Long Island‘s craft beer scene is exploding, much like the craft beer industry in general, which, according to the Brewer's Association, saw 18.8 percent growth in volume and 23.4 percent sales growth in 2015, representing more than $2.9 billion dollars in sales. Additionally, as of September 2015, there are more than 4,000 breweries currently in operation in the United States. All of this growth means more local beer options, but of course, not all beers are created equal.
While not receiving quite the same level of acclaim as some of its NYC counterparts, Long Island breweries are producing some great brews of their own. Whether you are a Long Island native or just visiting, here is a surefire way to ensure you skip the mediocre.
Out of 29 breweries and brewpubs located in or producing beer on the Island, these are the best Long Island beers currently being produced:
1. Sand City Brewing Co. — Day Drifter
Northport, NY
Long Island's newest brewery is already one of its best. From Sand City's website: "India Pale Ale brewed with copious amounts of oats. Hopped with our favorite American hops and fermented with our House ale yeast." You can add this one to the new hazy, juicy, upper echelon of IPA-dom along with Tree House, Trillium, and Hill Farmstead brews. Frequently available on tap in the brewery's tasting room and at local bars and restaurants.
2. Barrier Brewing Co. — Money IPA
Oceanside, NY
Probably Long Island's most famous brew, and indeed, one of its best. According to the brewer's, Money is "a 7.3 percent big a$$ IPA...because we're tired of not making any money!" Regularly featured on tap in the brewery's tasting room, local bars and restaurants, and in bottles at local beer distributors (act fast if you want a bottle).
3. Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. — Hopnami
Greenport, NY
According to Greenport Harbor's website: "wave after wave of 4 kinds of hops, balanced with just enough malt and a splash of honey make this Double IPA extremely rideable. Watch out!" Often available on tap at both brewery locations, as well as in local bars and restaurants.
4. Port Jefferson Brewing Company — Cold North Wind (Apple Brandy Barrel Aged)
Port Jefferson, NY
For those who like 'em big and boozy. This is Port Jeff's seasonal barleywine aged in Apple Brandy barrels. There's a sweet malty character up front, furthered by the punch-you-in-the-face presence of Apple Brandy from the barrels. Finishes with just enough hops to create an interesting balance. Available seasonally at the brewery and select beer distributors.
5. Barrage Brewing Co. — Yada Yada Yada
Farmingdale, NY
This beer literally tastes like a Snickers bar. The use of copious amounts of adjuncts are somewhat polarizing in the craft beer world, but when it's done right, you get this. I mean, who doesn't like Snickers?! Available on tap year-round in the brewery's tasting room and can sometimes be found in local bars.
6. Southampton Publick House — Imperial Russian Stout
Southampton, NY
Southampton's true-to-form take on the classic style is available one time per year in bottles and on tap in the brewery's tasting room and select beer distributors, bars, and restaurants. A must-try for fans of the style.
7. Spider Bite Beer Co. — Boris The Spider
Holbrook, NY
According to Spider Bite's website: "eight different malts bring a complex aroma and flavor of chocolate, coffee and roasty sweetness. Just in case the winter gets too cold, we brewed this giant spider to 10 percent abv. So grab your snifter and ushanka and enjoy." Available during the Winter on tap and in bottles in the brewery's tasting room and at local bars, restaurants, and beer distributors.
8. Moustache Brewing Co. — Blueberry + Ginger Tripel
Riverhead, NY
9. Barrier Brewing Co. — Daddy Warbucks
Oceanside, NY
10. Sand City Brewing Co. — Southdown Breakfast Stout
Northport, NY
According to Sand City's website, Southdown Breakfast Stout is a "stout brewed with locally sourced roasted coffee beans from our friends at Southdown Coffee in Huntington, NY. A rich, chocolatey ale that's a perfect alternative to coffee on any morning." Spot on. Available on tap year-round in the brewery's tasting room and featured often at local bars and restaurants.
If you are yet to have tried any of these brews, perhaps you don't know where to go to start looking for them.
Aside from each respective brewery's aforementioned tasting room's, these excellent beer-oriented bars will steer you in the right direction:
Tap & Barrel - Smithtown, NY
Black Sheep Ale House - Mineola, NY
Hoptron Brewtique - Patchogue, NY
The Lark Pub & Grub - East Northport, NY
Sapsuckers - Huntington, NY
Effin Gruven - Bellmore, NY
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