Just after Hurricane Dorian tore through the Bahamas last month, Wynwood Brewing Co. banded together with South Florida’s brewing community to find a way to help the tens of thousands of people impacted. In total, 11 South Florida craft breweries decided to collaborate on Onward Together, a Bohemian Pilsner inspired by island flavors and named for the Bahamian motto “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together.” On Saturday, October 26^th, Wynwood Brewing, along with Barrel of Monks, Broski Ciderworks, Concrete Beach, Florida Keys, MIA, The Tank, Tarpon River Brewing, Veza Sur, and West Palm Beach Brewery will tap the collaboration beer and host fund-raising events at their respective taprooms, where 100% of the proceeds will go to non-profits providing aid to those impacted by Hurricane Dorian. 

“We wanted to do our part to help with the relief efforts in the Bahamas and collaborating with some of the amazing breweries in South Florida seemed like a great way to join forces for good,” said Wynwood Brewmaster Nik Mebane. “Brewing Onward Together is a chance for us to step away from our own projects and come together to show our support for the people of the Bahamas. You are not alone!  Onward Together!”

 Onward Together is a 5% ABV Bohemian Pilsner brewed with fruits local to the Bahamas, including mango, sour orange, pineapple and coconut. The Pilsner style pays homage to the light bodied, refreshing domestic beers that are popular in the Bahamas and the tropical fruits tie in the flavors of the islands.

Wynwood is encouraging beer lovers across the state to head to their local taproom on October 26^th, where 100% of the sales from every pint of Onward Together will go to one of several non-profits partnering with the hosting breweries. 

Hurricane Dorian touched down in the Northern Bahamas on September 1 and is the strongest hurricane on record to hit the area. At the time of this release, approximately 2,500 people are missing, the death toll has risen to 50, more than 70,000 need aid, and an estimated 90% of housing and infrastructure on the Abaco Islands is damaged or destroyed.  

“Living in South Florida, we’re in a unique position to help our neighbors in the Bahamas,” said Ian Salzberg, VP of Marketing and Sale for Wynwood. “I’m heartened by the quick and positive response from the South Florida brewing community. Everyone wanted to rally around the cause.”  

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air”. In the words of Wynwood Brewing: “Live in the sunshine state. Ride over the sea. Drink some Rickenbacker Pilsner!” because it’s time for our annual Rickenbacker Ride. 

On June 23^rd you will have the opportunity to sign up for one of three groups, each varying in distance and speed, and ride from our brewery to Key Biscayne and back over the Rickenbacker causeway. If you are not sold by the breathtaking views and opportunity to get your legs in shape for the beach days that approach, you will also receive an ice-cold Rickenbacker Pilsner to put in your branded 2019 Rickenbacker ride glassware. Breakfast snacks will also be served to soak up some of the alcohol and make room for more delicious beer! All participants will also be part of a drawing for a branded Wynwood Bike and matching leather growler holder.

All proceeds from the ride will be donated to Debris Free Oceans (DFO), a Miami- based organization that inspires local communities to responsibly manage the lifecycle of plastics and waste! What’s awesome about DFO is that their initiatives don’t stop here, they are part of a global initiative to eradicate marine debris from our beaches, reefs and oceans. We have been partnering with DFO for a number of years and are proud of their commitment to the community.

This ride is limited in capacity so ride along to our Eventbrite and purchase tickets now!

This past weekend, Team Wynwood Brewing Company on the Bike MS Breakaway to Key Largo accomplished something huge. Yes, riding 75-100 miles two days in a row is big but what we are most impressed by are the fundraising efforts of the team. As of today, March 4th, 2019, Team Wynwood raised close to $30,000 ($29,747.00 to be exact) for MS research which currently puts the team in 5th place overall.

Ricky Bobby once said “If you ain’t first, you’re last” but in this case, I completely disagree! What an amazing accomplishment. For a team that grew from 6 members last year to close to 20 riders this year. We thank you all for your efforts.

I think it’s important to note that we at Wynwood Brewing are honored to be part of this and have our name on the team but ALL OF THE CREDIT should go to the riders and team captain who did pretty much all of the heavy lifting. A few of our Vine Club Members started the team for another Vine Club Member who has been fighting MS for 20+ years. We helped keep them hydrated, looking good and helped raise a little money too, however they really deserve the praise.

This was our first year getting involved with this ride and we were really impressed with the passion of all of the riders. We wish we brought a little more beer to the finish lines for the other thirsty teams (next year we’ll come more prepared) but thanks for everyone who came out and thank you team Wynwood for tying our brewery to such an amazing team and fundraising effort.

Cheers to you!