Students from Florida International University (FIU) achieved significant recognition at the 13th annual North Miami BrewFest, earning the title of best brewery and best dessert. The festival, which began over a decade ago on FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus to support the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and its brewing science program, has expanded into a major event for local food and craft beer enthusiasts.
Each year, attendees at North Miami BrewFest vote for their favorite exhibitors in several categories. This year marked a milestone as students claimed two of the three top honors. The FIU Bartender’s Guild, representing the Bacardi Center of Excellence, won first place for best brewery with their innovative beer cocktail creations developed over several months.
Other winners included La Birra Bar, securing first place in the Best Eatery category for the third consecutive year, and Chef Christian Barruos-Brens, whose Cafecito brownies earned him first place for best dessert. “I’m grateful to keep representing culture, flavor and community, one brownie at a time,” said Barruos-Brens, a junior at the Chaplin School.
Alumni-owned businesses also received awards: Brewsaki and Rocketeer Beer took second and third place respectively in the Best Brewery category. In Best Eats, Ty’s Hometown BBQ placed second for its wings while Fin’s Kitchen received third for its blueberry and Haitian-rum glazed wings.
The event featured participation from more than 30 breweries and 20 eateries, including alumni-owned breweries such as Tripping Animals, Conscious Brewing, and Black Pit Brewing.
Among student participants was Laura Rodriguez from Brew FIU who created a Mango American Ale inspired by her grandmother’s Philippine mangoes. “The Philippine mangoes I used in this recipe are from my grandma’s house, so the beer is close to my heart because it’s like I put a little bit of myself and my culture into it,” said Rodriguez. Her Toasted Coconut Turkish Coffee Stout was also highlighted as a crowd favorite.
Reflecting on her experience at BrewFest before graduating next summer, Rodriguez shared: “It feels bittersweet, but I’m excited to end on a great note because these are all of my passion projects that I’ve been able to bring to life.” She added: “I’m very grateful for every opportunity I get here because it furthers my career and gives me real-life experiences. I’ve made so many friends here that will be my friends for the rest of my life.”
The awards emphasized both creativity and community spirit among participants from FIU as well as local alumni entrepreneurs.
