Miami, FL Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Expert Tour of the City’s Best Brews
Miami, Florida is a vibrant city known for its dynamic multicultural scene, picturesque beaches, and, increasingly, its thriving craft beer landscape. The city's local breweries are as diverse and colorful as Miami itself, reflecting a community that takes pride in unique flavors and brewing innovation. These breweries have become a key part of the city’s social fabric, offering both locals and visitors a taste of Miami's local craftsmanship and spirited atmosphere.
The craft beer movement in Miami has given birth to a variety of establishments, each contributing to the city's burgeoning reputation as a destination for beer enthusiasts. From the creative arts district of Wynwood to the sunny shores of Miami Beach, breweries offer an array of handcrafted beers. These range from tropical-infused ales to robust porters, appealing to a wide spectrum of palates. The local breweries emphasize quality and creativity, ensuring every sip embodies the essence of Miami.
Miami's breweries are not just places to enjoy a good drink; they often serve as gathering spots where one can find a blend of good beer, art, music, and, at times, a culinary experience to complement the brews. Establishments like J. Wakefield Brewing and Wynwood Brewing Company have helped set the stage for Miami's craft beer scene, creating spaces where the art of brewing is celebrated and shared with pride.
History of Miami Craft Beer
The craft beer movement in Miami reflects its diverse and vibrant culture. It began gaining traction in the late 20th century when local enthusiasts challenged the dominance of mass-produced beers. These individuals pursued their passion, setting the groundwork for a flourishing craft beer scene in South Florida.
In the early days, Miami's beer scene was limited to larger breweries. However, this changed as a small group of craft beer aficionados started to cultivate a more localized and inventive brewing culture. They made a conscious effort to offer a variety of flavors that catered to the eclectic tastes of Miami's population, as opposed to the generic profiles of mainstream beers.
By 2015, the Miami craft beer scene had burgeoned, punctuated by the opening of several key breweries. Notably, the efforts of local brewmasters like John Wakefield of J Wakefield Brewing proved pivotal. His brewery starting with five original beers soon became a cornerstone of the Miami craft beer community.
The proliferation of craft breweries in Miami solidified the city’s position on the map for beer enthusiasts. Breweries such as Cerveceria La Tropical, which originates from Cuba and boasts of a storied past, provide not just locally made beer but also a reflection of the city's history and influences.
Today, the landscape is dotted with a rich array of craft breweries, each offering unique experiences from artsy taprooms in The Bird Road Arts District to eclectic brews on Miami Avenue. They are a testament to Miami's evolution and ever-growing love for locally crafted beer, solidifying South Florida's reputation as a craft beer destination.
Top Miami Breweries Overview
Miami breweries epitomize the city's vibrant culture with their diverse range of handcrafted beers and unique taprooms. From the bustling arts scene in Wynwood to the sunny shores of Miami Beach, these local breweries offer a beer experience as dynamic as the city itself.
Wynwood Brewing Company
In the heart of Wynwood, a neighborhood celebrated for its street art, Wynwood Brewing Company sets the scene with its flagship beer, La Rubia. Their taproom is a homage to the creative spirit surrounding them.
The Tank Brewing Co.
The Tank Brewing Co. in Doral provides a sprawling 25,000-square-foot space where beer enthusiasts can explore 16 on-tap beers. It's known for its seamless blend of community and craft.
Abbey Brewing Co.
Located in Miami Beach, Abbey Brewing Co. is the city's go-to brewpub, famous for its exclusive Abbey house beers and a selection of "guest" drafts, port wines, and even the occasional White Castle burger for the hungry patron.
J. Wakefield Brewing
J. Wakefield Brewing stands out with its distinctive flair in Miami's Wynwood Arts District. Their lineup of beers is as bold and artistic as the neighborhood they brew in.
Tripping Animals Brewing Co.
Tripping Animals Brewing Co., with its notable commitment to crafting a high-quality beer, reflects the spirit of Miami's innovative brewing scene. Their taproom is a gathering spot for both locals and visitors alike.
