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!

Oyster Bay Brewing Co.

It was just another ordinary [summer] Friday. We weren't looking to review a brewery. We were, however, looking for some brews (aren't we always?). After a great flight at Oyster Bay Brewing Co., and a cool conversation with one of the owners, we knew writing up a lil' something was a must. 

Now, if your GPS is anything like ours, you may pass the brewery when you hear the trusty You have now arrived at your destination. Don't worry - it's there. You just have to turn into the block. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the welcoming and genuine atmosphere. You really feel like you're in a brewery when you're there - not just a bar that's making beers in some mysterious room you can't see. The guy I assumed was the bartender greeted us right away and asked which flight we'd like to try. We went with the 5 beer tasting - which I'd suggest to anyone who visits. It will give you a real feel for all they offer.

The flight goes in this order: Lawn Mower Ale, Honey Ale, Wheat, Amber, IPA. My favorite thing about this and this brewery? There is something here for everyone. Even that uncle who only drinks Bud Light will find a beer he can enjoy. In fact we had this exact conversation with the bartender who turned out to be one of the owners (how cool is that?). Ryan shared that this was actually the inspiration behind their Lawn Mower Ale. Not an IPA fan? Not sure what an IPA is? Is Bud Light all your taste buds can handle? Drink the Lawn Mower Ale and you'll be good to go. Rather, your uncle will be good to go while you indulge in something a little more intense.

By the time we got to the IPA, we learned that Oyster Bay Brewing Co. is a family run business, started by Long Island natives/friends, Ryan and Gabe. They, like many, found their passion for beer in college. A few homebrew kits later (plus some time spent at their cousin's brewery) and this awesome establishment was born. If you're lucky, you might even visit on a day when their wives are behind the bar. 

We left with a 32 oz. growler of their IPA (which tastes enjoyably bitter) and ate some oysters up the block. If that's not a great summer combo, I don't know what is. We won't be waiting until next summer to visit the area again though. Apparently there is some greatness called Oyster Fest taking place in the neighborhood in October. So, we'll be there. Eating oysters and visiting our friends at Oyster Bay Brewing Co. again.

Conclusion? Take a trip to Oyster Bay Brewing Co. They're family run, inviting, and you're sure to find something you'll enjoy - wherever on the spectrum of beer flavors you fall. If you're new to craft beer, even better. They're still small enough where you can ask a few questions and learn more about what kind of beer really suits you. They're not serving full pints just yet (it's coming any day now) but man do we look forward to when they do!