MIAMI’S BELOVED CERVECERIA LA TROPICAL TO DEBUT TROPI CRYSTAL, “LA AUTENTICA,” NOW IMPORTED FROM MIAMI
In February 2021, after decades of effort, Cervecería La Tropical – a 28,000 square foot state-of-the-art brewery and tap room – launched in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. Complete with a Latin-Caribbean inspired restaurant and a lush 10,000 square foot botanical tropical garden designed to evoke the original Cervecería from Havana, the opening was the culmination of a lifelong dream for CEO Manny Portuondo. Part and parcel with that dream was launching the authentic Cristal Pilsner beer, first created in Havana in 1928 by Cervecería La Tropical. And now, that day has come.
On Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Portuondo, in cooperation with his talented team of brewers will be launching Cervecería La Tropical’s newest cerveza, Tropi Crystal Pilsner, La Autentica. Available at retail outlets throughout Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, as well as, in La Tropical’s Wynwood tap room. Tropi Crystal Pilsner, La Autentica, was brewed with the original recipe from 1928, when it was first born in Havana and soon became loved by Cubans on and off the island.
“We couldn’t be happier to finally be brewing our authentic Cuban brand Crystal right here in Miami. Now Cubans worldwide can once again experience the authentic Crystal,” says Portuondo, who operates the brewery in partnership with descendants of the original Cuban brewery founders, the Blanco Herrera family. “Ninety-five years after Cristal first made its debut in the Cuban market in 1928, we are thrilled to re-launch our iconic and beloved brand.”
Adding Tropi Crystal Pilsner to the La Tropical portfolio of cervezas is mission accomplished for Portuondo who set out 25 years ago to rebuild the world renowned Cervecería La Tropical and all of its portfolio brands that were taken at gunpoint in 1960 by the Cuban revolution. With the relaunch of Tropi Crystal Pilsner, La Autentica, Portuondo believes they’ve done just that. In fact, he sees such a direct link between Miami 2023 and Cuba circa 1959 that, as a nod to Crystal’s place of origin, has stamped Imported from Miami on each can. “In the same way you cannot separate Crystal from Cuba, you cannot separate the Cuban experience from Miami,” he adds. “To me, ‘Imported from Miami’ joyfully acknowledges the sense of journey the Crystal brand and the Cuban people have experienced going back 64 years, when the Cuban exodus began, and continues still today. Tropi Crystal Pilsner, La Autentica, is Clara, Ligera y Sabrosa. A refreshing cerveza for a hot Miami day at the beach or while watching baseball, Cuba’s national sport,” Portuondo concludes.
Establishing the Cuban beer industry when it opened in 1888 in Havana, the sprawling Cerveceria La Tropical was recognized as the largest and most popular brewery in Cuba, renowned for its quality cervezas, live music, strolls through its beautiful Jardines La Tropical or watching Cuban baseball at its baseball stadium: El Gran Stadium La Tropical. Locals and tourists alike were drawn to the setting which operated unfettered until Fidel Castro nationalized the business upon coming to power. Since its resurrection in Miami, Cervecería La Tropical has welcomed over 300,000 guests in its Wynwood hotspots, all eager for its refreshing, award-winning cervezas, including the wildly popular La Original, a Vienna-style Ambar Lager that first became available in Havana in 1888. La Tropical is also known for its delicious tapas, created by one of the Sunshine State’s most beloved culinary talents, Executive Chef Cindy Hutson; plus, an amazing roster of live musical acts.
Manny Portuondo has dedicated his life to resurrecting Cervecería La Tropical and did so by recreating the brewery with a permanent home in Miami. That home is at 42 NE 25th Street in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. Hours of operation: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 11PM; Friday, noon to 1AM; Saturday, 11:30AM-1AM; Sunday, 11:30AM-10PM. Lunch, dinner, Happy Hour, brunch, and late night all on offer. Further information on the brewery, its many brands, the tap room, private event capabilities, etc., can all be found at www.cervecerialatropical.com.
Follow the La Tropical’s ongoing journey on social media @LaTropicalBeer and @CervezaCrystal.
About Cervecería La Tropical
Cervecería La Tropical is a Miami craft brewery that celebrates Miami’s multicultural heritage and lifestyle. Never forgetting it’s Cuban soul, La Tropical’s mission is to passionately handcraft premium cervezas and other beverages to bring sun, fun and rhythm to the lives of people everywhere. With sustainabilty at its core, Jardines La Tropical uses collected rainwater to water its gardens and spent grain from the cerveceria is donated to small cattle farmers as feed. It’s state of the art brewery also uses a spunding valve system to collect and store natural CO2, occurring during the fermentation process ; thus reducing our carbon footprint.. In partnership with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, a South Florida institution and botanical garden, La Tropical helps raise awareness and funds for “The Million Orchid Project” to restore nearly extinct native orchids within the South Florida environment. Eco friendly 6-pack carriers that are 100% plastic free, biodegradable and compostable carry many La Tropical can packages.
Photos Credit: CERVECERÍA LA TROPICAL
Date Posted: March 20, 2023
