1 Long Island Craft Guide

s the Long Island craft farm brewery license will have a s the Long Island craft East End and about a dozen craft beer and brewery guide. beer boom continues, “ State-Certified Farm beer boom continues, breweries utilizing a percent- NassauCheers, LI! with more and more Brewery” designation.) with more and more age of either New York State or small-scaleA breweries popping small-scale breweries popping Long Island-grown ingredients, up across the region, casual Unlike the vast network of up across the region, casual earning them the designation drinkers and beer snobs alike East End vineyards supported drinkers and beer snobs alike of a certified farm brewery. have more choices of local by fertile farmland, craft have more choices of local (The breweries in this list with a brewskies than ever before. breweries do not discriminate brewskies than ever before. farm brewery license will have a by geography. That’s why beer “New York State-Certified Farm Long Island craft beer has drinkers can find a brewery Long Island craft beer has be- Brewery” designation.) become such a staple that within reasonable distance come such a staple that local local restaurants increasingly wherever they live on Long restaurants increasingly have Unlike the vast network of East have beer on tap from a local Island. beer on tap from a local brew- End vineyards supported by fer- brewery. And summertime ery. And summertime weekend tile farmland, craft breweries do weekend revelers often choose Perhaps the most well-known of revelers often choose to spend not discriminate by geography. to spend their afternoons at Long Island’s craft beer industry their afternoons at homegrown That’s why beer drinkers can homegrown microbrewery is Blue Point Co., which microbrewery tasting rooms find a brewery within reason- tasting rooms instead of was sold to InBev, the world’s Lithology Brewing Company has instead of traditional bars. able distance wherever they live traditional bars. largest brewer, in 2014, for a finally opened the doors to its Looking for specials and sav- on Long Island. reported $24 million. But that’s long-awaitedNassau tasting room. (Credit: Theings. craft beer industry here not to say other breweries Lithology Brewing brewery Co./Facebook) onSee Long inside Island for details. has grown Perhaps the most well-known of aren’t making waves. Indeed, Lithology Brewing Company exponentially in the last four Long Island’s craft beer indus- Southampton Publick House, a has finally opened the doors to years alone: from nine breweries try is Blue Point Brewing Co., Lithology brew pub, distributes its its long-awaited tasting room. sprinkledCollege across Nassau and which was sold to InBev, the brewery as far south as Puerto Rico, and (Credit: Lithology Brewing Co./ Suffolk counties in the summer world’s largest brewer, in 2014, Lithology Brewing Co. Match Quiz Greenport Brewing Co., despite Facebook) of 2012 to more than 30 for a reported $24 million. But 211 A Main St., Farmingdale. being on the northeastern edge Lithology Brewing Co. presently.The craft beer That’s industry not counting here on that’s not to say other brewer- lithologybrewing.com of the Island, has beers flowing 211 A Main St., Farmingdale. atLong least Island a dozen has grownof other expo up-- ies aren’t making waves. Indeed, in bars and restaurants across lithologybrewing.com and-comingnentially in the nanobreweries. last four years The Southampton Publick House, a To the founders of Lithology New York City and upstate New majorityalone: from of breweriesnine breweries on this list brew pub, distributes its beers Brewing Co., there’s more sprinkled across Nassau and York. toTo beerthe founders than just of beer. Lithology They have physical locations where as far south as Puerto Rico, and Brewing Co., there’s more to peopleSuffolk can counties enjoy ina tastingthe sum or- fill Greenport Brewing Co., despite consider microbrewing a Luckily for us, we don’t have to beer than just beer. They con- amer growler. of 2012 to more than 30 being on the northeastern edge science—and they believe the travel far to enjoy the fruits of sider microbrewing a science— presently. That’s not counting of the Island, has beers flowing key ingredient to all magical at least a dozen of other up- their collective labor. thingsand they from believe New theYork key is goodingre - Similarly, new trends have in bars and restaurants across dient to all magical things from grownand-coming out of nanobreweries. this hoppin’ The New York City and upstate New ol’ H2O. So, with our pint glasses New York is good ol’ H2O. industry,majority ofsuch breweries as the emergence on this list York. raised extra-high in the Press ofhave several physical hop locations farms on wherethe Lithology relies on the best newsroom, here’s your Long Lithology relies on the best Eastpeople End can and enjoy about a tasting a dozen or fill Luckily for us, we don’t have to ingredients they can get their Island craft beer and brewery ingredients they can get their breweriesa growler. utilizing a percentage travel far to enjoy the fruits of hands on to produce the perfect guide. Cheers, LI! hands on to produce the per- of either New York State or their collective labor. batch of beer, and if they’re Similarly, new trends have unhappyfect batch with of beer, the final and ifproduct, they’re Long Island-grown ingredients, unhappy with the final product, earninggrown out them of thisthe hoppin’designation in- So, with our pint glasses raised then it’s back to the drawing dustry, such as the emergence board.then it’s back to the drawing of a certified farm brewery. extra-high in the Press news- board. (Theof several breweries hop farms in this on list the with a room, here’s your Long Island It looks like their methodical

