Crafting a Spirited Tale
Words by Michelle Ferrand
Behind every refreshing, creatively crafted cocktail is a story; behind every craft beer, small batch spirit, handcrafted product, thoughtful recipe and presentation, behind every song is a story. The new Alys Beach Crafted festival aims to celebrate the creativity and ingenuity that goes into crafted beverage artistry, sublime culinary experiences and elevated craftsmanship, and to tell the stories behind these crafts.
Crafted is being hosted by Alys Beach, a luxurious coastal Florida town whose Gulf views and refreshing sea breeze feel akin to a vacation destination off the coast of the Mediterranean. Expanding on their 2019 event, Firkin Fête, Alys Beach’s Crafted will gather the 30A community and visitors together with renowned craft brewers and distillers, mixologists and artisans from around the country, sharing the experience along with the ideas and processes.
Here are the events within the Crafted experience:
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect at Crafted!
The Makers Market
Start the weekend off by discovering the stories behind each craftsman’s artistry at The Makers Market. This outdoor event will highlight renowned artisans and exceptional makers from around the country. Open to the public, guests will have the opportunity to explore the highly refined products, specialized creations, thoughtful and unique pieces of workmanship and fine craft in this open-air market. Food and beverage stations and live music will compliment the market experience.
October 21, 3 - 6 pm and October 22, 12 - 4 pm (Alys Beach Amphitheatre)
Firkin Fête
Firkin Fête, the event that inspired the Crafted festival, will feature celebrated brewers tapping into their liquid gold for a spectacular tasting experience. The firkins, casks used to store and age the unique craft brews, are the stars of the show. What makes this night so exciting is that no two firkins are the same. Each 11-gallon keg will reveal a final product with a taste that’s unknown, even from the brewers themselves, until it’s tapped! Live music and specially curated culinary creations will round out this incredible event.
October 21, 6:30 - 9 pm (Kelly Green)
Spirited Seminars
Uncover the art of cocktails from some of the best mixologists from around the world. With four distinct and themed seminars, guests will have an industry insider's glimpse into the spirited world of cocktails.
Seminars will cover topics and trends such as the elements of tasting like a pro, incorporating seasonal (and clever) ingredients to create the freshest craft cocktails, accommodating your guests' individual needs with mocktail versions of your favorite cocktails, and other timely conversations that will keep your cocktail game sharp.
October 22, 11 - 1 pm (Locations vary)
Spirited Soirée
Closing out the Crafted weekend is the Spirited Soirée, an exquisite evening set to imbibe and explore a menu of crafted cocktails from teams of industry powerhouses of mixology and distilling paired with culinary delights from top chefs and creators. Guests will have the special privilege of tasting the spirits both neat and in a curated cocktail, while the distillers and mixologists share the inspirations behind each unique pairing. Not only will guests enjoy exploring new products, preparations, and combinations, but they’ll also gain new inspirations and know-how to craft inventive cocktails of their own.
October 22, 3 - 6 pm (Alys Beach North Pedestrian Path)
The proceeds of Crafted will benefit Food for Thought Outreach, a North Florida-based nonprofit that helps fight childhood hunger by serving food insecure school-aged children in the region.
For more information on Crafted, or to purchase tickets, please visit alysbeachcrafted.com.