Greenport is getting more beer.
Popular local microbrewery is in the midst of remodeling their renovated 19th Century firehouse they've used as a brew house for a highly successful year and a half in order to make room for three new tanks.
As of Tuesday afternoon, workers have already ripped out the tiny tasting room bar and plexiglass wall on the lower level and are remodeling the second floor to be used as a permanent and spacious drinking area.
"The goal at the moment is to put up a nice tap tower here and to bring the tasting room into a more comfortable environment," said Steve Sweeney, head of sales for the brewing company, speaking of the upper level that was formerly used as a private tasting area and a space to feature work from local artists.
Due to higher demand for Greenport Brewing Company's favorite beers such as India Pale Ale, porter and , Sweeney said that the lower level had to be converted into a production-only area.
"We really wanted to open this up as a production space — demand has really risen especially over the last two months, which have been wonderful," he said. "Long Islanders and New York City people are happy to see a fresh local product like this come out of the North Fork."
Head brewer DJ Swanson added that the brewery will continue to produce four or five beers at a time as they always have — they'll just be making more of it.
"We probably won't be able to distribute outside of the state any time soon, but we are trying to break into the Westchester area," he said.