1 LONG ISLAND’S CRAFT BEER GUIDE

approach to beer-making has You won’t find any IPAs here, The Brew Haus hosts happy hour paid off: Lithology’s Brown however. Scimeca recalled a Monday through Friday from 3 was the silver medal winner at conversation he had with a p.m. to 6 p.m. and serves brunch the 2016 New York International restaurant owner who lamented every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 Craft Beer Competition. Aside that taps were being overrun p.m. It also features live music. from its standout brew, Lithology with IPAs, and wanted instead to Prost! also produces a savory vanilla offer a broad spectrum of beers. porter, a Belgian witbier, a dry- And that’s where Flying Belgian Garvies Point hopped pale ale, a flaked wheat comes in. Brewery summer ale, and so much more. 1 Garvies Point Rd., Glen Cove. The brewery also delivers 516-815-1999. The brewery features a tasting its brews to about 10 beer garviespointbrewing.com room and Lithology Brewing distributors in the area, Co. is a New York State-certified predominantly in Nassau County. Brewing small-batch, hand- farm brewery. They have plans to expand into crafted brews for the hop-heads Suffolk and Queens. in all of us, Garvies Point Craft Flagship Beer: Brewery takes great care in Legal American Pale Ale Flagship Beer: Illegally Blonde perfecting their blends before distributing to the masses. Flying Belgian Black Forest Brewery Brew Haus The brewery, which currently Farmingdale 2015 New Highway, does not have a taproom (refer 818-457-7548 Farmingdale to their website for updates), flyingbelgianbrewery.com 631-391-9500 produces about 1,000 gallons of blackforestbrewhaus.com beer per month. It’s a small-scale As its name suggests, Flying operation, but fans rave about Belgian Brewery produces only You may have heard about their beers. Although they’re Belgian-style beers out of its Black Forest Brew Haus’ stuffed only producing a handful of small facility in Farmingdale. And dumplings, hot Bavarian pretzels, brews, Garvies Point is taking on for its co-owners, Mike Scimeca or its loaded potato pancakes, complicated concoctions: IPAs, and Kevin Connelly, that’s quite but it’s the in-house beer that’s double IPAs, Belgian witbier and enough. making noise around the Long a delectable porter boasting Island craft beer scene. chocolate and coffee notes (yep, Scimeca, who handles business they went there). end of the operation, says the The German-style brewery, nanobrewery focuses on how which opened in 1999, offers a Thankfully for all of us it doesn’t beer could best be paired with full menu, appetizers, entrees, end there. Garvies also released food. As such, Flying Belgian German flare and more, as well its Wunderkind IPA—a “tropical already distributes to a half- as a steady selection of beers IPA” that we can’t wait to get our dozen restaurants on the Island. brewed on its premises. And hands on. as you can imagine, its beer Although the beers are mostly list includes a pilsner infused As of now, Garvies Point is only fashioned after Belgian brews, with German and Czech , a serving up its beers in draft and Flying Belgian puts their own traditional German Marzen and keg form. twist on their concoctions. When the always-popular Hefeweizen. Connelly, the head brewer, is Barrier Brewing brewing up a new batch, he often The hybrid restaurant/brewery, Barrier Brewing Co. considers how the beer would or brew pub, also produces two 3001 New St., Unit A2 complement a meal, whether it’s India Pale : one called the Oceanside steak or pasta. Cannonball IPA, and another barrierbrewing.com dubbed Belligerent Hipster IPA. Flying Belgian consistently has Not sure if new-age Brooklynites While some craft brewers dream at least two beers in its rotation: or their brethren appreciate the big of rivaling the likes of Samuel Illegally Blonde, a classic Blonde name, but when it comes to the Adams, the boys at Barrier Brew- Belgian beer with a darker hue, beer itself, there’s not much to ing Co. in Oceanside put the and Salvation a la Mode, complain about. micro in microbrewery, by spe- described as a “smooth” honey cializing in self-distributed small ale. batches.

2 Oyster Bay Brewing Roosevelt himself, with Rough Company Rye-Der Rye IPA. Oyster Bay 36 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay Brewing Co. is a New York State- 516-802-5546 certified farm brewery. oysterbaybrewing.com Flagship Beer: Barn Rocker Oyster Bay Brewing Co. has turned what was once a sleepy downtown into a hoppin’ North SUFFOLK Shore destination, with beer connoisseurs visiting the down- town simply to get their hands Woodside Orchards on local brew. 729 Main Rd., Route 25, Aquebogue Barrier Brewing was the first micro- The brewery first opened in 2012 brewery to set up shop in Nassau 631-722-5770 in a tiny storefront not far from woodsideorchards.com County. (Credit: Barrier Brewing/ the more traditional Oyster Bay Facebook) landmark: Saga- more Hill. But a lot That winning formula allows has changed since brewmasters and business part- then. The brewery ners Evan Klein and Craig Fry- moved to another mark to offer dozens of selec- location five times tions, bringing long lines of loyal the size of their fans coming back again and original locale, and again to their tasting room to try is now in the busi- Barrier’s latest creations. ness of canning select beers. “Brewing for quality not quan- tity,” is the proud motto of this The brewery New York State-certified farm presently has brewery. 6,000-square feet Woodside Orchards Hard Cider has to work with, and it has dedicat- Founded in 2007, Barrier was the variations, such as sweet, apple ed much of the square footage lemon and apple—they’ve first brewery to set up shop in to an impressive bar that runs Nassau County amid the current also had apple , apple rasp- 30 feet in length. Not bad for its berry and apple pumpkin in the past. craft beer boom. But they had a two owners, both of whom have setback when Superstorm Sandy (Credit: Woodside Orchards Hard day jobs at a local car dealer- Cider/Facebook) flooded their operation in 2012, ship. forcing them to close for several months to rebuild. They’ve since Yes, this is a cidery, not a brew- “People would come in for a ery, but until enough Long Island bounced back, pouring 50 differ- tasting and maybe a couple ent beers annually. apple orchards start making so of pints and then leave,” Katie much hard cider that they need Mattner, the tasting room man- Since they’re all about these a separate guide, Woodside ager and events planner, told the must be listed alongside beer small batches, however, it’s Press. impossible to pin them down brewers. on what could be termed their Despite the move, Oyster Bay “flagship brew.” Among their The North Fork Hard Cidery Brewing Co. is still producing doesn’t just serve regular hard most popular, flavorful, rhym- such favorites as Honey Ale and ing and alliterative labels have apple cider, although that is Barn Rocker, the latter of which available, too. They also have been Lights Out Stout, Beech is dedicated to our beloved St. Wheat, Bulkhead Red, Dub- variations, such as sweet, apple Islanders’ former home, Nassau lemon and cinnamon apple— bel Down, Barnacle Brown, and Coliseum, aka “The Old Barn.” Dunegrass DIPA. they’ve also had apple ginger, The brewmasters also pay hom- apple raspberry and apple age to their Gold Coast clien- pumpkin in the past. All that’s in tele with beers like Muttontown addition to apple wine, apple pie Brown Ale, Sagamore Dark La- and other apple goods they sell. ger and to local hero Theodore

