'Local’s Choice' Tips From Craig McBay
Craig McBay, who owns Islamorada’s Florida Keys Brewing Co. with his wife Cheryl, is a busy man — operating the Upper Keys’ first microbrewery, its beer garden and tasting room; and overseeing a wide range of branded merchandise.
The colorful and popular brewery opened 10 years ago in the Morada Way Arts District.
Its newest IPA (India Pale Ale) brew, Spiny Hopster, is flavored with tropical fruit and launched a year ago.
“It smells so good. It’s created with flavors from the hops, citrus and tropical fruit,” said McBay, who hails from Canada’s Toronto area.
He met Cheryl at Hog Heaven Sports Bar & Grill, where she worked, after traveling from his then home in Florida’s West Palm Beach to Islamorada on a fishing trip getaway.
McBay credits the craft brewery’s success to “a great product. We have a great atmosphere and people just gravitated toward us,” he said. “We put everything we had into it. It’s a real ‘Keysie’ environment.”
Craig and Cheryl’s 10-year-old twins, Arlo and Rose, enjoy assisting their parents with tasks such as washing dishes and canning.
For the future, the couple plans to continue developing new flavors and styles to brew, as well as ways to improve the beer garden and streamline the brewing process.
Their motto: “‘Go big or go home.’ This was instilled into Cheryl from an early age by her father Marvin. It has always guided us well.”
Where they dine: Marathon Bagel Co. for Sunday breakfast. Tacos Jalisco (at the brewery’s beer garden) for lunch or dinner. Lazy Days in Islamorada for a nice dinner out. Bongos when they’re passing through Marathon.
Where they explore: Beaches and snorkeling, looking for shells or other treasures. The kids have great eyes for rare shells.
How they relax: “Spending time as a family is our favorite way to relax. It doesn't matter where we are or what we're doing, as long as we're together.”
Craig and Cheryl McBay own the popular Florida Keys Brewing Co. in Islamorada's Morada Way Arts District.
Spending time with twins Arlo and Rose is the McBay's favorite way to relax.