Biscayne Bay Brewing Company
Biscayne Bay Brewing Company is a testament to Miami's nautical heritage and flavors. This brewery encapsulates the essence of the local culture with its varied beer assortment.
Veza Sur Brewing Co.
Veza Sur Brewing Co. in the Wynwood district infuses Latin American passion into each brew. They're best known for combining traditional flavors with a modern twist.
Miami Brewing Company
Bringing a slice of the Everglades to the beer scene, Miami Brewing Company prides itself on its tropical-inspired brews. This brewery embraces the uniqueness of its South Florida roots.
Guide to Miami Brewpubs and Taprooms
Miami's thriving craft beer scene is embodied in its diverse brewpubs and taprooms. Patrons can expect a wide array of flavors, from bold IPAs to innovative pastry stouts and sours, set against the backdrop of Miami's distinct neighborhoods.
Exploring Wynwood's Best
Wynwood, Miami's colorful arts district, is home to J. Wakefield Brewing, an establishment renowned for its pop culture-themed murals and a prolific selection of craft beers. Known for their sublime pastry stouts and inventive sours, J. Wakefield has cemented itself as a seminal pillar in Wynwood’s craft beer landscape. Visitors may also explore Wynwood Brewing Company, which boasts a heritage of familial brewing and offers a roster of delightful local beers that resonate with the artistic spirit of the area.
Doral's Craft Beer Destinations
In Doral, one finds The Tank Brewing Co., characterized by a robust lineup of on-tap beers. This entity is not only noted for its expansive 25,000-square-foot space but also for the rich variety of flavors that capture the essence of Miami. Beer enthusiasts might similarly make a beeline to Tripping Animals Brewing, another highlight in Doral, where the commitment to brewing excellence is mirrored in their whimsical branding and exceptional beers.
South Beach Beer Spots
South Beach, renowned for its lively atmosphere, also offers gems like Abbey Brewing Co., Miami’s only brew pub. Here, connoisseurs can enjoy unique house beers and select guest drafts in an intimate, local favorite setting. While distinctly different from the beer halls of Wynwood and Doral, South Beach establishments deliver quality and charm, ensuring that, whether in Miami Beach or the vivacious neighborhood of South Beach itself, there is a haven for beer lovers of all kinds.
Craft Beer Varieties in Miami
Miami's craft beer scene showcases an expansive variety of ales and lagers, with brewers experimenting with local ingredients to offer a distinct South Floridian taste. The selection ranges from traditional styles to innovative blends that reflect the area's cultural diversity.
Savoring Ales and Lagers
Craft beer enthusiasts revel in Miami's array of Ales and Lagers, notable for their quality and diversity. Local Ingredients play a pivotal role in the brewing process, providing unique flavors that are indicative of the region. Miami's breweries excel in producing Culturally Inspired Ales, often incorporating tropical fruits and local spices that resonate with the city's vibrant culture.
Ales: Fruit-infused ales, which may include mango, guava, or citrus, provide a refreshing twist that is perfectly suited to Miami's climate.
Lagers: Crisp and clean lagers are a staple, with some breweries emphasizing traditional methods to create authentic tastes.
Exploring Sours and IPAs
The Miami craft beer market thrives on Sours and IPAs, with each brewery offering its own innovative take on these popular styles.
Sours: Range from mildly tart to puckeringly intense, featuring variations such as Smoothie Sours that blend the line between beer and fruit smoothie.
IPAs: Brewers in Miami craft both traditional and trendy IPAs, including Hazy IPAs known for their juicy, tropical hop profiles.
These hop-forward and sour beers often highlight creative brewing techniques and a willingness to push the boundaries of traditional beer styles.
Unique Blends and Beer Cocktails
Miami's craft breweries don't shy away from experimentation, resulting in Unique Blends and Beer Cocktails that are as inventive as they are delicious.
Unique Blends: Craftsmen may combine various styles, introducing innovative beers that defy categorization and offer a unique drinking experience.