3 LONG ISLAND’S CRAFT BEER GUIDE

“The reception has exceeded own space in Bay Shore, which wide range of styles: from cream our expectations,” Bob Gam- is currently under construction ales and pale ales to stouts and mon, who co-owns Woodside and expected to have its grand seasonal delights. And with beer Orchards with his brother, Scott, opening, tasting room and all. names like Sleigh Rye Winter told The New York Times. “All Ale, Candleabrum, Hopsy Dazy our ciders are based on the The Collective is a certified New and Devil’s Deed, you have to English-style ciders, so they are York State farm brewery, using admire their imagination. Great less sweet.” hops grown on the East End and South Bay Brewery is a New upstate, and they’re in the pro- York State-certified farm brew- Several local wineries have cess of capturing wild yeast in ery. dabbled with cider, although Bay Shore. The Collective is also thus far those productions ap- big on Gruit Ale, which one of its Flagship Beer pear to be one-offs. Other apple founder, Sarah Dougherty, calls Blood Orange Pale Ale orchards on LI sell non-alcoholic “very ancient.” While rare sweet cider, but so far this is the now, Gruit Ale, which is a only one that regularly ferments mix of different , was hard cider and offers it at a tast- once wildly popular. ing room. The Collective had been Flagship Cider: Traditional distributing to about a half-dozen restaurants in The Brewers Suffolk County when it Collective was operating in Farm- 1460 N. Clinton Ave. ingdale. Once it reopens, Unit C, Bay Shore it plans to brew up to five thebrewerscollective.com of its beers year-round and a rotation of seasonal brews. Among its unique beers Great South Bay Brewery’s Blonde is a Gruit made with sage, lemon Ambition Summer Ale. (Credit: Great balm and hibiscus. South Bay/Facebook) Flagship Beer: Useful Idiot IPA Destination Unknown Beer Co. Great South Bay 1 South Chicago Ave. Brewery Bay Shore. 25 Drexel Dr., Bay Shore 631-485-2232. 631-392-8472 destinationunknownbeercompany.com Greatsouthbaybrewery.com Destination Unknown Beer Co., Fans of Long Island craft beer or DubCo for short, may not can’t get enough of Great South know where they’re going, but Bay Brewery. the sky’s the limit for this up- Here comes the revolution and-coming microbrewery that within the revolution. Operated With popular brews like Blood opened during Long Island Craft by six owners who all have an Orange and Snaggletooth, a Beer Week 2015. equal share in the business, The glorious stout, this South Shore Brewers Collective grew out brewery has been making waves The duo behind this two-man of a home brewers club that for some time. Its brewery, lo- operation is Brad Finn, a high came together in 2007. By 2013, cated in an industrial area in Bay school teacher, and his lifelong however, the club decided it Shore, attracts droves of beer friend and co-founder, Chris was time to let the rest of Long enthusiasts on weekends. Pay a Candiano, a contractor. They Island in on their little secret, visit, and you’re likely to find pa- haven’t quit their day jobs, but and thus The Brewers Collective trons sipping beers amid games this certified farm brewery still was born. of corn hole and foosball. manages to turn out a new brew once weekly. Their beer can be They got their start at the mi- But mostly people come out for found on tap at local bars and crobrewery incubator in Farm- the beer. The brewery typically restaurants, as well as in their ingdale known as A Taste of has about a dozen beers on tap tasting room. Long Island, but left for their on any given day, and boasts a

