master’s degree in computer engineering at the University of Central Florida. His creations and homebrewing reputation captured the attention of Shipyard Brewing Co. where he became a professional brewer in the Orlando International Airport. Raike has since become an experienced and award-winning brewer in addition to being one of the few certified cicerones in the state of Florida.
The cicerone certification requires an intimate knowledge of beer styles and culture, brewing ingredients and processes, and beer tasting and flavors. The intensive program and testing also covers beer storage, sales, and service along with learning how to pair beer with food.
Raike’s awards for his conceptions include Best of Show winner in the 2012 Best Florida Beer Championship. He will take the reins from Ryan Hieronymus who has been involved in the startup of Playalinda Brewing Company.
“We are grateful to have had Ryan’s assistance in the early stages of this venture and understand his need to continue full time in his current project management career,” Scott says.
Playalinda Brewing Company is located in historic downtown Titusville in a former hardware store building (305 S. Washington Ave. Titusville, FL 32796). The Scotts, along with Rush Construction, have taken great care to preserve the historic details of the building including the original cabinetry and decorative tin ceiling. The brewery is slated to open in early November.
