By Jim Carchidi
August 5, 2026
Tactical Brewing Co. is in the midst of a double-shot expansion. The popular taproom will launch a full line of handcrafted cocktails and spirits this Saturday while a new brewery and food hall move toward a year end completion.
Tapping in
Doug Meyer mingles with the crowd during a block party hosted by Tactical Brewing Co.
Tactical owner Doug Meyer was introduced to craft beer during his service in the Marine Corps. He developed his home brewing skills and a business plan while earning a masters degree at UCF College of Business. He and business partner Kreis Holland, now company COO, spent nearly two years getting the word out at beer festivals and restaurant tap takeovers before opening Tactical’s current location on Veteran’s Day, 2018, at 4882 New Broad Street.
The casual atmosphere and eclectic beer menu earned a loyal customer base that shows up for trivia nights, run clubs, holiday events, and regular weekends. Starting Aug. 8, they’ll show up for a new line of craft spirits: Mortem.
Raising the bar
“Just like our beer, every spirit and cocktail is made in-house, giving us complete creative freedom to push flavors in unexpected directions,” reads the social media announcement.
“It’s something we’ve been wanting to do, even when we first opened,” Meyer said as plans were finalized and staff cocktail training was starting. “Distilling is complicated and it took us a while to get it right.”
Rum, gin, vodka, bourbon, and tequila will be available for bottle purchase and in a selection of specialty cocktails. The "Meloncholy Margarita" is made with Tactical’s Meloncholy watermelon sour beer. The spirits are the first of two unveils Meyer and company have planned.
Crafting success
Lines at the bar and packed patio space have signaled that Tactical has outgrown its 3,600-square-foot location. In November, a lease was signed for the former Orlando Metro Gymnastics space at 4915 New Broad St. At 12,000 square feet, the new location will allow more room to brew and distill with space for cooking. A five-counter food hall will feature some of the partnerships Myer and Holland have developed with local chefs and vendors for collabs and food service at the brewery.
“"Local partnerships have been everything for us. We get to share the space with them and promote what they do,” Meyer said. “Nearly every cuisine will be represented and there will be barbecue. We’ll have the first barbecue place in Baldwin Park.”
Once the buildout is complete, the move will take place in stages with operations stopping for about a week before restarting at the new location. The new brewery is expected to open at the end of the year.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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