4 “We’re small enough that we can Founded by a former Long beers while taking in the ambi- still experiment and take chanc- Island Rail Road employee who ance. es,” Candiano told News12 Long transformed his garage into a Island. bar—thus the name, “Barrage”— Flagship Beer: Yada Yada Yada this craft brewery offers nearly Their brews include Barrel Aged two dozen brews with eclectic Tweaking Frog Sonar, Beach Chair Blonde, For names like “Famous Last Words,” Brewery Shore Hefeweizen, Mellow Mood “One Ryed Monkey” and “Yada 211-A Main St., Farmingdale. IPA, and Sore Thumb IPA. Yada Yada.” 631-897-5509. tweakingfrogbrewing.com Flagship Beer: Dominick White IPA This funky upstart New York Twin Fork Beer Co. State-certified farm brewery got Calverton its start at a craft beer incuba- 631-209-4233 tor known as “A Taste of Long twinforkbeer.com Island,” which was later sold to Lithology Brewing Co. As anyone familiar with Long Island may have realized after Lithology, which was also born reading the name of this micro- out of ATOLI, made the space brewery, Twin Fork Beer Co. is their headquarters and tasting located on the East End, near room, but let Tweaking Frog the North and South forks. share it, although other brew- ers that started there have since But their name references more moved on. In that shared, magi- than just their location. It’s also Barrage Brewing Company’s take on cal, craft-beer cradle, Tweaking a wink to the owners, Dan and the popular “Black and Tan” beer, Frog launched its operation and Peter Chekijian, identical twins featuring YadaYadaYada and The tasting room in 2016. who founded the brewery in Clancy. (Barrage Brewing Co./Face- 2014. Their tap handles, found at book) Tweaking Frog Brewing Company restaurants across LI and NYC, boasts such brews as Ribbit Red Ale, is a musical tuning fork—a tip of Prior to turning his love affair their take on an American Red Ale, the hat to their father, a classical with beer into a full-fledged op- Raging Pollywog IPA and Twerking pianist. eration, founder Steve Pominski Blond Ale. (Credit: Tweaking Frog had been homebrewing for more Brewing Co./Facebook) “Music was always a large pres- than 20 years—well before the ence in the family, instilling not Long Island craft beer revolution “I have been an avid home brew- only a love of music but also dis- took hold. er for the better part of eight cipline and good work ethic,” the years, with dreams of starting brewers said on their website. Pominski attended the Siebel In- up a microbrewery of my own,” stitute of Technology and World owner Joseph Curley said in a It also clearly provided them Brewing Academy in Chicago so GoFundMe request for donations with the creativity required to go he could master his craft, and to help launch Tweaking Frog. into the microbrewery business. now he’s taking what he learned “After a year of focused plan- Although they self-distribute at home and from the pros ning, research, and a lot of luck, I their beer, Twin Forks Beer Co. is to serve up a wide still in the process of establishing variety of IPAs, ales, their tasting room. Check their stouts, porters, and website for updates on its status. more to Long Island’s burgeoning craft beer Flagship Beer: Chromatic Ale fan base.

Barrage Brewing Initially only open to Company the public for growler 32 Allen Blvd. fills, Barrage now East Farmingdale boasts a tasting room 516-986-8066 so thirsty artisan beer barragebrewing.com drinkers can sample

5 LONG ISLAND’S CRAFT BEER GUIDE was able to secure a location.” a small, secluded residential success that the duo steering community on FI next to a park the ship have opened a sec- Tweaking Frog brews, which of the same name, with just one ond location in Peconic—which have started to appear on taps restaurant, The Session Stand, features a tasting room just like at restaurants on Long Island, which was the first bar to serve its hometown brewery, as well as include Ribbit Red Ale, their take their beer. bottling equipment. on an American Red Ale, Rag- ing Pollywog IPA, and (the Miley Flaghip Beer: Lighthouse Ale Greenport specializes in a vari- Cyrus-inspired?) Twerking Blond ety of ales, seasonal favorites— Ale. Greenport brewery fall is not complete without Leaf Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. Pile, FYI—along with porters and Flagship Beer: Ribbit Red Ale 234 Carpenter St., Greenport. Indian pale ales. Greenport Har- 631-477-1100. bor Brewing Co. is a New York Fire Island Beer Co. greenportharborbrewing.com State-certified farm brewery. Fire Island. 631-482-3118. Greenport Harbor Brewing Com- Flagship Beer: Harbor Ale ireislandbeer.com pany’s two owners became buddies in college and bonded over less- 1940’s Brewing Co. This microbrewery’s beers than-stellar beer. (Rashed Mian/Long 1337 Lincoln Ave. stimulate the senses, just like Island Press) #1, Holbrook. the barrier island where it was 1940sbrewingcompany.com conceived and for which it was This dynamic brewery on the named, but fans shouldn’t ex- eastern tip of Long Island has Beer is in Charlie Becker’s blood. pect to find a brewery on Fire risen to such heights that its The third-generation brewer Island. decided to go pro and is now walking the same path The trio behind these beers his grandfather and father was looking for a brick-and- followed years ago. mortar location to set up shop since they founded With both family patri- the company in 2009, but archs in the beer business, that hasn’t stopped them it seems Becker found the from brewing up new perfect fit. The only ques- concoctions while farming tion may be: What took so the operation out to other darn long? brewers. Former invest- ment banker Simon Leon- 1940’s Brewing Co., founded ard became a majority owner of beer is already being featured in 2014, is currently producing the company in 2014, with the in bottles and on tap in New about a half-dozen year-round founders remaining on as minor- York City, upstate New York, and beers, including staples such as ity owners. While a permanent across the Long Island Sound in Golden Riveter IPA, and I Slip home has been uncertain, one Connecticut. U Fall (double IPA). But there’s thing is clear—the beer they more to 1940’s Brewing than brew is a hit. It’s been quite a run for its two IPAs. It also produces a seasonal founders, whom became bud- saison, a German rye, an oat- “The original founders will still dies in college and bonded over meal stout, and a German wheat have a stake in the company and less-than-stellar beer. Now they beer. For soccer fans, 1940’s is will be instrumental in helping play host to daycationers and also known for a English IPA move [it] forward,” the company locals alike who visit Greenport named after the beloved Premier said on its blog. “This will include for its waterfront access, his- League club Arsenal. a physical location in Long Island tory, and incomparable seafood and potentially a sister site in spots. But the brewery itself—lo- The brewery decided to pay Connecticut.” cated in a converted firehouse— homage to Becker’s family’s beer has become an attraction of its past by naming the company Bert Fernandez co-founded the own. Make no mistake, however, after the year in which his father company with his brother, Tom, it’s the beer that makes people graduated from the U.S. Brewer’s and cousin, Jeff Glassman, after coming back for more. Academy. they devised their first beer at their family’s home in Atlantique, The brewery has been such a

