Brooklyn Brewery | Brooklyn

Brooklyn Brewery is one of the most iconic craft breweries in the United States, known for its high-quality beers and its role in reviving Brooklyn’s brewing tradition. Founded in 1988, it has played an important role in the modern craft beer movement, combining quality brewing with a strong sense of local identity and community. Here’s a detailed look at the history, products, and legacy of Brooklyn Brewery:

History and Founding

Brooklyn Brewery was founded by Steve Hindy, a former Associated Press foreign correspondent, and his neighbor Tom Potter in 1988. They were inspired to start the brewery after living in the Middle East, where they developed an appreciation for beer. They began brewing in a small space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a neighborhood that, at the time, was still in the early stages of its cultural renaissance. They sold their first batch of Brooklyn Lager in 1989, and the beer quickly gained a following for its rich flavor and balanced taste. The brewery’s visual identity was crafted by Milton Glaser, the designer behind the famous "I ♥ NY" logo, who also received equity in the company. This branding became a signature of the brewery’s innovative spirit.

The Early Years and Growth

During the early years, Brooklyn Brewery faced significant challenges, especially with limited resources and competition from larger, established breweries. However, its flagship beer, Brooklyn Lager, began gaining traction for its crisp taste, malt-forward profile, and subtle hop bitterness. The brewery grew steadily, attracting local patrons and beer enthusiasts.

In 1994, the brewery opened a new location at 79 N 11th Street in Williamsburg, which allowed for greater production capacity. At the same time, Garrett Oliver, who would become Brooklyn Brewery's Brewmaster, joined the company. Oliver, an influential figure in the craft beer world, helped expand the brewery's portfolio and refined the brewing techniques, earning widespread acclaim.

Brooklyn Brewery's International Expansion

Brooklyn Brewery’s reach expanded beyond the U.S. when, in 2003, it began exporting its beers to Europe, initially focusing on countries like Denmark, Sweden, and the UK. The brewery’s reputation for quality and its distinctively American character made it appealing to beer drinkers abroad.

In 2014, the brewery partnered with the Danish beer giant Carlsberg Group, which led to further international expansion. Brooklyn Brewery began distributing its beers across Europe, Hong Kong, and the rest of the world, further solidifying its place as a global brand. As part of this partnership, Brooklyn Brewery also entered into a joint venture with Carlsberg to open a craft brewery in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2016. Additionally, in 2016, Carlsberg opened a brewery in Lithuania to produce Brooklyn Lager under license for the European market.

Signature Beers

Brooklyn Brewery is best known for its flagship beer, Brooklyn Lager, but the company has expanded its range to include a wide variety of brews. Some of their signature beers include:

Brooklyn Lager: This amber lager is the brewery's flagship beer. It is known for its malt-forward flavor profile, balanced with a subtle hop bitterness and a crisp finish. It has become one of the most widely recognized craft beers in the country.

Brooklyn Pilsner: A light, clean pilsner with a refreshing bitterness and crisp, dry finish. It’s an homage to the traditional style, with a distinctly American touch.

Brooklyn Brown Ale: This brown ale is malt-forward with rich notes of caramel, chocolate, and toffee. It's a smoother, more robust option that appeals to those who enjoy darker beers.

Brooklyn Special Effects: A non-alcoholic IPA, this beer is crafted to offer the full flavor profile of an IPA, but without the alcohol content, making it a great choice for those who want the hoppy flavors without the buzz.

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout: A rich, full-bodied stout with deep flavors of roasted coffee and chocolate. It is one of the brewery’s most well-known seasonal releases, often appearing in the winter.

Brooklyn Summer Ale: A lighter, more refreshing ale brewed with a combination of wheat and pale malts, perfect for warm weather drinking.

The brewery’s beers are widely distributed across the United States and are available in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Tasting Room and Public Engagement

Brooklyn Brewery’s Tasting Room at 79 N 11th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, offers visitors a chance to sample their beers directly from the source. The brewery is open to the public and hosts a variety of events, tastings, and tours. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, with a laid-back, community-focused vibe that aligns with the brewery's ethos.

Here’s what you can expect from a visit to Brooklyn Brewery:

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Wednesday: 4 PM – 9 PM

Thursday: 4 PM – 10 PM

Friday: 2 PM – 11 PM

Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AM

Sunday: 12 PM – 8 PM

Visitors can enjoy a range of Brooklyn Brewery's beers, participate in brewery tours, and attend special events like taproom tastings and beer pairing dinners. The brewery also offers private tours and beer-centric educational experiences. All tours and tastings are conducted in English.

Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives

Brooklyn Brewery is committed to environmental sustainability. The brewery operates entirely on wind power, purchasing renewable energy from a wind farm located in Madison County, New York. This renewable energy powers the production of nearly 1.7 million gallons of beer each year, significantly reducing the brewery's carbon footprint. They also strive to be mindful of waste reduction and have adopted more sustainable packaging practices in recent years.

The Legacy and Future

Brooklyn Brewery has been instrumental in shaping Brooklyn’s reputation as a hub for craft beer and has played a central role in the borough's resurgence. It has grown from a small startup into a globally recognized brand, respected for its commitment to quality and innovation. Under the leadership of Garrett Oliver, Brooklyn Brewery continues to push boundaries in the world of brewing, while staying deeply connected to its local roots.

The future of Brooklyn Brewery remains bright as it continues to expand its reach and influence within the global craft beer movement. With plans for further expansion and a continued commitment to sustainability and innovation, Brooklyn Brewery is poised to remain one of the most important names in the craft beer industry for years to come.

Brooklyn Brewery is not just a place to drink beer – it’s a piece of Brooklyn’s modern history, a catalyst for its cultural and economic revival, and an integral part of the craft beer movement in the U.S. Whether you’re enjoying a cold pint at their tasting room or sipping their beers in one of the many countries they serve, Brooklyn Brewery's legacy continues to grow, one brew at a time.