Q&A with a Brewmaster: Shan Dinally, Due South Brewing Co.
In this series, we’ll be chatting with local brewmasters on the Ale Trail of The Palm Beaches about their beers, the local craft brewing scene and what every visitor should do while they’re here.
Tucked within a warehouse in South County lies a hidden gem: Due South Brewing Company. Part of the Boynton Beach Brewery District and a stopping point on the Ale Trail of The Palm Beaches, Due South has been producing ales and lagers locally since 2012, and now retails its beers throughout much of Florida. The spacious brewery features a casual taproom that treats the dozen or so silver tanks and bustling brewers as the view.
One of those brewers is Shan Dinally. A longtime lover of the culinary arts, Shan first got into brewing while working as a sous chef at an establishment that was considering expanding into a brewpub; though the idea never came to fruition, it led to his learning the basic skills needed to brew – and ignited a new passion. After six years of honing his craft and placing well in several home brewing competitions, Shan decided to focus his energy on brewing full time, eventually joining the Due South team.
We chatted with Shan about Due South, the local craft beer scene, and some of his favorite spots in The Palm Beaches:
1. Describe your brewery in five words.
Friendly
Knowledgeable
Veteran-owned (cheating with the hyphen!)
Fresh
Local
2. What sets your brewery apart from others on the Ale Trail of the Palm Beaches?
Our size. We have such a large warehouse to utilize for special events like drone racing, corporate meetings, craft fairs and more!
3. Tell us about your signature beer (or beers).
Caramel Cream Ale – this light 5% ABV is our version of an adult cream soda. It’s light and refreshing with real vanilla added.
4. What types of styles or flavors do you like to experiment with? Any unusual ingredients you’ve used?
We try to use local ingredients whenever possible, on a wide range of beer styles. We've used habanero peppers in a porter, we've added home-grown rosemary and basil to IPAs, and we're growing French lavender on site to use in a future beer with the help of Farmer Jay Organics.
5. What should people know about the craft beer scene in The Palm Beaches?
Our craft beer scene is highly diverse, from fruit beers to bitter IPAs to mixed fermentation to Belgian beers… there’s a brewery for everyone down here, and we’re all pretty friendly!
6. What is the perfect beer to drink on a sunny day?
A lightly hopped pale ale.
7. Say you need a break from beer; where do you go for a drink and what do you get?
When I want a break from beer I like to challenge my palate with bourbon or scotch whiskeys. Although a tropical cocktail never hurt!
8. Where was the last great local meal you had (and what was it)?
Grouper tacos from Lilo’s Street Food & Bar in Lake Worth Beach. It’s a classic South Florida meal.
9. Describe your perfect day in The Palm Beaches.
A perfect Palm Beach day sounds like it would start with a large mimosa from Kona Bay Cafe, followed by some disc golf at Okeeheelee Park, and then dinner, drinks and shopping at Grandview Public Market.
10. What are the three things you’d tell a first-time visitor to Palm Beach County to do while they’re here?
For a first time Palm Beacher I’d insist that they visit Due South Brewing Co. for a great beer and a good time. Enjoy some shoreline at Juno Beach, and finally grab lunch over at Howley’s.
Ready to Visit?
Due South Brewing Company is open Tuesday-Sunday at noon and closed Mondays. The brewery is relaxed and family friendly, with the rule being 21+ after 6 p.m., though children are allowed as long as they’re supervised by an adult. Due South also welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs. The only other rule? “Be cool.” Wednesday through Sunday, the Savoury Eats Kitchen food truck is on site serving up signature and rotating menu items for those looking to enjoy a bite with their brews.