Beer Cocktails: Some establishments go a step further by mixing beer with other ingredients to create beer-based cocktails, offering a refreshing alternative to the typical brew.
This bold approach to blending and cocktail crafting not only showcases the versatility of beer but also pays homage to Miami's eclectic and adventurous spirit.
Seasonal and Limited Edition Releases
Miami's craft breweries offer an ever-changing roster of seasonal and limited edition beers, catering to the adventurous palates of locals and visitors alike. These exclusive brews often reflect the tropical climate and the vibrant culture of the city.
J. Wakefield Brewing is renowned for its Florida Weisse beer variants, with Big Poppa being a sought-after release. These beers often feature tropical fruits, fitting Miami's sunny disposition. The brewery's practice of bottle releases sees enthusiasts lining up to taste unique infusions, like the Dragon Fruit Passion Fruit blend, typically launched in February.
At Wynwood Brewing Company, the city's craft beer scene pioneer, seasonal offerings are inspired by the founders' Puerto Rican heritage. This brewery anticipates the season’s change with over 18 beers on tap, ensuring there is always something novel to try.
Cerveceria La Tropical and EST. 33 Thai Craft Brewery & Kitchen add international flair to their craft beer production, while Lincoln's Beerd Brewing taps into the American craft beer tradition with their own special releases.
Brewery Special Release Highlight
J. Wakefield Brewing Dragon Fruit Passion Fruit Florida Weisse
Wynwood Brewing Company Limited-edition beers with Puerto Rican influences
Cerveceria La Tropical Craft beers blending local and international tastes
EST. 33 Thai Craft Brewery Beers with a unique Thai-inspired twist
Lincoln's Beerd Brewing Specialty crafted beers with an American traditional bend
Patrons should check brewery websites and social media for the latest updates on these exclusive releases, as they are often produced in limited quantities and can sell out quickly.
Events and Tours
Miami, renowned for its vibrant craft beer scene, offers a variety of events and tours that cater to both casual enthusiasts and serious aficionados. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local brewing culture through weekly game nights and annual beer festivals.
Weekly Game Nights
Many breweries in South Florida, including spots in the heart of Miami, host weekly game nights. Patrons can enjoy an evening filled with board games, card games, and trivia, all while sipping on distinctive local craft beers. This regular event is a chance to socialize, challenge friends to beloved games, and discover new brews in a relaxed setting.
Sample Weekly Game Night Schedule:
Monday: Trivia Night
Wednesday: Board Game Tournament
Friday: Cards & Craft
Annual Beer Festivals
Miami's annual beer festivals are a highlight of the craft beer scene. These festivals feature a large selection of beers from across South Florida, showcasing the creativity and diversity of the local breweries. With live music, food trucks, and beer tasting sessions, these events offer a bustling atmosphere where beer lovers can enjoy the rich flavors and engage with the brewers directly.
Notable Annual Beer Festivals:
Miami Craft Beer Week: A week-long celebration of local breweries with special releases.
South Florida Beer Festival: Sampling of regional craft beers with workshops and food pairings.
Collaborations and Community
In Miami's vibrant craft beer scene, local breweries strengthen the community by fostering collaborations that go beyond the brew. These partnerships often result in limited-edition beers and showcase the creativity that defines the region's brewers. Events and releases frequently bring enthusiasts together, bolstering a sense of camaraderie among beer aficionados.
The Wynwood Neighborhood, the city's creative hub, exemplifies this spirit. It's home to esteemed breweries such as J. Wakefield Brewing, which has played a pivotal role in putting Miami on the craft beer map with its inventive sours and stouts. Local collaborations here aren't just about creating new flavors; they also support and reflect Greater Miami's diverse culture and artistic scene.
Here's a snapshot of Miami's community-focused beer initiatives:
Craft Beer Festivals: Annual events that unite local brewers and international names, offering a platform for collaborative brews.
Charity Events: Breweries often donate proceeds from specific beers to local causes, emphasizing community commitment.
Art and Beer: Wynwood's street art scene and breweries often join forces, with artists designing unique labels for collaborative beers.
