Slew of brews

You may think that Orlando is hitting peak capacity for craftbrew bars, but judging from the crop of new openings around town, the battle for your beer belly has just begun.

First in the ring: Hourglass Brewery, which opened its new facility and taproom last week at 480 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood. That’s just a couple blocks down the road from the old digs, which the brewery outgrew almost as soon as it opened in 2012. There was barely space for 10 inside the taproom, and the large kitchen wasn’t large enough for the mad-science experiments of brewmasters Sky Conley and Brett Mason, let alone their plans for distribution. The new Hourglass Brewing takes over a former Rebounderz Trampoline Arena, which should provide plenty of breathing — and drinking — room. I’m looking forward to a visit soon.

Meanwhile, the latest addition to the World of Beer chain has opened in downtown Orlando (431 E. Central Blvd.), offering a killer view of Lake Eola and the usual WOB lineup of more than 500 craft beers. With Aku Aku, Stardust Lounge and Eola Wine Company within walking distance, this is quickly becoming my favorite block in the downtown Orlando / Thornton Park area.

Speaking of Thornton Park, Island Time also opened last week in the cozy spot at 712 E. Washington St. last occupied by Iza Tapas Bar. Owner Audrey Davila hopes to do the friendly patio area justice with a focus on craft beer and wine, plus some “casual, inexpensive, very light snacks.”