CRAFT: Spirits and Beer and Miami's Artisan Cocktail Scene
A few weeks ago, Miami Beach hosted its 2nd Annual CRAFT: Spirits and Beer festival at the Jackie Gleason Fillmore Theater. Over 500 artisanal spirits and beers were showcased in the retro theatre Art Deco lobbies to trade members and consumers over the course of two days. CRAFT uses that term “to describe spirits and beers that are hand-made in smaller batches, with superior ingredients by people who are passionate about quality.” The brands and many of the back-stories reflect family owned and operated businesses with the founders still very involved in the distillation or brewing processes.
Consumers had the unique opportunity to sample hand-made, small batch spirits from brands like St. George Spirits, Kilkohman Single Malt Scotch, Tru Organic Vodka, and Four Roses, whose distillery is located in Wynwood, home to a growing artisanal community for the culinary and beverage scene.
The CRAFT; Spirits and Beer festival is organized and curated by Miamian, Jennifer Massolo, who has over 20 years experience in the fine beverage industry and has been passionate about discovering and supporting this movement in Miami.
At CRAFT, there was more than just spirits and beers. Even artisanal bitters made by Bar Keep, a favorite amongst the mixology community, were showcased. Consumers were able to try new and interesting flavors that cannot be found at your local grocery store or bar. Some examples include VYA Vermouth from California and Sorel, a Caribbean cordial, hand crafted and based off a traditional recipe from Founder, Jack from Brooklyn’s very own grandmother.
Complementary food tastings were also offered during Trade Day by Eating House, Bocce and Barceloneta. And there was plenty of delicious tastings for the public from GastroPOD, The Dutch, Oolite, The Local, Cypress Room, Miami Smokers and Cacao Art Chocolatiers.
In the last few years, the artisanal spirits, craft beers, cocktails and mixology scene has definitely grown in Miami. There seems to be a new mixology focused bar program opening up in Miami Beach, Brickell, Downtown or Wynwood every month. This gives many Miamians a chance to try new things that were not accessible in the past from artisanal spirit brands and breweries that put so much passion behind their product.
Here are a few great bars and lounges in Miami that you can possibly try these craft spirits and beers such as St. George Spirits’ Dry Rye Gin or Pear Brandy.
Want to make your own cocktail concoction at home? Try this refreshing recipe for “The Collins Avenue” from Miami Club Rum!