It's finally here, folks. After two years of heavy anticipation, Wynwood Brewing Company has announced it will officially launch its beer September 23.
The launch will be in tandem with Miami Beer Tour, which is hosting Hopztoberfest at Gramps in Wynwood beginning at 8 p.m. On tap will be Wynwood's La Rubia Blonde Ale, Wynwood IPA, and Pop's Porter. Lots of swag will be tossed around, including Wynwood Brewing T-shirts and pint glasses.
See also: Beer Snobs Rejoice! Wynwood Brewing Company Soon to Open
The brewery has been open for business and brewing since receiving its manufacturer's license a little more than two weeks ago. However, they have not opened their taproom, but that is the next step. For now, at least, owner Luis Brignoni and crew have accomplished what they set out to do for more than two years: getting the brewery operational. Brignoni is exhausted but happy.
"The main mission is to brew and distribute, so that's what we're going to do," Brignoni said. "We just want to make Miami proud."
Last May, Wynwood Brewing signed with Brown Distributing, which will initiate Miami to Wynwood's first kegs. Brown will distribute to these accounts, with the possibility of others after the market has been tested:
- Wood Tavern
- Gramps
- Wynwood Kitchen and Bar
- Pride and Joy
- LoKal Burgers and Beer
- Abraxas Lounge
- The Abbey Brewing Company
- World of Beer Midtown
- World of Beer Kendall
- The Local
- The Butcher Shop
Wynwood Brewing received the first of its brewing equipment this past February and finished installation last June. The brewery will use a 15-barrel fermentation system. Brewmaster Naga Reshi joined earlier this year from Brazil, where he built and operated Cervejaria Karamuru, the first brewery in the state of Bahia. Like Brignoni, Reshi is a beer pioneer in his own right.
Besides its flagship brews, Wynwood Brewing is already planning two special releases: Fresh Hop Pale Ale and a massively hopped batch, Stiglitz (from Inglourious Basterds), brewed with more than 100 pounds of citra hops from the Pacific Northwest.
The opening of Wynwood Brewing is a big step up for Miami's brewing industry; it is the city's first production brewery in several decades. In the past, there was Wagner Brewery at 637 NW 13th St. (closed in 1958), later acquired by American Brewing Company, which brewed Regal brand. Brignoni chose the Wynwood district for its vibrant arts scene and the spirit within the community to which he feels closely aligned.
Before September 23, there are two ways to take a gander at some Wynwood brews. The brewery will host a soft launch at Wood Tavern. Wynwood Brewing has several events planned over the course of the week following the official launch and will announce them over the next several days via Facebook. Stay updated.
The brewery will (hopefully) be the beginning of a trend in the district. It has been a long time coming. Rejoice beer snobs, rejoice indeed. Saúde!
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