Miami, FL – January 26, 2015 – At some point in life, many will experience that one moment where they go outside of their comfort zone and try a new beer, a better beer, a beer that’s not your average, sub-par beer. That person may not remember exactly where, when, or even what beer it was, but much like a child who tries a piece of candy and has their first real taste of sugar, you know they’re hooked forever. It’s no secret that within the past few years craft beer has rapidly gained popularity amongst beer drinkers everywhere. So, it only seems natural that Wynwood, Miami’s culturally and artistic hub, would acquire the latest art of brewing, all to create the perfect taste of home.

To really understand why craft beer has become so popular, we should take a look at the brewers and the grass roots approach that so many former mainstream beer drinkers have connected with. It’s clear that along side craft beer, farm-to-table eating has also become celebrated in Miami’s culinary scene. It has become increasingly popular to support local people and their efforts, and really who doesn’t love a feel-good story? The same can be said of craft brewers. Now this buzz only increases when craft brewers add the element of seasonal brews, special releases, growler programs and craft beer festivals.

In light of next week’s CRAFT, an annual event that connects craft spirits and beer producers with the beverage trade and the public, we thought we would take a step inside the world of brewing beer and get a closer look into how to perfect the art of the ale.

Jennifer Massolo

Jennifer Massolo’s “craft” has been brewing for quite some time now. After quite a few years in the wine business, where she traveled her way from Western Canada, through South America, and to the United States, Massolo joined what was then a budding South Florida organization to become a founding member of the Miami International Wine Fair. Setting the path for the many successful years that followed, she returned to this leading wine trade event for the 2010 and 2011 edition with renewed energy and acumen.

In 2012, Massolo understood that the spirits and beer industry revealed an emergence of budding artisan distillers and brewers that were struggling for a voice in a big-brand dominated industry. Out of her passion for supporting these artisans, Massolo created two initiatives under the umbrella, The Liquid Projects: CRAFT: Spirits and Beer (CRAFT) and Spirited Sirens. CRAFT is a large-scale event that creates a platform for these artisans to connect with and educate both the beverage industry and the general public. Spirited Sirens began as a blog to bring about awareness of food and travel but has now developed into a full fledged consulting resource for the industry.

Starting this weekend, craft distillers and brewers, along with the general public and the beverage industry will come together for a few hours with chefs and bartenders to enjoy endless beers and spirits, with great food too. It’s the ideal tasting that intends to introduce guests to new and cool craft beers, whiskies, gins, vodkas, rums and so much more. CRAFT’s ultimate mission is to encourage its guests to try new things and support smaller and often local artisans.

J. Wakefield Brewing

Massolo spent the afternoon guiding us through a few breweries in Wynwood where we received an in-depth look into into how some of our favorite local breweries, and CRAFT Participants, are creating and evolving their signature taste. First stop of the day, J. Wakefield Brewing where we got a glimpse into just how this brewery has stolen the hearts and tastebuds of Miamians alike.

If starting a craft brewery just meant making beer, one could start up in any warehouse district. A big part of craft brewing is the community and the tasting room. Wynwood seems to be attracting brewers because it has not only the warehouse space, but also because it’s one of the fastest growing art neighborhoods in Miami.

Luis Valle

Local artist Luis Valle’s work is one of the various artworks displayed throughout the walls of J. Wakefield Brewery, allowing the patron to feel like they truly are immersed in the Wynwood culture.

The process of making beer all starts with the grain. J. Wakefield Brewery has a set grain bill for every type of beer that they brew.

Once that grain is then milled, it can be ready for the brew. When ready, the brewers will add the grain to the mash tun through an auger and combine it with hot water to create the perfect mash. The mash will then sit for about an hour or more until conversion is complete.

Jonathan Wakefield

I am from Miami and there was nothing better than to open a brewery in my hometown.

Jonathan Wakefield

 

When conversion is complete the brewers will transfer the sweet wort from the mash tun to the kettle, where they will boil the wort for an hour or more. At this point, the hops are added.

Jonathan Wakefield

At the end of the boil brewers will then transfer and chill this now bitter wort to a fermenter.

Wynwood is a growing area with a bright future and we are very happy to be a part of it.

