Miami’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, transforming the city into a destination for beer enthusiasts. Local breweries have sprung up across neighborhoods, offering unique and flavorful brews that capture the essence of South Florida. From Doral to Wynwood, Miami now boasts over a dozen craft breweries, each with its own distinct personality and specialties.
These breweries showcase a diverse range of styles, from tropical fruit-infused ales that reflect Miami’s vibrant culture to barrel-aged stouts perfect for sipping on cooler evenings. Many incorporate local ingredients, expressing Miami’s terroir through their creations. Visitors can explore spacious taprooms, beer gardens, and even brewery tours to fully immerse themselves in the craft beer experience.
The city’s craft beer revolution has also fostered a sense of community, with breweries often collaborating and supporting local events. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or new to the craft scene, Miami’s breweries offer something for every palate. This guide will explore some of the best spots to enjoy locally brewed beers in the Magic City.
Exploring Miami’s Craft Beer Scene
Miami’s craft beer landscape has transformed dramatically in recent years, offering a diverse array of flavors and styles. Local breweries have embraced innovation while honoring the city’s unique cultural influences.
History and Growth of Miami Craft Breweries
Miami’s craft beer scene emerged in the early 2010s, with pioneering breweries like Wynwood Brewing Company paving the way. The industry experienced rapid growth, expanding from a handful of breweries to over 30 in less than a decade. This boom reflected changing consumer preferences and a growing appreciation for locally-made, artisanal beers.
Key factors driving this growth included supportive legislation, increased tourism, and a vibrant food culture. Neighborhoods like Wynwood became hotspots for craft beer enthusiasts, with multiple breweries opening within walking distance of each other. This concentration fostered a sense of community and collaboration among brewers and beer lovers alike.
Diverse Styles of Miami Brews
Miami’s craft breweries offer an eclectic range of beer styles, often incorporating local ingredients and drawing inspiration from the city’s multicultural heritage. Traditional styles like IPAs and stouts are well-represented, but many brewers push boundaries with innovative recipes.
Tropical fruit-infused beers are particularly popular, utilizing local flavors like mango, guava, and coconut. Some breweries experiment with barrel-aging techniques, creating complex flavor profiles. Latin American influences are evident in beers inspired by horchata or incorporating coffee from Cuban roasters.
Lighter, refreshing styles also thrive in Miami’s warm climate. Crisp lagers and session ales provide welcome relief from the heat, while sour beers offer a tart alternative for adventurous palates.
Must-Visit Breweries in Miami
Miami’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of exceptional breweries. These establishments stand out for their innovative brews, inviting atmospheres, and contributions to the local beer culture.
Wynwood Brewing Company
Wynwood Brewing Company pioneered Miami’s craft beer movement. Founded in 2011, it was the first craft production brewery in Miami. Their flagship beer, La Rubia Blonde Ale, has garnered widespread popularity.
The taproom features rotating seasonal releases alongside core beers. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant Wynwood arts district atmosphere while sampling flights or pints. The brewery’s commitment to quality and creativity is evident in offerings like their award-winning Pops Porter.
Wynwood Brewing Company hosts regular events, including live music and food truck nights. Their outdoor patio provides a perfect spot for relaxing with friends over fresh, locally-brewed beers.
J. Wakefield Brewing
J. Wakefield Brewing has earned a reputation for bold, boundary-pushing beers. Known for their sour ales and imperial stouts, they’ve become a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts.
The taproom’s Star Wars-themed decor creates a unique, geeky ambiance. Visitors can sample an ever-changing lineup of experimental brews alongside core offerings like the El Jefe Hefeweizen.
J. Wakefield’s annual WakeFest Invitational draws top breweries from around the world. This event showcases their influence in the craft beer community. The brewery’s location in Wynwood puts it at the heart of Miami’s art and culture scene.
M.I.A. Beer Company
M.I.A. Beer Company embodies Miami’s diverse culture in its brews. Their spacious Doral taproom offers a welcoming environment for beer lovers.
Flagship beers like the Miami Weiss Hefeweizen and Tourist Trappe Belgian Tripel showcase their range. M.I.A. also produces a variety of limited releases and collaborations with other breweries.
The taproom features games, events, and a food menu to complement their beers. M.I.A.’s commitment to community involvement is evident in their partnerships with local organizations and charities.
Unbranded Brewing Co
Unbranded Brewing Co brings craft beer to Hialeah, offering a unique experience outside Miami’s typical tourist areas. Their taproom reflects the industrial heritage of the neighborhood.
