Miami Brewers Come Out to Sprung 2016

This past Saturday, thousands of beer fans enjoyed live music and cold brews at Sprung, Miami's spring beer festival.

For the first time, the event was held in Wynwood, moving from its Coconut Grove home in Peacock Park. And although the cool grass under guests feet and bay breezes were missed, the new location at the RC Cola Plant gave the event more space and easy accessibility from almost anywhere in South Florida.

More than 300 beers were available for the sipping, and South Florida brews took the spotlight. Established Miami breweries such as Wynwood and Concrete Beach shared equal billing with newer operations like Descarga and Legacy.

The takeaway? Miami's beer scene is alive and well and growing every day.
Wynwood Brewing Company headquarters were just across the street, making it the unofficial home brew at Sprung. The brewery recently won the Brewbound Startup Brewery Challenge. Owners Luis G. and Luis C. "Pops" Brignoni traveled to Portland, Oregon, to collaborate on a new beer with Widmer Brothers Brewing.
Beers with fruit notes were highlighted at Sprung. Miami Brewing Company's Orange Is the New Sour proved to be a fantastic beer to drink when the heat index rises.
Legacy Caribbean Craft Brewery is finally planning a taproom in Hallandale Beach. The brewers served their Humble Noble IPA, the guava ale Dona Rosa, and Bob Weiser, a light yet flavorful American ale.
Descarga Brewing Company is also eyeing Hallandale Beach for a permanent brewery and taproom. The brewers served a spiced fruit ale with mamey, milk sugar, and agave nectar. The result is a refreshing, boozy version of a batido de mamey. 
MIA Brewing's Eddie Leon said progress on the Doral brewery's expansion is going well. When finished, MIA will become a full-service facility offering food, beer cocktails, and a full bar.
Biscayne Bay Brewing is nearing completion on its taproom, which is set to open in the next few months. 
Pompano Beach-based 26 Degrees Brewing Company offered a refreshing grapefruit IPA, along with a Captain Ron Hefeweizen. 
J. Wakefield served a smooth, creamy El Jefe coconut Hefeweizen and a tart Stush Berliner Weisse to its fans. Both beers were favorites, drawing long lines for a taste of Wakefield's signature fruit-laced brews.
Sprung also introduced attendees to Escape Hatch Brewing Company. Partners Miguel Lara and Kenneth Roggot are looking for space for their brewery and taproom. Though not sure where it will be located, they're committed to finding a location in Miami-Dade. Escape Hatch's introductory beers were the tropical pale ale Tranquilo y Tropical and a Florida international pale ale.