M.A.S.H. Members Earn Professional Beer Judge Certification

When the term “beer geek” is used, it’s more than likely referring to people like Robert Billany and Danny Argudin of the Miami Area Society of Homebrewers. Argudin, who’s also part of the startup Sexy Llama Brewing, and Billany are now also professional beer judges. They earned their new credentials…

Basel Biergarten to Pop-Up in Wynwood

Last year, one of Art Basel’s biggest hits was nowhere near the beach. Instead, it was a pop-up bar selling Florida brews and smoked meats to Wynwood revelers. And for the second year in a row, the popular Basel Biergarten is back. Come December 5, they’ll be setting up shop…

J. Wakefield Brewing Company to Open in Wynwood UPDATED

J. Wakefield Brewing announced yesterday that it now has a place to call home. The brewery will be located in Wynwood. This is the third brewery confirmed in the district in less than two months. Wynwood will soon be a concrete jungle of vibrant graffiti art with a river of…

Hard Pumpkin Cider: Even Better Than Pumpkin Beer

You thought you had tried every kind of pumpkin-infused edible out there. After all, when you can get pumpkin spice lattes at McDonald’s, what’s left? But forget pumpkin ales or pumpkin coffee. There’s something much more magnificent to satisfy your pumpkin obsession: hard pumpkin cider. Seriously. It’s the beautiful lovechild…

Wet Willie’s Now Offers Sugar-Free Call a Cab Cocktail

Wet Willie’s is a South Beach institution. Hell, the booze-infused slushies can make even the boiling sun tolerable. But they also pack a lot of calories. That’s not exactly conducive to a bikini bod. But gym buffs can now rejoice. The Ocean Drive establishment has just introduced a sugar-free version…

Miami Brew Bus to Bring Beer Tours to the Magic City

When craft beer fans visit a city, they scope out the local brewing scene. Miami has a number of established breweries — and several more on the way. We’re ready for some beer tourism. Recognizing this potential, LoKal Burgers and Beer owner Matt Kuscher, his manager David Rodriguez, and Cecilia…

Oaktoberfest at Oak Tavern: A Beautiful Beer Dinner (Photos)

At last night’s Oaktoberfest, Oak Tavern executive chef David Bracha and Esquire beer writer Evan Benn hosted a four-course, beer dinner. Some dishes were Oak Tavern staples, such as the deviled eggs, pork belly banh mi, and duck pizza. Other offerings were made especially for this brewtastic event: house-made pretzels,…

Halloween Spirits: The Ten Spookiest Cocktails in Miami

While some people think Halloween is a kiddie holiday, we disagree. We think it heats up long after the children are tucked safely in bed, faces washed of excess chocolate. Because it is then that the spirits come out to play. And by “spirits” we mean the ones that come…

Miami Tequila Express: A Boozy Night at Baoli, Haven, Mercadito, and More

At last night’s Miami Tequila Express, we shuttled around the city in a bus and visited four spots: Baoli, Haven, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, and Mercadito Midtown. At each venue, there were tequila shots, tequila cocktails, tequila tastings, and tasty food. In other words, everyone aboard the tequila express drank…

MIA Brewing Company Begins Construction, Hopes to Open By January 2014

MIA Brewing Company hosted its groundbreaking party last weekend. The brewery, which is based in Doral, recently received approval from the federal government. At the celebration, MIA Brewing smashed the walls of its brand new home — a building that once housed office space for an electrical contractor. See Also:…

Grovetoberfest: Miami Brewers Spotlighted

The calendar says it’s October, but this weekend’s weather felt like July as thousands of beer lovers converged on Coconut Grove’s Peacock Park for the third annual Grovetoberfest. Luckily, there was a lot of ice-cold beer — more than 200 kinds. The brews ranged from domestic favorites such as Sam…

Drive-Thru Margaritas in Houston: How Is This Legal?

A drive-thru margarita bar might sound a little, well, illegal. After all, open containers aren’t allowed in any state in the U.S. of A. But there are loopholes, and through those loopholes pops up Houston’s W Grill and its delicious frozen concoctions. At this neighborhood spot in the hip Heights…

Trader Joe’s Opens Tomorrow: Five Wines and Beers Under $10 to Try

The anticipation is building as Miami prepares for Trader Joe’s first Miami-Dade store to open this Friday, October 18. At 8 a.m., a ceremonial lei will be cut by the store’s captain (AKA manager, to you landlubbers), Jodi McCullough, along with TJ’s regional vice president Kent Smathers and Pinecrest Mayor…

Free Beer at LoKal’s Home Brewers Bash Tonight and Tomorrow!

Miami and Broward home brewers are back at the second annual Home Brewers Bash at LoKal — and this year, the event is so big, it spans two evenings. Tonight and Thursday, October 17, from 6 to 10 p.m., the Coconut Grove beer and burger joint will allow home brewers…

Oaktoberfest: Eat and Drink Like a Man at Oak Tavern

Oktoberfest, Oaktoberfest. Kind of like potato, potahto — except Oaktoberfest features beer, food, Esquire (and Miami Herald) writer Evan Benn, and Oak Tavern’s David Bracha combining forces for a four-course meal next Wednesday, October 23. What’s better than a four-course dinner? Not much we can think of. See also: Esquire…

Hop Aboard the Tequila Express: Win Tickets Now

All aboard for the Tequila Express, departing Wynwood on October 22 at 6 p.m. What’s this fun train’s destination? Four Miami hotspots, where you’ll enjoy food and tequila pairings. What’s the ticket price for this tasty journey? Free if you score a boarding pass…

Concrete Beach Brewery: Alchemy & Science Brewing Moves Into Wynwood

It’s finally official. Concrete Beach Brewery is coming to Miami. The Alchemy & Science Brewing Collaborative project headed by Alan Newman and Stacy Steinmetz formally announced yesterday it will arrive in the Wynwood Arts District. Construction for the new brewery began earlier this month. It will be housed in an…