FIU's South Florida Brewfest, held at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, was truly a local affair. Every brewery, from major players like Tampa's Cigar City to home brewers like Home Sick Brewing in Sanford, were born and brewed in Florida.
When you consider that there were over two dozen brewers pouring about 100 different beers, you can finally get the magnitude of just how far Florida has come in the craft beer industry.
See also: Dean Mike Hampton on Tomorrow's FIU's Brewfest: "This Will be a Lightbulb Experience"
Funky Buddha poured several beers, but the clear winner was the No Crust. Essentially a PB&J in a glass, the beer starts fruity and ends with a nutty finish.
MIA Brewing proudly displayed their new retro branding, which calls up visions of Miami Vice. Their Tourist Trappe beer won for best pun (and just happens to be a great beer).
When Robert Lopez gave Alexandra Portal a home brew kit as a gift, they never knew it would lead to an obsession. This adorable couple hopes to open their Wasassa Brewing Company soon.
Miami Brewing Company originally meant for their Little Havana cafe con leche stout to be a limited edition brew. Thanks to popular demand, it's a permanent fixture at their Redland brewery.
Just in time for the holidays, Home Sick Brewing poured a cranberry ale that had us looking forward to a nice roast turkey.
4th Age Brewing was so popular, they only had their Betrayal of Man left to pour. That's fine, because it's always a solid drinking choice.
3 Sons Brewing served us a pumpkin spiced latte brew that was (you guessed it) like drinking your favorite coffee house beverage..with 7.2% abv.
Hialeah Brewing had funny hats and a kick ass cranberry wheat beer.
Legacy Caribbean Craft Brewery uses tropical fruits like guava rich Cuban coffee to bring the flavors of the islands to your glass.
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