6 Saint James Brewery careers’ inspiration with Spider- and-son team of homebrewers- 929 Lincoln Ave. man, but instead of a spider bite turned-microbrewers, gave a Holbrook. giving them the power to climb nod to their ancestors when saintjamesbrewery.com walls, sling webs and fight crime, naming their certified farm their superpower is brewing ter- brewery. A squarehead is de- Don’t let the name confuse you. rific beer. fined as a person of German, This Belgian-inspired local craft Dutch, Scandinavian or Swedish brewery is in Holbrook, origin. not Saint James. The moniker is a nod to their “The elderberry clone was European-style brews, one of the first beers,” Dave not the address of the told Drunk and Unemployed. brewery. “We saw the public re- sponse, that was like, yup, Saint James Brewery’s all in.” dedication to traditional techniques is matched Since they prefer small only by this certified batches, they already list farm brewery’s commit- about 30 ales, porters, ment to only using the stouts, IPAs and other brews freshest local ingredients. on their website. They in- That includes hops from clude Hippies on The Yip, a Wading River, honey from Mat- Belgian blossom saison; 3 tituck, apples from Northport, Founded in 2008, Spider Bite Dollar Bill, a pistachio pale ale; their own special strain of yeast, was among the first to set up Suite Solitude, a strawberries- filtered local water and barley shop amid the current LI craft and-cream ale; as well as winter grown upstate. beer boom. It was established ales, an Oktoberfest brew and by Larry Goldstein, a chiroprac- three different coffee imperial “We believe in the farm-to-pint, tor, and his mortician neighbor, stouts. the farm-to-table mentality,” Ja- Anthony LiCausi. They won Best mie Adams, who co-founded the Craft Brewery in New York State Montauk Brewing Co. brewery with his wife, Rachel, in in 2012. 62 S. Erie Ave., Montauk. 2012, told Beer Sessions Radio. 631-668-8471. “We shop at farmers markets Many of their beers have arach- montaukbrewingco.com ourselves…it was a natural pro- nid-themed names, such as gression for us.” Eye Be Use Imperial IPA, Eight The do-it-yourself attitude that Legged RyPA, White Bite Wheat the easternmost community on They even compost their spent Ale and Boris the Spider Rus- Long Island is known for flows barley and hops, then use that sian Imperial Stout, their winter from the owners of the Montauk compost in their garden, where release (lil nod there to The Brewing Co. like brew from the they grow some of their ingre- Who song?; this one goes up to taps in their rustic tasting room. dients. Entwistle). Vaughan Cutillo and two of Since setting up shop, Saint Flagship Beer: First Bite Pale Ale his fellow ex-lifeguard bud- James’ brews can be found on dies, Joseph Sullivan and Eric taps at dozens of bars and res- Squarehead Moss, founded the brewery and taurants across Long Island and Brewing Co. “gallery tap room”—adorned New York City. 405 High St., Holbrook. with Hamptons artists’ abstract 631-921-3060. paintings and scenic photos—in squareheadbrewing.com an old wood-working company Spider Bite Brewery showroom in 2012. Their logo Spider Bite Beer Co. Squarehead Brewing Co. takes adorns a trailer-hitched beach 920 Lincoln Ave. farm-to-pint so seriously that cruiser bicycle, which the trio Unit 5, Holbrook. they grow their own hops in the uses to tow 170-lb. beer kegs to 631-942-3255. field next to their Holbrook craft local pubs. spiderbitebeer.com brewery and tasting room. “It’s our Clydesdales,” jokes These brewers share their Dave and Brad Jordan, a father- Cutillo, referring to the team of

