I was lucky enough to attend the second annual Brooklyn Pour this weekend, hosted by the Village Voice. The drinking festivities commenced at the beautiful Skylight Hanson One, a converted bank that might be my favorite space for a food event.
The event was divided into two sessions and since I was signed up for the second one, I was a little concerned that there would be no more beer left. Fortunately, I only spotted one brewer (Captain Lawrence) who had run out of beer by the time I made my way to their booth. Despite the name of the event, 65 breweries from across the world were represented with one area up front focused on local beers.
Nothing was too exotic or obscure so I mostly stuck with the local guys. Brooklyn Brewery was the most impressive serving two of their harder to find new beers: the bright, bubblegummy wheat ale Fiat Lux and the special Defender (brewed just for Comic Con) with a great balanced hoppy blast.
I always appreciate seeing 508 Gastrobrewery at these events. I’m glad they’re getting to share their delicious beer with more than just the customers at their restaurant on the outskirts of Soho.
Sixpoint was pouring their beer from the cans (I could have done that at home!), while Kelso poured their Kellerfest and Rye Porter.
Bronx Brewery brought in their new Rye Pale Ale, which had a nice round hop character and was a little heavier than their grapefruit-y pale ale. Chelsea Brewery was represented with four varieties and Rockaway Brewing Company, one of the newest brewers in the city showed their potential with their nutty and mellow ESB.
I was most impressed by some local homebrewed beers from some beer related companies. Brooklyn Brew Shop sells homebrewing equipment and lessons. They delivered with a strong Bourbon Dubbel. And Private Tap, a website for craft beer events, made a very nice Fall Amber Ale with lots of warming sweet spices.
Needless to say, I walked in but stumbled out. The lines (aside from the one for the outdoor bathrooms) were all manageable and the souvenir glass was a nice reminder of a full night of drinking. Can’t wait to see how many new NYC breweries will be at next year’s event!