Notable Collaborative Brews
Tropical Bay - A fruity IPA crafted through a joint effort between multiple Miami breweries, celebrating the city's flavors.
Canvas Series - A rotating selection showcasing the fusion of Wynwood's artistic talents with craft beer innovation.
Each collaboration tells a story, weaves connections, and enriches Miami’s neighborhood ties, reflecting how local breweries are essential threads in the fabric of Greater Miami.
Craft Beer Pairing and Culinary Experiences
Miami's vibrant craft beer scene offers a plethora of opportunities for aficionados to indulge in handcrafted beer paired with a diverse range of culinary delights. Each craft brewery in the city takes pride in creating unique flavor profiles that can complement various types of food.
For example, J. Wakefield Brewing in the Wynwood Arts District is celebrated for their pastry stouts. The rich, decadent flavors in these stouts pair well with sweet desserts or can stand as a dessert on their own. The brewery's creative sours have a tangy kick that can be beautifully matched with spicy cuisine, cutting through the heat and balancing the palate.
At Abbey Brewing Inc., patrons can savor one of the four house beers along with a classic White Castle burger, in a traditional brewpub setting. This spot demonstrates how simple combinations like lagers with burgers create a timeless pair that pleases the senses.
Brewery Beer Style Suggested Pairing
J. Wakefield Pastry Stout Chocolate Desserts, Cheesecake
J. Wakefield Sour Ales Spicy Dishes, Citrus-Based Salads
Abbey Brewing Inc. House Beers Grilled Burgers, Fries
Miami’s craft breweries ensure that each handcrafted beer not only stands out on its own merit but also provides a complementary companion to a meal, enhancing the overall dining experience. Visitors can embrace the lively craft beer culture while diving into a diverse culinary adventure across the city.
Sustainability and Innovation
In Miami's burgeoning craft beer scene, breweries are not just venues for social gatherings but also bastions of sustainability and innovation. They integrate local ingredients to reduce their carbon footprint and harness unique flavors indigenous to the region.
Local Ingredients: The utilization of locally-sourced ingredients is a key strategy for these breweries. They leverage nearby citrus groves, tropical fruits, and other regional produce to craft beers with a distinct Miami flair. Incorporating local ingredients not only supports the area's agriculture but also ensures freshness and reduces transportation emissions.
Unseen Creatures, a Miami-based brewery, exemplifies this approach by using local fruits and hops in their brewing process, underscoring the commitment to local agriculture and resource use.
Water Usage: Given that significant water is required to produce beer, Miami breweries are adopting measures to minimize waste. They innovate water reclamation systems that treat and recycle water without compromising the quality of the beer.
Energy Efficiency: Energy conservation is another focus area, where breweries implement solar panels and other renewable energy sources to power their operations, lowering their environmental impact.
Waste Management: The management of byproducts such as spent grain is noteworthy. Breweries often collaborate with local farmers for the grains to serve as livestock feed, thus completing a sustainable production cycle.
Entities like Unseen Creatures maintain a strong commitment to these practices, continually exploring new methods to harmonize their brewing processes with environmental stewardship. This dual focus on crafting exceptional beers and prioritizing eco-friendliness positions Miami as a leader in sustainable brewing.
The Future of Craft Beer in Miami
As Miami becomes a burgeoning hub for craft beer aficionados, the future looks promising for local breweries. They have been weaving the cultural fabric of the city into their brews, and this trend is expected to grow. Wynwood Brewing Company, a pioneer in Miami's craft beer scene, exemplifies this integration by drawing inspiration from its art district surroundings, suggesting that breweries in the area will continue to merge local culture into their creations.
Growing Trends:
Expansion of Local Breweries: Miami breweries are poised to increase their footprint, both in production capacity and in the opening of new taprooms.
Innovation in Beer Crafting: An uptick in experimental and seasonal brews can be expected, catering to evolving consumer preferences.