7 LONG ISLAND’S CRAFT BEER GUIDE

horses Budweiser uses in their Porter”—in reference to one of McNally. Less than a year after promotions. While pouring 4-oz. the village’s two founders. opening, they were already on samples of his hometown’s taps at restaurants across Long namesake beer, he added: “We Flagship Beer: South Country IPA Island. got pretty lucky to be able to do this here.” Sand City Brewery Although they don’t serve food Sand City Brewing Co. themselves, a waiter from Tim’s Located just outside of the traf- 60 Main St., Northport. Shipwreck Diner next door fic circle in downtown Montauk, sandcitybeer.com comes in to take orders and these entrepreneurs arguably serve food to patrons at Sand run one of the most scenic local From the tasting room bar built City. Former Northport hellraiser craft breweries on LI, with an from reclaimed barn wood to (and King of the Beats) Jack outdoor seating area that offers their name, which is a throwback Kerouac would surely have split views of Fort Pond. to when Northport village was a his time between Sandy City and sand mining town, this brewery his infamous haunt Gunther’s, Flagship Brew: Driftwood Ale is steeped in history. had the brewery been around back in the day. Bellport Brewing Established in a former vintage Company clothing shop in one of Long Flagship Beer(s): Oops I Hopped My Moriches. Island’s quintessential waterfront Pants, Day Drifter bellportbrewing.com downtowns two blocks from Northport Harbor, Sand City Blue Point Founded in 2013, Bellport Brew- Brewing Co. has a lot more go- Brewing Co. ing Co. prides itself on a true ing for it than just a great loca- “farm-to-pint” experience. The tion—they also make delicious 161 River Ave., Patchogue. certified farm brewery sits atop beer. 844-272-2739. a 13-acre hop farm, and bluepointbrewing.com uses 20-percent New York-sourced ingredients The largest and one of the old- in its brews with a goal of est craft breweries on Long 90 percent by 2024. Island is increasingly found on taps nationwide since InBev, the Its head brewer and world’s largest brewing com- founder, Brian Baker, got pany, bought Blue Point Brewing his start as a homebrewer, Co. in 2014. and developed his skills over time. It also helped Despite that reported $24 million that he mingled with craft sale, the brewery’s original part- beer fanatics who make ners continue to run the show— up the Long Island Malt and Beer Sand City Brewing Company was the deal really just helped their Enthusiasts group. The home founded in 2015. Less than a year liquidity and allowed them to tap brewing experience, combined later its beer was flowing in local res- larger markets. They’re expand- with the knowledge of other taurants. (Credit: Sand City Brewing ing their Patchogue Riverfront beer aficionados, helped guide Co./Facebook brewery and tasting room, but Baker and his two partners to they still have the same attitude where they are now. “I’ve always been a hop head,” that’s as bold and refreshing as Kevin Sihler, Sand City’s head their brews. Since the brewery is conve- brewer, told The Happy Hour niently located on a farm where Guys, who dubbed him the “One of the things we say about hops are grown, it comes as no “hops whisperer.” Sihler ex- brewing is it’s 99-percent ass- surprise that the bulk of its beers plained their mentality like this: hole-free, and I don’t wanna be are Indian Pale Ales. Out of the “Let’s brew what we like to brew. that one percent,” Mark Burford, four beers it currently produces, People will either drink it or they who co-founded Blue Point in three are IPAs: South Country won’t, and hopefully we can 1997, previously told the Press. IPA, Bitter Thaw, and Very Bit- educate those people to try new ter Thaw. Bellport pays homage things.” Of course, Blue Point’s success to the South Shore village it’s flows not just from being nice, named after by dubbing its only Sand City was founded in 2015 but also from consistently brew- non-IPA brew “Captain Tom’s by Sihler, Bill Kiernan, and Frank ing up great new beers.

8 husband, Matthew, had been The brewery, named for the As is this case with so many homebrewing for years—sound hamlet just south of Patchogue craft brewing operations, Port familiar?—before they decided village where they’re head- Jefferson Brewing began with a to pursue their dream job. For quartered, wisely co-opted the home-brewing kit. Sadly, the first Lauri, it took a life coach to in- moniker of another nationally beer owner Mike Philbrick pro- quire about what her dream job successful LI export, Blue Point duced from the kit was less than would be for her to realize she Oysters, which go great with a stellar. Good thing for us he’s a wanted to brew beer for a living. pint. quick learner. Now here they are, Flagship Beer: Toasted Lager brewing a variety of hand-crafted drinks Brickhouse in Riverhead, the Brewery & undisputed capital Restaurant of Long Island’s ev- er-growing beer in- 67 W. Main St., Patchogue. dustry. Beer lovers 631-447-2337. had been salivating brickhousebrewery.com over Moustache’s product even be- Brickhouse Brewery has become fore the brewery a staple for Long Island beer opened in 2014. drinkers. For more than 20 years, Moustache would Brickhouse has been serving up sell their brews at pub favorites alongside beers The nautical-themed brewery is a the local farmers’ market as they brewed in-house. must-see spot on any beer tour. (Port continued to perfect their recipe. Jeff Brewing Co./Facebook) It wouldn’t take long for kegs to The brewery itself is located in run dry. Patchogue’s oldest commercial The former home-improvement building, which the brew pub company salesman is now churn- Their trademark beer, Every- estimates was built around 1850. ing out some of the best brews man’s Porter, is a remarkably The beer industry has changed on the Island, and his artisan light-bodied porter with hints quite a bit since Brickhouse delights can be found at restau- of roasted coffee. Moustache purchased the building in 1995. rants and bars across Nassau also produces a delicious Milk + There wasn’t the glut of small and Suffolk counties. The nau- Honey Brown Ale, several other breweries there are now, but tical-themed brewery, home to core beers, and seasonal beers, Brickhouse still finds a way to a cozy tasting room that fills up including a double IPA—the first stand out. with people enjoying Port Jeff’s in their “atomic” series. Mous- lively downtown, is a must-see tache Brewing Co. is a New York It’s taproom flows with every- spot on any beer tour. Thirsty State-certified farm brewery. thing from IPAs and cream ales visitors can stop in for a pint, (one of which is soaked in whis- tasting or growler fill. key!) to saisons, and more. The Flagship Beer: Everyman’s Porter brewery has its own brewmaster, Port Jeff mainstays include assistant brewer, and employs a Crooked Ladder Schooner Ale, Port Jeff Porter craft beer consultant. and the H3. Anyone planning Brewing Co. to make a trip to the waterfront 70 W. Main St., Riverhead. And while it’s always produc- village should pop in for a pint 631-591-3565. ing different varieties, the brew or two. crookedladderbrewing.com pub does have about four that it considers flagship beers: Street Flagship Beer: Schooner Ale If any town on Long Island Light, Beowulf IPA, Brickhouse should be considered the undis- Red and Nitro Boom Stout. puted capital of craft beer, it’s Moustache Riverhead. Port Jeff brewing Brewing Co. 400 Hallett Ave., Riverhead. Tucked in the center of Riv- company 631-591-3250. 22 Mill Creek Rd. Port Jefferson. erhead’s idyllic Main Street, moustachebrewing.com 1-877-475-2739. Crooked Ladder has established itself as not only a craft brewery, portjeffbrewing.com Lauri and her moustached

