Another blow to Miami craft beer: Wynwood’s last independent brewery is closing
The last independent brewery in Wynwood, a neighborhood once famous as a haven for craft beer, is closing.
J. Wakefield Brewing, which opened in 2015 at 120 NW 24th St., announced it will be closing this fall, citing changes to the increasingly upscale neighborhood as the reason.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share some bittersweet news with all of you,” the post read. “After almost a decade of serving this beloved community of Wynwood, and everyone that traveled from afar to visit our taproom, we will be closing its doors. This decision has not come easily, but the ever-changing landscape of the neighborhood has presented challenges that we can no longer navigate effectively.”
The post went on to thank patrons and staff and reported that the brewery, which is owned by brewmaster Johnathan Wakefield, is working to find a new location.
“We have cherished every pint, and every story told within these walls,” the post said, adding that the brewery’s final weekend will be Oct. 26-27. “It has been a privilege to be part of such a vibrant community.”
Well known in Wynwood for its colorful “Star Wars” murals, the brewery drew beer lovers from near and far with Wakefield’s innovative flavors, like DFPF (dragon fruit, passion fruit); the Miami Madness Berliner Weisse, brewed with mango, passionfruit and guava; El Jefe Coconut Hefeweizen and the IPA Hops for Teacher.
Wakefield created special beers for Art Basel and Miami Art Week, including The Harbinger, an imperial stout with hazelnut coffee. The specialty beers had labels created by local artists. A longtime Miami Hurricanes fan, Wakefield also created a limited-time IPA called Turnover to celebrate the University of Miami’s turnover chain.
The brewery was also a semi-permanent outdoor home at one time for Eduardo Lara’s Wolf of Tacos.
J. Wakefield is the fourth brewery in Miami-Dade County that has closed or will close in 2024. Last month, Unbranded Brewing Company in Hialeah announced it would be closing its doors Aug. 31. In April, Union Beer Store on Calle Ocho in Little Havana closed after seven years in Little Havana.
In January, Wynwood Brewing Company, which opened in 2013 and blazed a trail for Miami’s craft beer scene, announced it was closing its taproom at 565 NW 24th St. to merge with its sister brew pub Veza Sur Brewing Company, just a few blocks away.