Florida State Seminoles Opponent Scouting Report: Miami Craft Beer Scene

This is the fourth weekly installment highlighting the craft beer scene of Florida State's opponent. This segment will feature a brewery from the area and a beer from another brewery in the area, with a focus on best representing the craft beer scene of the Noles weekly opponent. We also try to include options that are readily available to those who may not be traveling to the games and want to pick something up from their local package store. Without further delay we present to you craft beer in Miami.

Miami's beer scene is relatively new. Five years ago, there were virtually no breweries in the city limits. Even in northern neighbor counties Dade and Palm Beach, few breweries were around. The heralded Funky Buddha was not yet open in Oakland Park, it was located in a small strip mall in Boca Raton.

But like everything else in Miami, the craft beer scene grew quickly and vibrantly.

The Wynwood area of Miami was once a relatively run down neighborhood, with industry leaving behind abandoned warehouses and commercial space. Targeted development about a decade ago resulted in the area's revival, mostly as an art and fashion district.

Maybe just a little hipster, the Wynwood area now features street art, fashionable shops and bars.

And Wynwood Brewing Company.

Wynwood's Pop's Porter is this week's feature beer. A description from their website:

Pop’s Porter Gold Medal winner at GABF is made with a blend of roasted malts that give this beer a nice, roasty aroma with hints of chocolate and coffee. These malts also contribute to the deep dark color of the beer. As you sip on Pop’s Porter, take a deep breath and inhale the aromas as you enjoy the roasty and almost toffee caramel-like flavor as it finishes with a smooth dry end. This beer pairs excellent with smoked or grilled food. It also goes very well with a nice cigar. Serve this beer in a nonick pint glass.

This is a beer I've always enjoyed - it lives up to its award sheet. One of the better porters I've come across, last time I had it with a grilled ribeye - try this pairing at home. This beer and their La Rubia are becoming available in distribution in South Florida. Hopefully you'll be able to get your hands on it.

The beauty of visiting Wynwood Brewing Company is you have two more good breweries on the same street. Located on NW 24th St, J Wakefield Brewing and Concrete Beach Brewery are both very good. John Wakefield is a very experienced brewer, with a stint at Cigar City. Try any of the Berlinerweisse's at J Wakefield and you won't come away unhappy. Their IPA's are also quite good, if you're not up for the Berlinerweisse. Concrete Beach I am less familiar with. I had their FloridaFest coconut marzen and it was pretty good, though marzen's are not my favorite style. Their pilsner was solid as well.

If you are "blessed" enough to have to go down and deal with the Miami traffic, you won't go wrong stopping at any of those 3 breweries - all located conveniently on the same street.

If you're unable to get your hands on any of the above mentioned beers, that's okay, we would love to know what kind of beer you will be enjoying this weekend as Florida State takes care of business against the Canes.