Beers like the 1925 Lager and Hialeah Light appeal to a wide range of tastes. Unbranded also experiments with barrel-aging and wild fermentation techniques.
The spacious brewery hosts events like trivia nights and live music. Their dedication to quality and innovation has quickly established them as a notable player in Miami’s beer scene.
Biscayne Bay Brewing Company
Biscayne Bay Brewing Company combines Miami’s coastal lifestyle with quality craft beer. Their taproom in Doral offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy their brews.
Popular offerings include the Miami Pale Ale and La Colada Coffee Porter. Biscayne Bay also produces seasonal and limited-edition beers that showcase local ingredients.
The brewery’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in their practices and community involvement. Their taproom features a full kitchen, making it a great spot for both drinks and dining.
Signature Craft Beers and Brew Styles
Miami’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of flavors and styles. Local breweries excel in creating unique brews that capture the city’s vibrant spirit and tropical essence.
Tropical and Citrus-Infused Beers
Miami brewers masterfully incorporate local fruits and flavors into their beers. Many craft breweries produce refreshing ales infused with mango, passionfruit, and guava.
The popular Mangolandia showcases the city’s love for tropical fruit beers. This mango-infused ale delivers a burst of sunshine in every sip.
Citrus notes are prominent in many Miami brews. Grapefruit and orange zest add a tangy twist to pale ales and IPAs, perfectly complementing Florida’s warm climate.
Bold IPAs and Pale Ales
IPAs reign supreme in Miami’s craft beer scene. Local brewers push boundaries with hop-forward creations that balance bitterness and tropical fruit notes.
Vice IPA stands out as a fan favorite. This bold, flavorful India Pale Ale boasts a complex hop profile with hints of pine and citrus.
Double and Triple IPAs are gaining popularity, offering higher alcohol content and intensified flavors for hop enthusiasts.
Pale Ales provide a more balanced option, with moderate hop bitterness and a crisp finish. Many local versions incorporate Florida-grown hops for a unique twist.
Smooth Lagers and Stouts
Despite the warm climate, Miami brewers excel in creating smooth, drinkable lagers and rich stouts.
La Rubia, a blonde ale, has become a local staple. Its clean, crisp profile makes it an ideal choice for hot Miami days.
Miami Weiss offers a refreshing take on the traditional German wheat beer style. It often features hints of banana and clove, with a smooth, easy-drinking character.
Stouts surprise beer lovers with their depth and complexity. Local brewers incorporate coffee, chocolate, and even coconut to create rich, indulgent brews perfect for cooler evenings.
Experimental and Unique Brews
Miami’s craft beer scene thrives on innovation. Brewers constantly push boundaries with unexpected ingredients and brewing techniques.
Sour beers have gained a strong following. Many breweries experiment with local fruits to create tart, refreshing ales that capture Miami’s tropical essence.
Barrel-aged beers are emerging as a new trend. Brewers age their creations in rum, whiskey, or wine barrels, imparting unique flavors and complexity.
Some breweries explore historical styles, reviving forgotten recipes with a modern twist. Others blend multiple styles, creating hybrid beers that defy traditional categorization.
Brewery Highlights and Features
Miami’s craft beer scene boasts unique breweries with distinctive offerings. These establishments showcase diverse brewing styles, innovative taprooms, and inviting outdoor spaces.
The Tank Brewing Co Tour
The Tank Brewing Co provides an immersive brewery experience. Visitors can explore the brewing process through guided tours, gaining insights into beer production techniques.
The spacious taproom features a rotating selection of craft beers on tap. Guests can sample flagship brews alongside seasonal specialties.
The Tank’s cigars and beer pairings offer a unique tasting experience. This combination highlights the brewery’s commitment to blending Cuban heritage with modern craft brewing.
Abbey Brewing Company’s Craft Selection
Abbey Brewing Company stands out for its Belgian-inspired ales and European beer styles. The intimate taproom exudes a cozy, pub-like atmosphere.
The brewery’s craft selection includes a range of traditional and experimental brews. Patrons can enjoy Abbey’s signature monk-inspired ales alongside rotating seasonal offerings.
Abbey Brewing Company’s beer menu features detailed tasting notes. This helps customers navigate the diverse selection and discover new favorites.
Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co Experience
Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co creates a welcoming community space. The taproom’s relaxed vibe encourages socializing and beer exploration.
The brewery offers a diverse range of beer styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. Rotating taps ensure there’s always something new to try.
