What is the history of Brooklyn Brewery?

The Brooklyn Brewery is a renowned craft brewery headquartered in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City. Founded in 1988 by Steve Hindy and Tom Potter, the brewery was the first post-Prohibition era brewery to open in New York City, and it quickly became one of the biggest, most widely acclaimed craft breweries in the United States.

The Brooklyn Brewery has sailed through tumultuous times and transformed from a tiny operation to an international brewery with a global presence. In this post, we will explore the history of the Brooklyn Brewery and how it has evolved over the years.

1984–1989: A Not-So-Smooth Start

Steve Hindy and Tom Potter founded the Brooklyn Brewery in 1988. Both were highly successful businessmen, but neither had previous experience brewing beer. Unfortunately, their original plans for the brewery soon ran into numerous obstacles.

The original partnership dissolved after Tom left the business in 1989 due to personal reasons. Steve then sold his shares in the brewery to his former partner to become the sole owner.

1990–1999: Nothing Stops The Force of Nature

As Steve was pushing forward with the Brooklyn Brewery, disaster struck in 1995 when a large fire destroyed the building that housed the brewery. Fortunately, Steve quickly secured a new location and set up the brewery there. The fire only further steeled Steve’s commitment to the business, and he never considered giving up.

2000–2005: The Brewery Grows

In 2000, Steve took on a new partner, Garrett Oliver, who had recently returned to New York after several years spent brewing in England. Garrett joined Steve as brewmaster, giving him access to traditional British brewing techniques and helping to expand the range of beers that the Brooklyn Brewery produced. The two also developed their first craft lager, Brooklyn Lager, which quickly became a popular beer both in the United States and abroad.

In 2002, The Brooklyn Brewery collaborated with Sixpoint Craft Ales and Queens Brewery to develop the first Collaborative Brews series of craft beers. Over the following years, the Brooklyn Brewery’s popularity continued to grow, prompting a move to a larger space in Williamsburg in 2004. The new building housed a full-scale restaurant and tasting room, as well as additional brewing equipment, making it easier to produce more beer and ship it nationally.

2006–2019: Expansion Around The Globe

The Brooklyn Brewery’s reputation grew substantially during this time, and their beers became popular outside of the US. In 2006, the brewery opened their first international brewery in Stockholm, Sweden, and later expanded with locations in Tokyo and Berlin. As of 2019, their beers are available in more than 30 countries around the world.

The brewery has also continued to make waves domestically, with its beer served on five separate occasions at The White House dinners for foreign leaders and visiting dignitaries from around the world.

Conclusion

With its humble beginnings in 1988 and its recent expansion around the globe, there is no denying that the Brooklyn Brewery has come a long way from its inception more than three decades ago. The passion of its founders, combined with the supportive culture of craft brewing in New York City, has allowed them to produce some of the most iconic and sought-after beers in the world.

For more interesting facts about the Brooklyn Brewery’s longstanding history and impact, check out this blog post from PubCrawler Beer Blog.

The Insider’s Guide to Brooklyn City, New York

Brooklyn is one of the five boroughs of New York City located on the western end of Long Island. It is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the cultural diversity of America’s biggest and most vibrant city. Below is a guide to the best attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path destinations for tourists visiting Brooklyn.

Attractions

Brooklyn has many attractions that appeal to all interests. Here are a few that top the list:

Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Brooklyn. The more than century-old suspension bridge spans the East River, connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan. Walk across the bridge and take in the stunning views of both boroughs.

Brooklyn Museum

The Brooklyn Museum is an art museum that features an extensive collection of ancient and contemporary art and artifacts. It’s also home to many educational programs, tours, and events.

Prospect Park

Prospect Park is the largest public park in Brooklyn. It features several hiking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The park also hosts a variety of outdoor concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year.

Dining spots

Brooklyn has some of the best culinary destinations in the world. Here are a few dining spots that should be on every traveler’s list:

Dekalb Market Hall

Dekalb Market Hall is a food hall that features several food vendors who sell dishes from around the world. Some favorites include Arepa Lady, Sahadi’s, and Katz’s Delicatessen.

Di Fara Pizza

Di Fara Pizza is one of Brooklyn’s most famous pizza spots, offering some of the best pies in the city. The pizzeria was opened in 1965 and has since been owned and operated by Dom De Marco, who still prepares every pie himself.

Peter Luger Steak House

Peter Luger Steak House is an iconic American steakhouse located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Its menu consists of juicy, tender steaks, and its classic ambiance make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Cultural experiences

Brooklyn’s cultural diversity is reflected in its many cultural experiences. Here are a few that should be on your itinerary:

Brooklyn Brewery

Brooklyn Brewery is one of the most well-known breweries in the United States. Founded in 1988, it produces a variety of beers that can be tasted in the brewery’s tasting room.

Brooklyn Academy of Music

The Brooklyn Academy of Music is a performing arts center that features theater, music, dance, and film. It’s also home to many education programs, including master classes and workshops.

Brooklyn Flea

The Brooklyn Flea is a flea market that features local vendors selling handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and artwork. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and unique gifts.

Local history

Brooklyn has a rich and fascinating history. Here are a few local history spots worth visiting:

Green-Wood Cemetery

Green-Wood Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark that was established in 1838. The cemetery features many notable graves, including those of famous artists, scientists, and politicians.

Borough Hall

Borough Hall is the former seat of government for Brooklyn. The building was completed in 1848 and is considered one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the United States.

Williamsburg Savings Bank Tower

The Williamsburg Savings Bank Tower was completed in 1929 and was at one point the tallest building in Brooklyn. Today, the tower is a landmark and is a popular destination for visitors to take in the breathtaking views of New York City.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

For travelers who want to explore Brooklyn’s lesser-known destinations, here are a few off-the-beaten-path spots:

Greenpoint

Greenpoint is a residential neighborhood in Brooklyn that’s home to many eclectic boutiques, bookstores, and coffee shops. It’s a great place to explore Brooklyn’s more local life.

Industry City

Industry City is a thriving industrial park that’s home to many cutting-edge startups, design studios, and small businesses. Visitors can explore this guided and walk at their own pace while enjoying different cuisines ranging from Mexican to Italian.

Domino Park

Domino Park is a waterfront park located between Williamsburg Bridge and South 5th Street. It features stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

In conclusion, Brooklyn is a city that has it all, from its cultural diversity to its rich history and incredible culinary scene. With this insider’s guide, visitors can explore the best attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path spots that Brooklyn has to offer.