Underground Brooklyn Walking Brewery Tour

If you’re considering a taste of Brooklyn’s vibrant craft beer culture, the Underground Brooklyn Walking Brewery Tour might just be your next favorite outing. Promising a blend of local flavor, expert guidance, and authentic brewery insights, this tour offers more than just a few sips — it’s an immersive experience into Brooklyn’s brewing community.

Two things we particularly appreciate? First, the small-group setting makes for a more personal, engaging experience where everyone can ask questions and connect. Second, the inclusion of behind-the-scenes brewery visits provides a genuine look at how Brooklyn’s innovative brewers create their signature drinks.

A potential consideration? The tour’s duration of roughly three and a half hours means it’s best suited for those comfortable with a moderate walk and some standing, plus a willingness to travel between neighborhoods by subway.

If you love exploring local food or beverage scenes, enjoy guided tours that combine education with fun, or want to taste Brooklyn’s best craft beers without the hassle of planning, this tour is a great fit.

Key Points

• Small group size guarantees a more personal experience
• Includes tastings at three different Brooklyn breweries
• Features behind-the-scenes access to brewing processes
• Transportation costs and snacks are covered
• Tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, with moderate walking involved
• Ideal for 21+ craft beer enthusiasts seeking authentic local brews

An Authentic Taste of Brooklyn’s Beer Culture

The Underground Brooklyn Walking Brewery Tour stands out because it offers a balanced mix of education, fun, and genuine local flavor. For roughly $99 per person, you get quite a lot — tastings at three breweries, insights from knowledgeable guides, and all the logistics handled for you. What really makes this tour appealing is its focus on Brooklyn’s diverse brewing scene, spread across different neighborhoods, each with its unique character.

What the Tour Looks Like: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The tour starts at Sound + Fury Brewery and Kitchen at 141 Lawrence Street, Brooklyn. Here, you’ll meet your guide and fellow beer lovers, ready to explore Brooklyn’s underground brewing gems. The meeting point is convenient, near public transportation, making it easy to find even if you’re new to Brooklyn.

Stop 1: Wild East Brewing Co (about 50 minutes)
Your first stop is Wild East Brewing, known for their farmhouse ales, hazy IPAs, and barrel-aged sours. These beers are often the highlight for connoisseurs who appreciate complex, layered flavors. The guided visit here offers a chance to see the brewing process up close, which adds a layer of appreciation for what goes into each glass. The tasting experience is free, but the real value is in understanding the craft behind Wild East’s unique offerings.

Stop 2: Five Boroughs Brewing (about 50 minutes)
Next, you’ll hop on the subway to Sunset Park, where Five Boroughs Brewing awaits. Known for their year-round core beers—an IPA, Pilsner, Gose, and Hoppy Lager—this brewery emphasizes quality and modern brewing techniques. Led by Blake Tomnitz and Kevin O’Donnell, the team provides backstage access to multiple brewhouses and their state-of-the-art quality lab. You’ll get a real feel for the scale and precision involved in Brooklyn’s brewing scene. The sprawling taproom, seating up to 150, gives ample space to enjoy your tastings and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Stop 3: Big aLICe Brewing (about 50 minutes)
Your final stop takes you to Big aLICe Brewing, a licensed New York State farm brewery dedicated to sourcing organic and local ingredients. Their collaborations with local hop growers and maltsters highlight Brooklyn’s emphasis on supporting regional agriculture. Expect to taste beers that reflect Brooklyn’s commitment to sustainability and fresh, local ingredients.

What to Expect at Each Brewery

Wild East Brewing offers a cozy, innovative vibe, perfect for those wanting a taste of unique styles like barrel-aged sours or hazy IPAs. The behind-the-scenes look makes the visit educational and inspiring, especially if you’re interested in the craft of brewing.

Five Boroughs Brewing provides a larger, lively space with multiple taps and a stage, making it ideal for those who enjoy a social, energetic atmosphere. The backstage access to different brewhouses means you’ll gain insight into both production-scale and pilot brewing, which is perfect for beer enthusiasts who crave more technical details.

Big aLICe Brewing stands out for its farm-to-glass philosophy. Sourcing ingredients locally, the beers here reflect Brooklyn’s agricultural roots. It’s a welcoming stop that emphasizes supporting local farmers and sustainable practices.

The Practicalities: Logistics and Value

The tour lasts about three and a half hours, striking a good balance between tasting, learning, and walking. The small group size — limited to 15 people — ensures everyone can engage with guides and ask questions. The inclusion of a MetroCard for subway travel, a snack, and all tastings makes this a convenient, all-inclusive experience, removing the stress of planning transportation or finding food.

At $99, the price is quite reasonable considering the quality of the breweries, the behind-the-scenes access, and the overall experience. Compared to typical brewery visits that charge for tastings and tours separately, this package offers excellent value — especially for those keen to explore Brooklyn’s craft scene in a manageable, guided format.

The Guide and Overall Experience

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the personalized feel of the tour. One reviewer remarked, “Our guide Eddi Davila did an awesome job. We finished the tour as friends,” highlighting that the experience is both educational and fun. The small group size (often just six people) fosters good conversation and a sense of camaraderie.

Accessibility and Safety

The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, since some walking and standing are involved. All brewery visits are conducted with safety in mind — closed-toe shoes are required, and participants must be 21 or older. The tour operates rain or shine, so come dressed appropriately for all weather conditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for beer lovers eager to explore Brooklyn’s craft scene without the hassle of organizing multiple visits on your own. It’s also ideal for small groups or couples wanting a more intimate, engaging experience. If you appreciate authentic, locally made products and enjoy learning about how your favorite beverages are crafted, this tour will resonate with you.

However, if you’re looking for a very leisurely, sit-down experience or are concerned about walking or standing for extended periods, you might want to consider your physical comfort. Also, those who prefer larger, bus-style tours might find this too focused or personal.

Final Thoughts

The Underground Brooklyn Walking Brewery Tour offers a well-rounded peek into Brooklyn’s craft beer universe. It combines expert guidance, behind-the-scenes access, and tastings at three top breweries, all within a manageable three-and-a-half-hour window. The small-group format makes it more engaging and personal, allowing for genuine conversations and learning.

For beer aficionados, curious travelers, or anyone who loves discovering local flavors, this tour provides a memorable way to spend an afternoon. It captures the essence of Brooklyn’s innovative brewing spirit and delivers it in a fun, practical package.

If you’re looking for an authentic, insider’s look into Brooklyn’s breweries — with plenty of chances to taste and learn — this tour is a smart choice.

FAQs

What is the cost of the tour?
It costs $99 per person, which covers tastings at three breweries, snacks, and subway transportation. Overall, it offers good value considering the included experiences.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including travel time, tastings, and brewery visits.

Are transportation and snacks included?
Yes, a MetroCard for subway travel and a snack are included, making it a convenient all-in-one experience.

Is this tour suitable for non-US citizens?
Yes, non-US travelers should bring their passports, while US citizens need a valid non-expired state ID.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, with many reviews mentioning even smaller groups, creating a more personal experience.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, participants must be 21 or older, with no exceptions.

What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for safety reasons, especially in brewery environments.

To sum it up, this underground Brooklyn brewery tour delivers a blend of education, local flavor, and fun in a compact, manageable format. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting to explore Brooklyn’s craft beer scene in a relaxed, authentic way — with the added bonus of insider access and expert guides. Whether you’re a seasoned beer geek or just curious about Brooklyn’s brewing culture, this tour offers a memorable way to savor the borough’s unique flavors.