Lincoln’s Beard hosts regular events, including trivia nights and live music performances. These gatherings foster a sense of community among local beer enthusiasts.
Veza Sur Brewing Co’s Beer Garden
Veza Sur Brewing Co features a vibrant outdoor beer garden. This spacious patio provides a tropical oasis for enjoying craft beers in Miami’s pleasant climate.
The brewery’s Latin American-inspired brews reflect Miami’s cultural diversity. Patrons can sample unique flavors like guava-infused ales and coffee-tinged lagers.
Veza Sur’s beer cocktails offer creative twists on traditional brews. These innovative drinks blend craft beer with fresh ingredients and spirits.
The beer garden hosts food trucks, providing a variety of dining options to complement the brewery’s beverages.
Local Craft Beer Events and Brew Tours
Miami’s craft beer scene offers exciting events and tours for beer enthusiasts throughout the year. From lively festivals to intimate tastings and guided brewery experiences, there’s something for every craft beer lover to enjoy in the Magic City.
Annual Beer Festivals
Miami hosts several notable beer festivals annually. The Brew Miami festival brings together top local breweries, food trucks, and live music for an epic evening of craft beer sampling. Grovetoberfest, held in Coconut Grove, features over 500 craft beers and attracts thousands of attendees each October. The Miami Beer Festival showcases Florida breweries alongside national and international offerings at Marlins Park.
These events typically include unlimited beer samples, food pairings, and educational seminars. Festivals often sell VIP tickets for early entry and exclusive tastings. Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere with music, games, and opportunities to meet brewers and fellow craft beer enthusiasts.
Miami Craft Beer Tastings
Local bars and breweries regularly host craft beer tastings for those seeking more intimate experiences. The Craft Beer Cartel in Fort Lauderdale offers weekly guided tastings of rare and limited-release beers. Boxelder Craft Beer Market in Wynwood hosts tap takeovers and meet-the-brewer events, allowing beer lovers to sample unique offerings and learn directly from brewers.
Many Miami restaurants also organize beer pairing dinners, combining craft brews with specially curated menus. These events provide opportunities to explore beer and food flavor combinations while expanding beer knowledge in a relaxed setting.
Brewery Tour Itineraries
Self-guided and organized brewery tours offer in-depth exploration of Miami’s craft beer scene. Popular routes include:
- Wynwood Brewery Crawl: Visit J. Wakefield Brewing, Concrete Beach Brewery, and Wynwood Brewing Co.
- Doral Beer Trail: Tour MIA Beer Company, The Tank Brewing, and Tripping Animals Brewing Co.
- Miami Beach Brew Loop: Sample beers at Abbey Brewing Co., Sunset Brewing Company, and Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co.
Tour companies like Miami Brew Bus offer guided experiences with transportation, allowing beer enthusiasts to visit multiple breweries safely. Many tours include behind-the-scenes looks at brewing processes, tastings, and opportunities to meet brewers and learn about their craft.
Craft Brewing Culture in Miami
Miami’s craft beer scene has flourished in recent years, fostering a vibrant community of brewers and enthusiasts. Local breweries have become hubs for social gatherings, creative experimentation, and cultural expression.
Community and Craft Beer Advocacy
Craft beer enthusiasts in Miami have formed tight-knit groups that support local breweries. These communities organize tastings, brewery tours, and beer festivals throughout the year. Social media platforms and beer-focused apps help connect beer lovers, sharing recommendations and upcoming events.
Many Miami breweries collaborate on special releases, fostering a sense of camaraderie within the industry. These partnerships often result in unique, limited-edition beers that generate excitement among craft beer fans.
Local bars and restaurants increasingly feature Miami-brewed craft beers on their menus, promoting the city’s brewing talent. This support has been crucial in establishing Miami as a respected craft beer destination.
Educational Events and Brewer Talks
Miami’s craft breweries regularly host educational events to deepen customers’ appreciation for beer. These include guided tastings, beer and food pairing workshops, and brewing demonstrations. Many taprooms offer flights of beer samples, allowing patrons to explore different styles and flavors.
Brewer talks have become popular, giving beer enthusiasts the opportunity to learn directly from the experts. These sessions cover topics such as brewing techniques, ingredient selection, and the science behind fermentation.
Some Miami breweries have implemented “brew your own beer” programs, where participants can create their own recipes under professional guidance. These hands-on experiences help demystify the brewing process and foster a deeper connection to craft beer culture.
