Nanobrewery!
Very small batches of beer craft-brewed in Centerport, Long Island, New York
How small is a very small brewery?
While I've now upgraded from a 1/3-barrel system (10 gallon batches) to a 3-barrel system (93 gallon batches), it's still a part-time one-man operation while I continue to hold down a "regular" job during the week. Beer does not flow as regularly as it does with a normal full-time brewery.
If the beers are received well enough, then I'd like to expand the brewery (and, of course, quit the "day job"). With the economy as it is, however, it will likely remain a part-time smaller-than-small operation for a while.
All of the graphics and labels are designed by me as well, so if you don't like the beer or the label, I'm to blame for both (and that goes for this website, too).
Besides, "What kind of nut tries to start such a small brewery?"
the #1 question so far has been "Why is it called the 'Blind Bat Brewery?'"
Back during Prohibition, speakeasies were often called "Blind Pigs" or "Blind Tigers." I almost named the brewery "Blind Tiger" (even drew up a logo), but found that the name was already taken.
I happen to be extremely near sighted (without corrective lenses, something will have to be three inches away from my nose to be in focus) as well as colorblind (which can be a challenge to a cartoonist and illustrator)1, so the name became the "Blind Bat Brewery" instead.
Also, if I'm wearing glasses instead of contacts, the brew kettle steams my glasses so much that I can't see.
In the case of my Hellsmoke Porter, I smoke a portion of the grains myself over alder and applewood.
I also smoke some wheat over mesquite for my smoked witbier (Old Walt Smoked Wit Beer).
My plan is to sell to local bars, restaurants, and stores rather than directly to the public. (Unless or until the brewery expands, then I'll apply for a brewer's retail license)
Thanks for checking in, please do come back to see how things are progressing.
For the latest on what's going on, check the Brewhouse Blog. You can also sign up for periodic email updates here
If you are inclined to purchase a shirt or a hat with the Blind Bat Brewery bat,
such are available at CafePress
(Thank You!)
As my Polish, Irish, German, and French forebears would say,
"Na zdrowie, Sláinte, Prost, and À votre santé !"
-Paul-
Paul Dlugokencky
The Blind Bat Brewery LLC
Brewers Association
Brewers Association
The Long Island Craft Brewers Guild
on FaceBook
Last Updated: 22 July 2010