Cheers to VeritageMiami Craft Beer Tasting

VeritageMiami Craft Beer Tasting event took place on Thursday, February 9th at the Wynwood Walls and breweries as well as restaurants were lined up all around the artistic scene ready to serve up local and rare brews and delicious bites.  I was excited to check out their new “Brewcade” area equipped with old-school machines, lounge area and even cellphone recharge stations to make sure phones were charged for plenty of selfie taking.

First walking in I spotted one of my local favorites, J. Wakefield Brewing. I was happily greeted by the familiar smile of Alex Gutierrez, Certified Cicerone and Brand Director of the brewery.  They had a special beer sample on tap just for the festival, a sour Saison with high bush berries by they name of Alouette.  Tart and sweet to the taste, absolutely fantastic.  Right next to their booth Spring Chicken was serving up fried chicken sandwiches so juicy and crisp, certainly came back for seconds.

There were clown-like performers on stilts that were picture-worthy and entertaining roaming around.

After visiting a few more local favorites, I made my way to the VeritageMiami Craft Beer Tasting themed photo booth to make sure I took this memorable night home with me in a fun picture.

Once I was finished uploading my picture, I could see another local favorite of mine, Descarga Brewing Company.  Their kegs of Pastelito (Guava Wheat Ale) and Rye Yai Yai (Imperial Rye IPA) had both kicked by the time I got there (a sure sign that their brews are a must-try) but no worries they still had plenty of their flagship IPA which I got to enjoy.  Next, I scored a Hatuey cap at the Hatuey Beer booth and sampled their Cuban style ale which took me back to my childhood of drinking malta but only this time it was boozy. Concrete Beach Brewing, Wywood Brewing, Knee Deep Brewing . . . even some European brands such as Einstök Beer Company from Akureyri, Iceland and Grupo Mahou-San Miguel from Spain were all there to sample and expand every craft beer enthusiast’s palate.  The hop and barley refreshment list was an absolute dream, so many selections I was unable to make my way through every one of them.

Fun with the crew from Descarga Brewing

My appetite was satisfied with what I can’t even call light bites because they’re great portions were so filling.  Shake Shack had their renowned burgers, full-size and delicious.  Palomilla Grill served up their locally famous croquetas and Tio Colo had my favorite Guava bocadito ice cream on deck (I took two being greedy).

Shake Shack Burger

Without a doubt there was enough food and dessert to keep the brews at bay in the sober level and a spectacular scene of art, live music and entertainment.  This event is one I will look forward to attending next year.  Cheers to VeritageMiami Craft Beer Tasting and the organization for putting together such an amazing and “brewtiful” craft beer tasting and, of course, to all of the participating breweries and restaurants!