By Chip Harrison

Cocktails, Spirits, and all that Jazz.

“Start the car, I know a whoopee spot, where the gin is cold, but the piano’s hot” Chicago

That speakeasy vibe flowed heavy in the air at the second annual Craft Spirits Festival  in Coconut Grove. As the Grand piano sang, the gin played accompaniment amid a dizzying display of craft cocktails and small batch liquors. With over 200 spirits to choose from, this years rendition of Miami’s libation celebration packed quite the punch.

The event was in full swing as I pushed through the grand facade of the Cruz building. The New Orleans style venue lent the perfect backdrop for a spirited sampling of what the modern booze world has to offer. With my own spirits rising, I braved the ground floor. Weaving in and out of guava vodkas, pumpkin ryes, exceptional gins and a few things I still can’t pronounce, my inhibitions lowered and my curiosity rose.

These purveyors of elixirs eagerly pushed their concoctions with well rehearsed tales of their quality and lore. Through an onslaught of smoked rums and artisanal schnapps I was quickly on the next level long before reaching the third floor. By the end of it, I was sloshing with the best of them. Although I don’t recall much of my alcohol education, friends were fast to find, the drinks were genuinely delectable and interesting, hipster beards were raging and my glass was never empty. Ill be sure to attend the next version of the Craft and Spirits Festival in the year to come.