I was finally able to make it to Fort Myers’ newest brewery– Point Ybel. Point Ybel is actually an easy drive from my house, during the summer I should say, as it is located on the other side of the beach from me.  This time of year, it is quite a hassle to get north of Fort Myers Beach and this is why it took me until a few weeks after the grand opening to actually make it there.

I have to say I like the atmosphere at Point Ybel. It sits in a small industrial park area surrounded by shops and retail businesses. The inside is cozy with a nice bar and picnic tables for patrons to use.  They provide lots of menus for local restaurants in case you want to food with your beer.  The bar stools are not that comfortable– that is my only complaint about the atmosphere. I was surprised on a Sunday afternoon how many people were in the brewery and I think I know why, the beers are pretty good.

The Sanibel Red was a typical red but I am not a red fan so it was a bit bitter for me. My husband really liked it though.  The Endless Summer was a typical pale ale and not bad, except for something peculiar in the aftertaste which reminded me a bit of tar.  The Yay saison was also very true to the style.  I am not a big saison fan but when it was run through rosemary and key lime I quite enjoyed it, as  the rosemary and lime killed a bit of that typical saison aftertaste.  Snook Bite IPA was a good solid IPA and my favorite of the beers.  Black Mangrove was also a good solid dark ale, but there was just a hint of something like stale coffee on the finish that was not quite to my liking.

Overall, I would say the opening of this brewery has improved the local beer selection available in Southwest Florida.  I look forward to stopping by again for a couple of pints– however, it is probably going to have to wait until after season and Spring Break.