Beer in the Big Apple
Exploring craft beer in New York City, from small beer bars to breweries. Lots of great beer and people.
A few weeks ago, I was in New York City for work, and got a chance to experience the craft beer scene in a place that is bigger and more unforgiving than our little town of Colorado Springs.
Talking with my friend Chris Leary from BrewYork, he mentioned that 90% of all the breweries that open up in NYC are amazing, partly because of the high cost of opening a brewery. It was a different perspective than what you normally see for a scene, as most cities I’ve been to fall on a bell curve in terms of quality.
My highlights from the week:
My favorite experience of the week happened on my last night, where I walked a couple miles across town just to saddle up at the Proletariat. The best part was the company of strangers, where no one was too shy to chat. The bar is quaint, but has some of the best beers on tap I’ve seen anywhere.
Checked out Torch & Crown brewing, and it felt more like an Applebees than a brewery. The beer was well made and the atmosphere was friendly, but it seemed more commercial than a small new-ish brewery. Worth a stop, even so, as the beer was quality.
I met up with Chris from BrewYork at The Grand Delancey, on one of the final nights of it being open and I’m really sad this place won’t be here the next time I’m in the Big Apple. Not only did they have a magnificent tap list and great food, but their cellar list was extensive and very fairly priced for NYC (We capped the night with a 2018 bottle of 3 Fonteinen’s Hommage).
Sad to see such a cool spot go, but I’m glad I had the opportunity to experience it!
Packed Start To March
Manitou Brewing 10th Anniversary and Mardi Gras
Today marks Manitou Brewing’s 10th Anniversary! Due to an injury in our household, I wasn’t able to get over to interview them leading up to it, but I’m hoping to stop by later today!
Live Music from Colorado Springs Folk Duo, Roma Ransom
Liberating a New Libation Release
Buy a beer, keep the glass starting at 5pm (limited quantities)
Crowlers are 2 for $10 all day
$4 MBC Pints ALL DAY
Small Plates Special 5pm - 9pm
Gift Cards Raffles
Goodie Bag Giveaways
30% off Merch
Whistle Pig 8th Anniversary
Celebrate with Whistle Pig today as they begin their 9th year/celebrate their 8th birthday. Girls Got Beef will be serving up Chicago's finest hot dogs, Italian beefs, and more! Plus A Carpenter's Daughter will be playing some great music. Try one of their 8 celebratory beer releases and raise a glass to Eric Merrell, Whistle Pig’s co-founder who passed away last year.
Firkin Rendezvous
This year’s Firkin is back and bigger smaller than ever. The Bristol crew made a choice to transition Firkin to a more intimate affair, both in terms of crowds and breweries. No more mosh pits in the brewhouse, as this year’s event will be held in the Gym at Ivywild School.
It should be a fun time, so look for a recap with photos next week!
Participating breweries include:
Old 121 Brewhouse
Left Hand Brewing Co
Urban Animal Beer Co
Horse & Dragon Brewing Company
Goat Patch Brewing Co
Strange Craft Beer Company
OCC Brewing
Bell Brothers Brewing
Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery
Mash Mechanix Brewing Co
Cerberus Brewing Co
Red Swing Brewhouse
Metric Brewing
Peaks N Pines
FH Beerworks
Burns Family Artisan Ales
Nano 108 Brewing Co
Whistle Pig Brewing
Parting Shot
Go check out my podcast I’m doing with Matthew Schniper:
Thanks for reading and apologies for the lack of newsletters lately…I’ll get back on the horse!
Cheers,
Ryan