Port Jeff Brewing Company to close after nearly 15 years

Port Jeff Brewing Company, one of the pioneers in Long Island's craft beer movement, is closing up shop after nearly 15 years.

Owner Michael Philbrick said Wednesday he doesn't have a closing date just yet, but that it would be around the end of the year. 

The former home brewer opened his own spot at 22 Mill Creek Rd. in 2011, and he said that at the time it was the ninth or 10th craft brewery on Long Island. The cozy Port Jefferson taproom with a view of the harbor came to be known for its events, which included live concerts as well as fundraisers and community meetups. 

"There’s been thousands over the years that we do here," Philbrick said. " A lot of that’s to drive business, and a lot of that’s to build community." 

Philbrick said he's brewed more than 150 styles of beer at Port Jeff, but that it was time for him to do something different. He blamed the economy as well as a host of different factors that contributed to the lack of business. But he's not currently in debt, so he wanted to go out on a high note, he said.

"The craft beer market share has definitely dwindled. There is oversaturation," he said. "The legalization of marijuana comes into play. COVID and the general attitude of the public with regard to going out, people will stay home and in general drink less now than they did in the past. I especially see that in the younger generation." 

Philbrick said he'll see out the end of his lease, but he doesn't know who the next tenant will be. He's also considering holding a goodbye party in the future. 

"We’re in a spot now when we can make a plan and all will be whole, so that’s a good spot to be in," he said. "Thanks to everybody for coming out and doing what they do. We couldn’t do it without our customer base." 

By Andi Berlin

andi.berlin@newsday.com

Andi Berlin is from Arizona and does not know where she is going. But when she gets there, she’ll find something beautiful and delicious that the world needs to taste.