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but a destination for anyone “He had said, ‘Well, is there like in parts of Europe. They looking to put back a few cold maybe a different beer you’d aim to become a Community ones with friends and family consider taking off? We know Supported Brewery—like while enjoying a night out on those guys, they’re local guys, Community Supported the town. we’re friends,’” Martin previously Agriculture, in which people pre- told the Press. He recalled that purchase the harvest of small Crooked Ladder has developed the owner yelled back: “If you’re local farmers. more than three-dozen beers not willing to take Blue Point’s since it opened in 2013. Its tast- lines and be competitive, then “We would like to turn Long ing room typically has eight you’re not gonna make it in this Island into a very diverse beer beers on tap, with the list of business!” culture,” Donavan Hall previously offerings varying, depending on told the Press. “We want people the season. For instance, anyone Long , a New York State- to have a beer in Rocky Point walking into the brewery in the certified farm brewery, later that they’re really not going to summer may come upon “Sum- recovered the sale when the get anywhere else.” meritis,” a gold-colored summer bar’s patrons kept asking for it. ale. And years later, they’re not only They’re too small to have a making it in the beer biz, their tasting room, but RPAB’s beers If there’s a style of beer that distribution reach is growing, all can be found at about two appeals to you the most, it’s a the time. dozen bars, restaurants and beer good bet that Crooked Lad- distributors across LI and New der’s brewmasters have York City. put their talents to the test. Its full list of microbrews Their vision of a European- includes everything from style brewtopia on LI isn’t ubiquitous IPAs and ales just the beer talking. The trio (red and brown) to saisons, helped found the Long Island strong ales, stouts, pilsners, Beer & Malt Enthusiasts, and porters. And if you’re billed as the largest local looking for a more robust homebrew club that is like get-together with friends, LI’s craft brewery farm team. the brewery also rents out the space for events. Since they’re all about the They’re frequently asked, small batches, they don’t have Bottoms up, indeed. ‘What’s up with that name?’ It a flagship beer, but their most came to Martin in the shower popular year-round offerings Flagship Beer: Gypsy Red while nursing a bad hangover include Red Saison, Pilsner and the day after St. Patrick’s Day. Hefe. Long Ireland True story. 817 Pulaski St., Riverhead. Flagship Beer: Celtic Ale 631-403-4303. Shelter Island Craft longirelandbrewing.com Brewery Rocky Point Artisan 55 North Ferry Rd. Long Ireland Beer Co., located Brewers Shelter Island. in an East End neighborhood rockypointartisanbeer.com 631-749-5977. known as Polish Town, sounds home.shelterislandcraftbrewery.com like an international brewing This nanobrewery may operate operation, but the owners are as out of a garage since it was Even the smallest town on fiercely local as can be. licensed in 2012, but the trio Long Island was not immune running Rocky Point Artisan from the local microbrew Greg Martin, who founded the Brewers has big ideas about the boom, with Shelter Island Craft craft brewery and tasting room future of LI’s beer scene. Brewery serving especially with his business partner, Ed flavorful brews in its namesake Burke, in 2011, once saw his Donavan Hall, a physicist who downtown as of 2015. salesman kicked out of a bar co-founded RPAB with his for asking the bar owner to not friend, Mike Voigt, and their Among the local ingredients have Long Ireland replace a tap “mad scientist,” Yuri Janssen, this New York State-certified occupied by a Blue Point Brew- another physicist, envisions farm brewery reportedly uses ery beer. a brewery in every LI town, are honey, apples, beach plums

