Staten Island. Why The Hell Not?

I admit that when news reached me that Staten Island was throwing its first beer festival this fall the initial thought that popped into my head was not: finally!  My reaction was more along the lines of: okkkkkkay.  I mean, c’mon there are actually two strong arguments against trekking out to SI for a weekend beer event:  number one - location.  I live in Manhattan.  If I want good beer, I can either stick to this borough or head out to Brooklyn for some phenomenal brews ( Blind Tiger, D.B.A., Spuyten Duyvil, Iona to name a few).  It’s important to note here that I used to live in Hoboken (along with Suz who just moved back there from across the river); therefore, I am definitely not a Manhattan or Brooklyn elitist who sticks their nose up at any non-subway destination.  The sad fact is the beer is just better here.  Number 2 - reputation.  Staten Island is oozing crime and Jersey Shore cast members which doesn’t scream spend your weekend here!  In any event, the lack of convenience combined with all the other visuals that came to mind at the mention of the Staten Island beer fest caused me to pause. 

However, I’m proud to say I ignored the warning signs and bought a ticket to the first ever 2010 Staten Island Brewfest (they were only $25).  And boy am I happy I did, it was Fan. Tas. Tic.

Would you believe the Staten Island Ferry was actually an enjoyable, and dare I say, energizing experience?  It’s a free trip, and the ferry is quite large with plenty of room to head out onto the deck and take in the NYC skyline with a nice breeze (and a drink if you’re in the mood). I was spoiled after the ferry trip and actually caught one of the vans scheduled for the Brewfest by it’s organizers over at The Wild Goose instead of worrying about cabs or some other mode of transportation. After a 15 minute drive taking in the sights, my group made the sobering realization that people live in houses in Staten Island.  They have things called yards, and cars, and (gasp) space!  But I digress, we finally arrived at The Wild Goose and were greeted by an outdoor, tented bi-level patio abyss of about 30 beers, homemade grilling, a live band and a designated homebrew area.  The mood was relaxed, welcoming and jovial, with the crew as eager to shuffle you in as I was to get my hands on a tasting glass. 

Sometimes you head out to these brew fests weary of long lines, how diverse the selection will be, if the taps will truly last for the entire session – you know, REAL concerns.  None of these issues plagued The Wild Goose, which did a great job of mixing in local brewers like Kelso and Ommegang, along with out of towners like Dogfish Head, Elysian and Weyerbacher.  

I also almost burst with happiness when I saw the number of fall seasonal (but more importantly, pumpkin!) brews flowing from Southern Tier and Hoppin’ Frog.  I’ll say it right here, I never thought there was a pumpkin beer in existence that could rival Southen Tier’s Pumpking.  It’s vanilla-spiced, balanced, cinnamon, flavor is so smooth and full of liquid Halloween goodness, it’s hard to beat.  But the Frog’s Hollow Double Pumpkin Ale comes in a close second.   

The event had an intimate feel, with the brewers ready and willing to chat about what they brought for the afternoon, and why oh why they agreed, of all places, to come to Staten Island for the weekend.  So, if you don’t want to take my word for it – maybe Kelly Taylor of Brooklyn’s own Kelso will be more convincing in this short video: