America’s first brewery was founded in Manhattan, and NYC remained a center of production until the mid-Twentieth Century. Well the Big Apple is brewing again. Here are five of its best breweries:
1. Established in 1987, the Brooklyn Brewery opened its Williamsburg plant in 1996. Their popular ales, lagers, and seasonal brews have made them one of America’s top 40 breweries. They offer free weekend tours, weeknight tours (which includes a tasting), and Friday Happy Hour in their Tasting Room. #1 Brewers Row, 79 North 11th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 www.brooklynbrewery.com.
2. Manhattan’s largest microbrewery, the Chelsea Brewing Co. produces handcrafted ales and original specialty beers. Located in the Chelsea Piers Sports Complex, the restaurant and cigar lounge offer a look into the brewery, as well as stunning views of the marina and Hudson River. Tours are available by reservation. Pier 59 (11th Ave. & 19th St.), New York, NY 10011 www.chelseabrewingco.com.
3. “Beer is culture,” asserts Six Point Craft Ales. From their Red Hook, Brooklyn brewery, they produce a wide variety of craft ales made from the finest ingredients (including NYC tap water). Constant innovation is behind Six Points’ acclaimed concoctions, which are available in numerous bars and restaurants, as well as retail outlets. sixpoint.com.
4. Greenpoint Beer Works, located in the Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill, brews for the seven NYC Heartland Brewery restaurants, as well as its own line of excellent craft beers: Kelso of Brooklyn. Kelso’s three staple brews and small-batch seasonal varieties can be found on tap at local bars and restaurants. Their apt motto: “Brew local and drink fresh.” www.kelsoofbrooklyn.com.
5. NYC’s newest microbrewery (August 2011) is The Bronx Brewery, which produces Bronx Pale Ale. The diverse team behind this brewery is passionate about creating well-crafted beer and…the Bronx. Available at a small (but growing) number NYC bars and restaurants. thebronxbrewery.com.
Finally, beer aficionados (and thirsty enthusiasts) won’t want to miss the annual NY Craft Beer Week in September. The ample roster of beer-related events includes craft beer crawls, tastings, tours, and concerts. www.nycbeerweek.com.