Great South Bay (Guest Post - Camera Man)

In the back streets of North Bay Shore lies a hidden gem: Great South Bay Brewery. As a former resident of this neighborhood, let me just say, this is a surprise. The brewery is located in an area where the community has undergone constant change and been home to a number of different commercial industries. So how did the Curly Brewski team come across it? Earlier last summer we attended the release of their Field 5 IPA after seeing the news of it on Instagram. Since the discovery, it's been fun telling people about it and seeing their reaction: "A brewery? In this neighborhood?" Yes. Yes there is. 


The tasting room is a welcoming location with ample seating and standing space (big enough for private events), as well as some entertainment (live music, projected NFL games, cornhole and foosball). The brewing systems are visible and it's likely you'll see the brewmasters skating around. Thursdays provide an opportunity to enjoy a flight, learn the different beers and possibly develop a new appreciation. 


I'm a Marauder Bourbon Barrel Aged Scotch Ale fan. The aging process adds an interesting and flavorful complexity. I've also enjoyed the Basil in the Rye IPA which delivers intense notes of citrus and spices. The basil is definitely noticeable in both smell and taste. Their 4 year anniversary brought the release of a particulary special brew. Using the Dirty Deeds Russian Imperial Stout recipe and aging it for 8 months in Apple-Brandy barrels, a sipping beer was born. At 10% ABV you can enjoy a beer that could very well be confused for a carbonated fine brandy. I made sure to purchase 2 bombers/ 22 oz. bottles to enjoy at a later date. Cheers to many more years and great, innovative beers.


With signatures like Blood Orange Pale Ale, Massive IPA and Robert Moses Pale Ale, GSB has established a reputation of consistency and quality. With the cold weather here, I am looking forward to trying Sleigh Ryed Winter Ale and Snaggletooth Stout. Be sure to check them out on March 7th, 2015 for the Hog Cabin Beer, Bacon & Cornhole Extravaganza for bacon (!!!) and the release of their Hog Cabin Maple Bacon Porter. Craft beer and bacon? Yes, please!