Beer festivals are a lot like open-minded college girls & South Beach guys — they can go either way. Sometimes they blow (as did a recent local beer festival that shall remain nameless) – or as is the case with, Sprung! Spring Beer Festival, they can kick major ass. This past Saturday, March 9th Coconut Grove’s Peacock Park hosted 150 spring and summer craft beers from well-known, talented breweries like Sierra Nevada, Brooklyn Brewery, Kona, Magic Hat, Shiner, Shipyard and many more. We love to support small businesses as well as people doing what they are truly passionate about. That is why we were very pleased to see Sprung! supporting the very impressive local craft beer movement here in South Florida.

A very reasonable $39 general admission ticket gave you access to an unlimited delectable beer selection in a festive, fun and friendly environment. VIP tickets granted you access to air-conditioned private bathrooms  and an awesome buffet by Le Fragole which offered tasty three cheese mushroom rissoto, ceviche, savory empanadas, and perfectly cooked tuna-topped plantains.

As if that were not enough, the event also had human bowling (which was tons of fun), beer pong, and cornhole. In addition, four great chefs and the team from B.R.E.W. FIU held sessions on pairing food with beer. Also in attendance were Miami’s Vice City Rollers promoting their badass roller derby team and selling bacon infused treats. Executive Fantasy Hotel provided a mechanical bull, naughty cages for photos and hotties on hand promoting their lustful hotel getaway. Bougainvillea’s sponsored the stage where local hip hop ensemble, ArtOficial ripped it up.

There is something about beer festivals that always bring out the most down-to-earth and chillest of South Florida’s crowds. We enjoyed the effervescent libations, mingled with the crowd and could not stop laughing and smiling with random inebriated strangers. While we are in concurrence with Homer Simpson that all beer is mmmmmmm, we were pleased that most of our favorites were from our very own, local South Florida craft beer makers.  Highlighted are our favorite specimens in no particular order:

Schnebly Winery & Brewery Big Rod Coconut Ale –  Contains utterly delicious, rich coconut and caramel bursts. A smooth crisp masterpiece.

Scofferhofer Grapefruit –  A unique combination of sparkling wheat beer and refreshing tangy fruit juice. Mix of 50% Schofferhofer wheat beer and 50%  grapefruit juice was a superb experiment and very tasty. 

Most Wanted Brewery High Noon Sweet Orange Hefeweizen - Similar to the previous fruit combo but slightly different and just as good.

Opus Ales South Florida Melo-coton Wit - The sensational, peachy and crispy Belguim wit ale was a refreshing treat.

Fourth Age Brewing Flan Sweet Stout - A dark, yet smooth and sweet concoction that blew us away with its addictive nature &  sweet 9% alcohol potency.

Fourth Age Brewing Lost City - This 6.5% Golden Ale is brewed with lemongrass for a delightfully unique and smooth finish. 

Red Hook Audible -  Redhook teamed up with Dan Patrick from ESPN to brew the ultimate Pale ale with plenty of flavor and aroma.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Ovila Abbey Dubbel - This has been a favorite of ours throughout the wine and food festivals we’ve been to. It has a rich and malty sweetness with caramelized sugar. It is truly a complex and stunning beer.

Makers Warehouse Strawberry White Merlot - We are so thankful these guys snuck some wine into this beer extravaganza. The “make-your-own” wine was one of the smoothest and most delicious we have ever tasted.  We will definitely take a stab at making our own.

In short, we had a freaking blast and can’t wait to get our lederhosen ready for Grovetoberfest in October.