Page 73 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Fall/Winter 2024

PASSION PURSUITS
THE SECRET INGREDIENT AT THIS FLORIDA KEYS MICROBREWERY? It’s a Canadian.
At the colourful Florida Keys Brewing Company, Craig McBay leads the way. BY VANESSA CHIASSON
THE SCENE
Colourful hibiscus, tiny sun-loving lizards, and neon tie-dye decor don’t sound particularly Canadian. But for Burlington, Ontario, native Craig McBay, the bona fide brewmaster and co-owner of the Florida Keys Brewing Company, he’s combined his Canadian community spirit with island vibes and flavours to create Islamorada’s first microbrewery in the Upper Keys.
Delicious beer is just the tip of the iceberg. Craig and his wife Cheryl, who is a “Conch” (that’s lingo for born and raised residents), have designed a tasting room and beer garden that’s turned into a hub for local musicians, community fundraisers, and parched tourists and locals who come to bask in this foliage-rich greenery. Craig says, “We’re a tropical brewery.” From wall mosaics sourced from repurposed bottle caps to the trees draped in twinkling pink and green lights, the stage is set for brew time.
THE HITS
The Florida Keys Brewing Company (FKBC) has 20 beers on tap at any given time. The locals’ favourite is “Iguana Bait.” This honey-hibiscus kolsch (5.2% ABV) is made with local organic honey and hibiscus. The light, breezy brew is fairly sweet and a little tart—kind of like the Keys themselves, where there’s a mix of characters from salty souls to cre- ative types.
MUST-SEE
The Florida Keys Brewing Company’s quirky courtyard is a must- see. Put your cares away, grab a beer-tasting flight, and kick back to listen to live music. Watch for Pancake and Purr Mon- ster, two of the brewery’s friendly cats.
THE BACKSTORY
The venture started innocently enough after Craig, a craft-brew enthusiast, received a home brewing kit as a present from his mother-in-law back in 2010. At one point, he had several hundred bottles cluttering up his home!
Meanwhile Cheryl, an avid artist, used her creativity to kick-start the brewery, turning the suds maker into a bespoke destination, which opened in 2015. Most of FKBC’s artwork—its beer cans, beer taps, and merchandise—are Cheryl’s creations.
THE TAKEAWAY
By starting this small community-focused business in Islamorada, the McBays have fostered employment (about 20 employees), and have mustered a creative hub where more than suds flow. They’re cultivating community spirit and are showcasing sustainability using Florida-sourced ingredients like lemongrass and citrus.
The brewery is a big supporter in community causes too. Close to their hearts, they cheekily refer to animals in need and the local marine environment as “fleas” and “seas,” and regularly contribute to and host fundraisers. FKBC is also a big supporter of the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, and sponsors a monthly arts night for the island’s largest arts-themed neighbourhood. DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
You can follow the Florida Keys Brewing Company’s schedule of events, which includes live music and community fundraisers, here: floridakeysbrewingco.com/local-scene/events/
FALL/WINTER 2024 DREAMSCAPES 73