North Fork Brewing Co. Opens Doors In Riverhead

RIVERHEAD, NY — After months of anticipation, two North Fork locals — and cousins — are seeing a dream realized as their microbrewery opens to the public in Riverhead.

Ian Van Bourgondien of Southold and Pete Barraud of Baiting Hollow are thrilled to be opening North Fork Brewing Co. in Riverhead. The pair, both of whom grew up on the North Fork, will officially raise the garage door on the west side of the former Riverhead Fire Department headquarters, now home to their brewery, on East Second Street for the first time on Friday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“We’re excited to open our brewery to the public and also join the Riverhead community, which is becoming its own destination for craft beer,” said Van Bourgondien. “Our location in the historic firehouse is the perfect setting and we’re looking forward to sharing our extensive background in beer right here in our own backyard.”

North Fork Brewing Co. is a labor of love for rich roots the pair has in the local farming community. Everything inside the brewery was built by area residents, including the tasting room, which was designed by native Caitlin Flynn and Elyse Parkhurst of North Fork Design Co.

Van Bourgondien and Barraud grow several types of hops on their farm in Peconic. Their beers also feature distinct flavors from their home-grown yeast varieties developed by Van Bourgondien, who specializes in yeast, a release said.

North Fork Brewing Co. offers a wide range of beers, from IPAs to stouts to experimental ales and a sour. Taps will feature traditional and new age IPAs such as the West coast style “Pierce the Ale” and a New England IPA. Other beers include a coffee maple breakfast stout, a pale ale and wild beers. Each wild beer is made with yeast derived from local sources like blackberries, huckleberries, and beach plums, a release added.

“This area has always been our home and we’re looking forward to sharing the ingredients we either grow ourselves, or locally source, with others,” said Barraud, an brewer with years of experience working at well-known craft breweries on the North Fork and New England. “We hope people will feel at home as well when they drink our beer.”

In addition to June 29, North Fork Brewing Co. will be open on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. as well as for the July 4 holiday. Click on North Fork Brewing Co. for additional hours and information.

Patch courtesy photo.