Jonathan Wakefield

Once the wort is in the fermenter, the brewers will then add the desired amount of yeast to the fermenter as well. The wort is now in the fermentation process where the yeast will be converting the sugars in the wort to alcohol and co2. Once fermentation is complete brewers will transfer the beer to a bright tank where they will carbonate the beer and get ready for packaging.

J Wakefield Brewery does their best to incorporate as many local fruits and make beers that represent the local market as best as possible. The various fruits add a special flavor and texture to the brew. With this in mind, they have designed these beers to suit the tropical climate of South Florida.

Jennifer Massolo

I don’t think craft is a phase, I think it’s a way of living with greater awareness.

Jennifer Massolo

Once the brew is carbonated to the correct level, the brewery will then keg the beer. At this point the beer is ready to savor and enjoy.

Jonathan Wakefield

Wynwood Brewing Company

Next on our journey through the various breweries in Wynwood, we make our way to the self-titled spot, Wynwood Brewing Company.

What many don’t know is that Wynwood is also known as the Puerto Rican Barrio due to the settlement of large Puerto Rican families during the 70’s and 80’s. After the garment factories left the area many of the warehouses were abandoned and were littered with graffiti. Starting in the early 2000’s many artists began to paint remarkable pieces. Wynwood Brewing Company is a Puerto Rican family-owned business.

Alex Gutierrez & Vince Morenza

Wynwood Brewing Company decided to open up in this particular neighborhood for several reasons. For one, the brewery is truly passionate about their craft and felt that aligning themselves with such a neighborhood would let folks know that this is very much a craft beer. Also, every beer is brewed with love and passion to ultimately create a work of art in every single glass. The family behind the brewery felt it was important for them to also help create jobs to the local folks and support their own community.

Alex Gutierrez

Beer, I like that shit!

Alex Gutierrez

The process of making the liquid itself is very similar whether you make 10 gallons or 500 gallons. Inherently it’s all the same steps from one style to the next, although there a few different techniques that can vary depending on the style.

Wynwood Brewing Company uses a rather traditional brewing style. However, they do use a lot of the different tastes and smells of Miami for their beers. For instance, they use a hop called El Dorado that gives aromas of Passion Fruit, Guava and Mango for some of their various brews. The brewery also does various treatments to their beers such as Arroz Con Leche to their blonde ale.

Alex Gutierrez

What really differentiates the beer is the fermentation and the yeast being used. Ales usually take around two to three weeks to finish fermenting while lagers can six weeks up to three months. That’s from the actual brew day to your glass.

Wynwood Brewing Company also has an origins series in which they name their beers after historical figures in Miami. Although Miami is very young, the brewery still likes the fact that it does have a rich history.

Alex Gutierrez

Back here is the various types of brews on tap that guests can choose from. Currently they do not bottle, and everything they do is kegged for draft creating the freshest experience possible for their beer drinkers.

Alex Gutierrez

The brewery is currently making the jump into packaging by April or May of this year, which some consider as the biggest step from home brewer to professional brewer.

Alex Gutierrez

Concrete Beach Brewery

Now although Wynwood’s latest brewery, Concrete Beach Brewery, has yet to open its doors there is hope that it will be open some time soon and it is certainly something to look forward to. The 11,000 square-foot brewery will feature a two-story, twenty-barrel brew house, an indoor/outdoor Social Hall for public gatherings, live entertainment and a retail space with brewery merchandise. Chris McGrath, Head Brewer at Concrete Beach, exclaimed “We see ourselves as evangelists and educators for the craft beer movement. We are thrilled to be opening our doors and look forward to becoming part of its vibrant community.”

Chris McGrath & Jesse Morris

We’re excited to provide world-class craft beer inspired by the culture and flavors of Miami.

Chris McGrath

Chris McGrath

Concrete Beach Head Brewer, Chris McGrath, has specifically brewed craft beer that complements the tastes and flavors of Miami. Concrete Beach will begin brewing two year-round beers including Rica, a hoppy wheat ale with a piney and light grapefruit aroma that predominates in this slightly hazy, wheat forward IPA (India Pale Ale), as well as Stiltsville, which is Concrete Beach’s homage to the Miami village located on the waters of Biscayne Bay. Once fully open, the brewery will also have a revolving selection of other house-made liquid libations. In the meantime, Miamians are able to pick up Concrete Beach beers in six packs at retailers such as Publix, Winn-Dixie and Total Wine and More.