Beer Geek Destination Alewife to Launch Brewery in Sunnyside

Sunnyside will soon gain a brewery. According to Edible Manhattan, the Queens-based Alewife Brewing Company is gearing up to open a brewery in a 7,500-square warehouse space on 39th Street and Skillman Avenue this summer.

Alewife currently operates a brewpub nearby in Long Island City, specializing in rare brews that make it a beer geek destination — like a “milkshake IPA” made with peaches, vanilla, and lactose. It produces small batches of its own beer there that are only available on the premises, but the new space in Sunnyside will allow it to increase production. The brewery is owned by Patrick and Roz Donagher, who also own Manhattan bars Fools Gold, the Jeffrey, and the Rochard. Due to state liquor laws that separate alcoholic manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, they are currently seeking to sell their Manhattan bars in order to legally run the brewery, according to Edible Manhattan.

The Sunnyside brewery will produce some of the growing brand’s popular brews, like its IPA “Death to Ego.” More IPAs, a pilsner, sours, and other options are on deck. The Sunnyside Alewife brewery is slated to start brewing and serving beers in June.

While Long Island City boasts several breweries, including Fifth Hammer Brewing Company, Rockaway Brewing Company, Big Alice Brewing, and LIC Beer Project, Sunnyside hasn’t been part of the brewery boom yet.

• Sunnyside, Queens Will Welcome Its First-Ever Brewery [Edible Manhattan]