Concrete Beach Brewery

Concrete Beach Brewery was the second stop on our tour of the Wynwood Art District in Miami, Florida, (see Work_19). Hidden behind a rip-rap wall of Biscayne aquifer limestone, you'll find a hidden patio and taproom that is an oasis from the South Florida sun. The big windows that look into the brewery and outside to the patio make the room feel much bigger than it is. Seating was scarce but service was quick. We ordered a flight and a few glasses of Sugar Shack, tropical Stout (5.5% ABV), Flor de Lobo, IPA (7.2% ABV), Stiltsville, Pilsner (5.2% ABV), and Tropic Passion, wheat Ale (4.8% ABV). The staff were friendly and so were the guests. A friendly couple offered to move their scrabble game and gave up some space on the couch and bench so we could take a seat and enjoy our tasty beverages. We're always on the lookout for creative plumbing or use of brewery gear. As we sat on the coach gripping our sweaty glasses we spotted two taps near the entrance creating a draft water station. The pipe and wood creation hanging over the bar creates a nice glass rack giving the space an industrial artsy vibe. People watching was also an ever changing distraction, having a constant flow of body builders, artists and tourists coming and going.

Established in 2014 by head brewer from Magic Hat and with backing from Boston Brewing, Concrete Beach was an instant success. The scale of the brewery is hidden behind the tap room where there are tours. Going all cans in 2017 marks a major change for bottle snobs who are reluctantly learning to accept craft beer in aluminum can. With a constantly changing offering of limited run batches plus flagship labels like Stiltsville and Mas Hops, Concrete Beach is a popular destination, day or night. Our next visit will have to be at night when the city takes on a totally different hipster look and feel.