Another craze in NYC and other big cities is the artisan craft beer movement. It’s nice to be able to go to most bars in the city and not be forced to drink the usual Bud, Amstel, or Heniken.
I also like to have a little beer at home so I own a growler that I take to get re-filled at beer stores. In Greenpoint, there’s a new store called Brouwerij Lane (it’s Flemish) and the difference between them and other growler re-fill stations besides the pronunciation hardships is that they allow you to not only sample the beers, but to order a pint to drink while you look around for your next purchase.
The first of our Time Out drink excursions (this is the 100 best food AND drink, after all) was the kombucha at Brouwerij Lane. Two crazes coming together!
This was the first time I had kombucha from a tap (rather than in a bottle). We ordered a pint and enjoyed it while I agonized over which beer to fill up my growler. Did I want a hoppy IPA or a Christmas-y rich stout?? Oh, the problems in my life!
The kombucha was delicious. It was much lighter and less harsh than the bottled brands I’m used to. It has a slight lemony and slight sweet flavor. It was totally drinkable. And if I wasn’t looking for a beer to enjoy during the holidays (I ended up with the Pretty Things Export Stout), this just might have been the liquid I walked out with in my growler. Detoxing health benefits or delicious brewskies? This decision wasn’t quite as difficult.
Would Browerij Lane’s kombucha make my Top 100 of the year? It gets an 8 out of 10for being unique, refreshing, delicious, and healthy. That might be the last time I get that combination on this list. Fried chicken, here I come!
