Brooklyn’s three-day celebration of local food, drink and music, the Great GoogaMooga, was cut short due to heavy rains last week. But while this year’s extravaganza might be remembered for its inclement weather, the raging storm did little to dampen the hearts of loyal festival goers — especially those camped-out under the beer and wine tents.
With over 30 brewers and more than 30 winemakers in attendance, each tent provided patrons with a wide selection of alcoholic offerings. The beer tent in particular was a cornucopia of craft talent from around the NYC boroughs. Check out six of our favorites, below.
The Bronx Belgian Pale Ale: A delicious golden-colored brew with notes of citrus and spice (6.7% ABV)
Made with two strains of Trappist yeast, a Belgian ale yeast and Belgian candy sugar, this pale ale combines Belgian pilsner and biscuit malts from Beloeil with German Vienna malts from Bamberg. Sterling hops complement the mix, adding an enjoyably earthy and spicy taste to the flavor profile. This beer is only available on tap in select bars and restaurants around NYC and its surrounding counties. Grab it next time you’re out.
Greenpoint Other Side IPA: This beer is big on hops, but not overwhelmingly bitter (7.5% ABV)
This is a good solid IPA that comes on strong, but remains surprisingly balanced. This IPA features North American pale, light Munich, light crystal, and carapils malts that provide a counterpoint to the bitter blend of Cascade, Centennial, and Columbus hops. Aggressive, yet very drinkable -- recommended for all IPA lovers.
Brooklyn Brewery Scorcher #366: A summer pale ale crafted with a new strain of hops (4.5% ABV)
That’s right — this delicious and aromatic offering is brewed with a new type of hop known only as “HBC 366.” A cross between Warrior hops and a “wild” hop variety, the resulting offspring adds a distinctively crisp and piney aroma to an already flavorful pale ale. As with all Brooklyn Brewery “Brewmaster’s Reserve” offerings, this beverage will only be available for a limited time in area bars and restaurants, so try it before it’s gone forever.
Sixpoint Apollo: An orange-gold wheat ale with hints of banana, spice and citrus (5.2% ABV)
Red Hook-based Sixpoint Brewery brought a seasonal summer brew to the festival, a Bavarian wheat ale. With notes of citrus, clove and banana, this musty and full-flavored wheat ale was a big crowd pleaser. You can find Apollo in cans or on tap, but only during the summer.
Alphabet City Dizzy Brewnette: An enjoyably smooth and refreshing amber ale (5.0% ABV)
Brewed in the tradition of pre-lager German “altbier,” this new offering from Alphabet City Brewing Co. is a tasty amber ale with a malty finish. At the moment, this beer is only available on tap, but the brewery plans to have Dizzy Brewnette (and its sister beer Easy Blonde Ale) in cans sometime later this year.
KelSo Pilsner: A tasty and readily drinkable pils (5.5% ABV)
Another Brooklyn favorite, this Clinton Hill beer features Pilsner and Light Munich malts balanced by the light presence of Sterling hops. This pils has a floral aroma with hints of grass, lemon, and bread. The taste is very smooth, crisp and refreshing — perfect for summer, but it can be found on tap all year round.
Phtoos by David Clough
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