Sustainability Efforts: Breweries are likely to adopt more sustainable practices in their operations, reflecting a global shift towards environmental consciousness.
Miami Craft Breweries:
Brewery Notable for Location
Wynwood Brewing Company Art-infused brews Wynwood
Tripping Animals Brewing Co. Community roots Doral
With a trajectory set on innovation and cultural integration, the future for Miami craft breweries looks to not only elevate the beer experience but also solidify Miami's position on the craft beer map. The community has shown a keen interest in supporting local businesses, which will undoubtedly bolster the craft beer movement within the city. As the industry evolves, these breweries are seen as more than just beer producers; they are storytellers and community builders, brewing each beer with a sense of place and purpose.
Appendix: Craft Beer Glossary
Ale: A type of beer brewed using a warm fermentation method, resulting in a sweet, full-bodied and fruity taste. Ales are commonly darker than lagers and have a higher alcohol content.
Lager: Lager comes from the German word 'lagern' meaning 'to store'. It is beer that is fermented and conditioned at low temperatures, producing a crisp and refreshing taste.
IPA (India Pale Ale): This style of pale ale is characterized by high levels of hops, which give it a distinctive bitterness and strong aroma. IPAs often have citrusy, floral, or piney notes.
Sour: Sour beers are intentionally acidic, tart, or sour in taste. They can range from light to heavy and are often produced with wild fermentation that introduces wild yeasts or bacteria.
Definition: Beer made by a brewery that is small, independent, and traditional. They often emphasize quality, flavor, and brewing technique.
Characteristics:
Small: A brewery that produces a limited amount of beer typically no more than 6 million barrels annually.
Independent: Less than 25% of the craft brewery is owned or controlled by a beverage alcohol industry member that is not itself a craft brewer.
Traditional: They often use traditional ingredients like malted barley; interesting and sometimes non-traditional ingredients are often added for distinctiveness.
Style Characteristics Common Flavors
Ale Warm fermented, fruity, full-bodied Caramel, Berries, Citrus
Lager Cold fermented, crisp and clean taste Bread, Crisp apples, Floral
IPA Hoppy, higher bitterness, strong aroma Citrus, Pine, Floral
Sour Acidic, tart, wild fermentation Tart cherries, Lemon, Funky
This glossary provides a concise overview of some key terms any craft beer enthusiast should know.
Miami Craft Beer Map and Directory
Miami's local craft beer scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself, featuring an array of breweries dotting the cultural hotspots of Wynwood Arts District, Bird Road Arts District, and the broader Coral Gables area.
Wynwood Arts District
In the Wynwood Arts District, artistry extends beyond murals and galleries, with local breweries infusing creativity into every pint. Wynwood Brewing Company takes inspiration from the surrounding art community, crafting beers that are as expressive and dynamic as the neighborhood. With a variety of taps, they're celebrated for their innovative approach to brewing.
Wynwood Brewing Company
Address: 565 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127
Notable Creation: "La Rubia" Blonde Ale, a crisp and flavorful crowd-pleaser
Bird Road Arts District
The Bird Road Arts District area serves as a hub for cutting-edge brewing. The breweries here leverage the spirited local culture to create a rich selection of craft beers. This district is known for its varied artistic venues that complement the equally diverse beer offerings.
Local Brewery Highlight in Bird Road Arts District
Craft Beer Selection: A rotating lineup that reflects Miami's seasonal ingredients and bold character.
Coral Gables and Beyond
The craft beer scene in Coral Gables and the greater Miami area brings a sophisticated twist to the local brewery experience. Microbreweries here cater to a wide range of tastes, often featuring tropical infusions that nod to Florida's lush environment.
Cerveceria La Tropical - A historical brand reborn in Miami that offers an array of beers with a Cuban heritage influence.
Signature Brews: "Suave IPA" and other tropical-inspired ales
Ambience: One of the city's most enticing taprooms
Explore these areas and the breweries they host to fully experience Miami's local brew culture. Each location offers a distinct taste of the city's love for craft beer, embodying the essence of the neighborhoods they represent.
