We Long Islanders just love our vineyards in the summer. But we forget that Long Island has some of the coolest and most delicious breweries for the craft beer connoisseur in us. Why not take advantage of enjoying the end of the summer season with a cool Ale in hand? We scouted some of our favorite spots with the inside scoop on tastings, tours and events happening around the Long Island Brewery circuit, before the fall harvest makes the menu.
Long Ireland Beer Company
Specializing in handcrafted, All-natural unpasteurized beers using hops, malted grains, yeast, water, and all-natural flavors and spices to cultivate truly authentic craft beer. Founders of the Long Ireland Beer Company, Greg Martin and Dan Burke pride themselves on not using preservatives like sulfites which have been known to be the culprit of infinite hangovers. Sure it may mean a 90 day shelf life, but commitment to quality is everything to this microbrewery. We recommend trying the House favorite, the Celtic Ale which is made like beer was produced 400 years ago, brewed with four different malts, flaked oats, and honey. The Celtic Ale has a dry but smooth finish with a low bitterness from Willamette hops. If you have a lighter palate, try the Pale Ale, a pleasantly crisp ale with citrus and pine floral flavors with a slightly bitter finish which complements the sweet malt base. Call to schedule a tour of the facilities or visit the tasting room to sample a variety of craft brews. The tasting room is open seven days a week during summer and Friday through Sunday, the rest of the year.
Long Ireland Beer Company brewery is located at 817 Pulaski Street in Riverhead
Long Ireland Beer Company tasting room hours:
- Monday – Friday: 3 to 7pm
- Saturday- Sunday: 1 to 6pm
Moustache Brewing Co.
If you love moustaches, you will love this place! Moustache Brewing Co. is a 2 BBL (Barrel Brewhouse) microbrewery in Riverhead, a short walk from the Long Ireland Beer Company. Moustache Brewing Co. specializes in using seasonal ingredients and a perfect blend of the Old School traditions of brewing with the latest cutting edge trends of handcrafting beer. The menu of beers is constantly changing to assure a unique homebrew experience, with a spotlight on fresh locally grown ingredients. Recommendations: Check out the shop! The graphics on both the bar paraphernalia and merchandise is spectacular. This is one of the smaller brewery spaces, although very charming. Phone ahead for groups of 12 or larger. Reservations are required for party busses or brewery tours. Children are allowed but adult supervision is a must. Dogs are also allowed but must be leashed at all times. For reservations, events or other information contact the Moustache Brewing Co. at info@moustachebrewing.com or call 631-591-3250
Moustache Brewing Co. is located at 400 Hallett Ave in Riverhead just off of Pulaski Street next to the Polish park Gazebo.
Summer Hours (through Labor Day)
- Thursday – Friday 3-8pm
- Saturday 1-7pm
- Sunday 1-6pm
- Monday 3-7pm
*Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Great South Bay Brewery
The Tasting room is a huge space (4,000 sq. feet) featuring 14 craft beers on tap at reasonably cheap prices. Each beer is meticulously designed with perfected recipes, using the highest quality malts and the finest hops available on Long Island. Recommendations: The tasting flight of four beers is a great option to sample the season’s offerings. Our favorite was the blood orange pale ale which is well rounded and packed with surprising flavors. Great place to bring a large group of friends with plenty of space to mingle. Tour the brewery Saturday and Sunday at 1 PM.
Great South Bay Brewery is located at 25 Drexel Drive in Bayshore approximately one mile north of Southern State Parkway exit 42N off of Fifth Ave.
Great South Bay Brewery Hours
- Wednesday – Friday: 3pm – 8 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 12pm – 6 pm