When Brian Baker decided in 2013 to build Bellport Brewing Company, his “long strange trip” took detours around Long Island including Farmingdale, Moriches, and Bohemia before ending up back in Bellport.
Bellport Brewing recently opened its new taproom in a 4,500-square-foot location on Station Road that formerly housed Rooster’s Cafe. Despite crowd size caps meant to curb the spread of Covid-19, enthusiasm has been boundless.
“We are so excited to be open in the Village of Bellport,” said Baker, “and we look forward to being an active part of the network of restaurants and other businesses serving a great community.”
The journey began with Baker’s joining the Long Island Beer and Malt Enthusiasts (LIBME) homebrew club, where he decided to make beer his career. He received a New York State farm brewery license in 2015 and perfected his recipes at A Taste of Long Island in Farmingdale, a craft brewery incubator.
“Brewers on Long Island have tremendous camaraderie and I’m always so grateful for the advice and help I’ve received over the years,” he said.
This fellowship was demonstrated when Bellport Brewing had the opportunity to purchase a 7-barrel brewing system from 1940’s Brewing Company, which is expanding its brewery in Holbrook.
“We were delighted to have our brewing system find another home on Long Island,” said Charlie Becker, founder of 1940’s Brewing and also a LIBME member, “especially since we’ve known Brian for so long.”
Bellport Brewing had six beers on tap when it opened, including a sour ale, red ale, espresso stout, pale ale, and two IPAs.
“Our pale ale and IPA are brewed with Michigan Copper hops from upstate New York,” said Baker, “which give these brews an intense tropical fruit aroma.”
When the brewery is fully operational, Baker and assistant brewer Travis Turner plan to have eight beers on regular rotation, including firkins of cask ale with various flavors added to their regular beers, such as jalapeño pale ale.
Future plans include canning brews for local distribution and supplying kegs to local bars and restaurants, along with the taproom having local food trucks and delivery from nearby restaurants.
Now that Bellport Brewing is back in Bellport, it plans to put down roots and “just keep truckin’ on.”
Bellport Brewing Company is located at 14 Station Rd. in Bellport. For more info visit bellportbrewing.com.
Bernie Kilkelly is the editor and publisher of LIBeerGuide.com.
For more food and drink coverage, visit longislandpress.com/category/food-drink
