Orlando mourns Tom Moench, 64, Orange Blossom Brewing founder

In the 1960s, the area known locally as Conway was an enchanted forest of citrus, the blossoms of which — potent, bright and sweet as honey — permeated its neighborhoods for much of the year.

It was the signature scent of Tom Moench’s childhood, one that his business partner, Brandy Gill, says stayed with him, eventually inspiring the company and flagship beer that would cement Moench’s legacy as a Florida craft beer pioneer.

Tom Moench, right, with business partner Brandy Gill at the 2024 Taste of Thornton Park event. Orange Blossom Pilsner was the recipient of the event's "Best Beer" award on multiple occasions. The brewery was a regular participant. (Courtesy Brandy Gill)

Moench, the founder of Orange Blossom Brewing Company and creator of its eponymous — now locally ubiquitous — p