On most trips, I’m happy to defer to a guide. I have a questionable sense of direction even in Katonah, so in a new city it’s practically a survival tactic.
But when it comes to craft beer? After visiting roughly 80 breweries, that’s my turf!
Or so I thought.
That changed when Mrs. KBM gifted me a ticket to City Brew Tours’ NYC Underground Brooklyn Brew Tour. Members of the KBM Brewery Exploration Squad received the same kind gift and off to Brooklyn we went, open to the experience and some learning.
Founded in 2008 in Burlington, Vt., City Brew Tours combines storytelling, transportation, brewery access and beer education into a seamless craft beer experience. What began with a used van and a passion for craft beer has grown into a multi-city operation.
Our Brooklyn tour exemplified that vision, thanks largely to our affable and uber-knowledgeable guide Jonathan and the “velvet rope” style access at each stop, where curated pours magically appear at our tables.
That afternoon our group made our way from our Katonah enclaves to Brooklyn - a true “Curious George/KBM Goes to The City” moment as I knew exactly nothing about Brooklyn.
Our first stop, Sound & Fury Brewery & Kitchen in downtown Brooklyn, set the tone.
Upon entering we were glad to meet the rest of the eclectic and international tour members that day from as far away as New Jersey and Brazil. Everyone made friends quickly, leveraging our common bond: quest for craft beer exploration and knowledge.
I would describe this establishment as “industrial/elegant.” The 6,000 square foot space walks a fine line between industrial and polished — brew tanks fully visible behind the bar, a reminder that this is both a working brewery and a serious kitchen (required as they are a brewpub).
Manager Fergal Tuohy explained the concept simply: balance. The “sound” represents the methodical nature of brewing; the “fury,” the kinetic energy of the kitchen. Together, they’ve created a brewpub that takes both sides seriously.
Beer philosophy: “I'm all about balance," said Head Brewer Bobby Sciacca. "We never lean too heavily in any direction and I like to think that we have a menu that has something for everyone."
I liked the tasting approach our guide, Jonathan, provided us prior to our samples: “Chew it, move around mouth and palate,” he instructed. I learned this is a science based approach as it facilitates the chemical, mechanical and sensory processes required to detect flavor compounds.
That was valuable for our lineup:
Rockit Rice Lager - great start, smooth, rice makes it dry + crisp.
Hellbent Smoked Helles Lager - smoked beers are acquired tastes and the subtle smoke in this one proved excellent!
Spacelab Hefeweizen - Bavarian Style Wheat Beer: classic banana + clove notes, executed beautifully!
Each beer was dialed in, accessible, and built for repeat drinking — especially in the upcoming summer heat.
The rest of the rotating beer menu was replete with faves: Czech, Red, IPA, Pilsner, & Blond.
Food: We were keeping our palates virginal at that point in the tour and didn’t eat, but their kitchen serves up modern classics with an elevated twist from great looking appys, salads, pizzas, sammys and desserts.
Sound & Fury is absolutely worth repeat visits!
Time to mobilize! We traveled as a group over to the subway station.
Our learning didn’t stop as our host Jonathan fielded subterranean questions while we waited for our train.
We arrived at Wild East Brewing Co. in the Gowanus neighborhood.
“The name is a play on the Wild West, as in anything goes, which was how the beer market was when we first started," said owner Tyler March.
March's early influences include Sierra Nevada and the German Franziskaner, which helped form their Wild East Brewing ethos: “European-inspired brewing with modern American perspective, often leaning toward lower ABV, highly drinkable styles. We make the kind of beer we like to drink.”
Beer: Our curated lineup paired beautifully with savory bread from local bakery Runner & Stone:
Patience & Fortitude Czech-style Pilsner - 5.1% - named after the NYC library Lions - super crisp, pleasingly clean, rounded, and refreshing.
Turnstyle Mule - Berliner Weisse with Lime & Ginger - 4% abv - conditioned on lime and fresh ginger root. Bright, tart, and refreshing with a zesty kick.
Hexenkessel - Schwarzbier - 4.7% - smooth dark lager with subtle chocolate and roast notes; one of my favorite styles. Also recently won the Governor’s Craft Beer Cup for best beer in the competition!
Jonathan was asked about pouring styles as Wild East has “Lukr Pours.” We learned about this Czech-inspired technique that emphasizes varying degrees of foam, which enhance aroma and softens carbonation, changing how the beer presents on the palate.
Wild East hosts regular food popups and is a must-visit stop in Brooklyn’s beer scene.
Definitely check them out!
We wrapped up at the excellent Finback Brewery and recapped a fantastic tour.
Brooklyn already offers tremendous craft beer. But adding a knowledgeable guide transforms brewery hopping into something far more memorable and intentional.
Also... You might learn something.
Please join me as I host a five-course Curated Craft Beer Dinner on Wednesday, May 27, at Freddy’s in Pleasantville. RSVP at freddyspleasantville.com. Email TheKatonahBeerMan@gmail.com or visit thekatonahbeerman.wordpress.com.
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