10 and scallops from Shelter Quadruple Ale”—inspired, Island, plus spices grown in no doubt, by founder Paul the brewmaster’s garden. The Dlugokencky’s poor vision. As founder, Jim Hull, a former Dlugokencky has proved, you jeweler, derives his recipes from don’t need 20/20 eyesight to time spent in the kitchen. have the vision to turn a hobby and passion into an independent “I just like to cook, it’s my business you can be proud of. passion,” Hull told Long Island Wine Press. “It is like being a Flagship Beer: Hellsmoke Porter chef, but harder.” Southampton Founded in an old insurance Publick House office, visitors to the brewery 62 Jobs Lane, Southampton. can soak up the aromas inside, 631-283-2800. or take their beers outside to sit publick.com at one of the picnic tables under umbrellas. Long Island’s oldest brew- making establishment is Flagship Beer: 114 IPA more than just a brewery. Southampton Publick House Blind Bat Brewery is also home to a restaurant, Smithtown. where patrons can wash down blindbatbrewery.com pub food with its award-winning beers, and a hoppening taproom Blind Bat may still be on the replete with seasonal beers and hunt for a home to nest in, but year-round offerings. that hasn’t stopped the prolific beer producers from giving Southampton Publick House Long Islanders what they want. is unique in that it’s the only It’s a go-to on locals’ quality- brewpub on Long Island that beer radar, that’s for sure. distributes its delicious creations to stores in the region. Its Whether it’s at a local farmers’ artisan adult beverages can also market, beer distributor, or be found in beer distributors craft beer bar, Blind Bat fans located throughout the eastern go to great lengths to get seaboard, plus Puerto Rico. their hands on the brewery’s latest concoction. So far, Blind Publick House is no stranger Bat, which incorporates farm- to accolades. Beer Advocate fresh ingredients into some of Magazine named it Brew Pub of its creations, has brewed 30 the Year in 2003, and its beers different beers. have gone on to win several other awards throughout the Since its founder Paul years. Dlugokencky is brewing out of a detached garage outside his On a typical visit, beer lovers Centerport home, all of their can knock back the popular creations are not available at Burton India Pale Ale, styled once, but fans will be sure to after brews made famous in the find something delightful no English town of Burton-on-Trent, Visit ‘Checkout Long matter what they’re craving. the Southampton Double White, Not only can he brew, but the similar to ubiquitous Belgian Island’ on Blind Bat himself is proficient witbiers, and Keller Pils, an old- LongIslandPress.com at coming up with wildly fashioned lager. imaginative names for his hand- and download more crafted refreshments. free e-books and Our favorite is “Four Eyes guides!

11 LONG ISLAND’S CRAFT BEER GUIDE

Canterbury’s Oyster Bobbique Long Island Craft Bar & Grill 70 W. Main St., Patchogue. Beer Bars: 46 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. bobbique.com canterburyalesrestaurant.com Tap & Barrel Murph’s Restaurant 558 Smithtown Bypass Hemingway’s American 935 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Smithtown. Bar & Grill Square. tapandbarrelny.com 1885 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh. murphsrestaurant.com hemingwaysgrill.com Sapsuckers Parlay Gastropub 287 Main St., Huntington. The Republic Pub 210 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre. sapsuckersli.com 217 Main St., Farmingdale. parlayrvc.com therepublicpub.com The Good Life BBD’s 1039 Park Blvd., Massapequa Park. The Black Sheep Ale 49 Route 25A, Rocky Point. thegoodlifeny.com House eatbbds.com 78 2nd St., Mineola. T.J. Finley’s blacksheepalehouse.com Horace & Sylvia 42 E. Main St., Bay Shore. 100 Deer Park Ave., Babylon. tjfinleys.com RC Dugan’s horaceandsylvia.com 2314 Hempstead Tpke., Croxley’s Public East Meadow. Long Island House & Garden rcdugans.com Multiple locations. Brewery Tours croxley.com Corry’s Ale House 3274 Railroad Ave., Wantagh. Brewery Tours of L.I. Pour House Bar & corrysalehouse.net Long Island Grill BBQ Restaurant 714 Main St., Greenport. 650 NY-112, Port Jefferson Station. Dark Horse Tavern 631-723-0505, 631-594-1161. lipourhouse.com 273 Main St., Farmingdale. northforkwinetours.com/brewery- darkhorsefdale.com tours The Tap Room Multiple locations. Left Coast Kitchen & Brew Crew Cycles patchoguetaproom.com Cocktails 285 Pulaski St., Riverhead. taproommp.com 1810 Merrick Rd., Merrick. 631-722-1516. lckny.com brewcrewcycles.com The Cortland 27 W. Main St., Bay Shore. Waterzooi LI Brew Bus thecortland.com 850 Franklin Ave., Garden City. 631-664-2058 waterzooi.com librewbus.com. Hoptron Brewtique 22 W. Main St., Patchogue. The Lark Pub & Grub LI Beer Bus hoptronbrewtique.com 93 Larkfield Rd., East Northport. PO Box 1597, Ronkonkoma. thelarkpubandgrub.com 631-913-3817. The Mill Roadhouse libeerbus.com 142 Mill Rd., Westhampton Beach. C’Est Cheese themillroadhouse.com 216B Main St., Port Jefferson. Long Island Brewery cestcheesepj.com Tours Coach Grill & Tavern 718-BEER-TOURS, 22 Pine Hollow Rd., Oyster Bay. The Beach House 516-LIMO-SERVICE. coachgrillandtavern.com Multiple locations. longislandbrewerytours.com thebeachhouselbny.com Morrison’s Tapped Enterprises 430 Woodbury Rd., Plainview. Rookie’s Sports Club 631-913-3817. morrisonsny.com 70 Gerard St., Huntington. tappedenterprises.com rookiesny.com

Editor’s note: This is an evolving list. If you have information about microbreweries that will open for business in the near future, please email Long Island Press editors at [email protected].

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