If you’ve enjoyed a beer from Brooklyn’s Sixpoint Brewery sometime in the past few years, you can thank Eric Bachli. That’s because the brewmaster is in charge of more than just the taps. He’s also the main man when it comes to innovation at the famed brewery. Nothing makes its way out of Sixpoint without Bachli having had his hand in it first. Prior to helming the renowned Brooklyn brewery, Bachli was the head brewer at beloved Boston brewery Trillium Brewing Company.
Brewing in NYC and Boston? At this point, he probably has beer running through his veins (along with some very conflicted baseball allegiances).
Bachli joined Sixpoint in 2017 and has since crafted more than forty new beers. Some of his biggest triumphs are the brand’s New England-Style IPA and the popular Meltdown IIPA. He splits his time between Rhinebeck, New York and Brooklyn, but when he’s in BK, he’s not just crafting beer. He’s also been known to visit the local watering holes, breweries, and brewpubs and he was nice enough to tell us some of his favorites. Check them out below!
Favorite Classic Brewery/Taproom Experience – Brooklyn Brewery
Brooklyn Brewery is one of NYC’s heritage breweries and their range of beers has served as inspiration for so many aspiring home-brewers that have gone on to create their own breweries. It’s the first brewery I visited in Brooklyn and the warmth of their staff and mastery of classic beer styles and innovations shines in their taproom offerings.
Favorite Experimental Brewery/Taproom – Grimm Artisanal Ales
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Grimm Artisanal Ales is brewing up a diverse set of flavor-forward and well-orchestrated beers. I drop by whenever I’m in the area to enjoy a beer in their taproom and most recently was blown away by the decadence of their imperial stout Midnight Morning. Their vibrant beer and branding, clean aesthetic, and excellent food from Samesa keep me coming back. Love the healthy and vegan options.
Neighborhood Brewery/Taproom – Other Half Brewing
Other Half is a short stop from Sixpoint Brewery and I’ve always respected their ability to push boundaries. They always have a plethora of intense IPAs and eclectic stouts and its a chill environment to hang out and sample beers with friends.
Favorite Bottle/Can Shop – St. Gambrinus Beer Shoppe
St Gambrinus Beer Shoppe is a South Brooklyn staple. They’ve been great supporters of local brands and always have interesting bottles to try… plus they keep The Crisp 6-packs.
Favorite Beer Bar (that’s not a brewery) – Pine Box Rock Shop
I’m a big fan of Pine Box Rock Shop. They offer a wide range of beers, from the easy and drinkable, to complex and intense. It’s a chill environment for enjoying great beer but isn’t stuffy. Plus, they support local businesses and vegan lifestyle so you know I’m all in.
Favorite Dive for Beer – Boat Bar
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Boat Bar is pretty awesome. It’s a full-on laid back dive, but they care about good beer — I had the pleasure of downing a couple of pints of our Hootie Hazy IPA there a couple of weeks back. Also, shout out to Old Stanley’s for the solid beer and vegan hot dogs. Okay, the last one I promise — Ice House is right down the road from the brewery and has a great back yard, an old school European bottle selection, Sixpoint core cans, and ice-cold cheap High Life. That’s pretty tough to beat.
Favorite Hotel Bar for Beer – Hoxton Hotel
I don’t hang out in Hotel Bars too much (hard to get in flip flops…) but the Hoxton rocks for a nightcap when you’ve had a nice night out.
Favorite (Fancy) Restaurant for Beer – Atrium
I’ve been hanging at the Atrium in DUMBO a lot. Beautiful spot to throw back a few fine Crisps. If you want something more casual, I’m a big fan of Bareburger. They have a tremendous beer selection, knowledgeable staff, relaxed atmosphere, and a deep menu that offers Beyond Meat and Impossible Burgers. Low key, if you find the right location (I love my local in Boerum Hill) the selection can be as good as some of the upper-tier beer bars.
Favorite Place To Eat Pizza and Drink Beer – Roberta’s
Roberta’s has some of the best beer selection anywhere, let alone just for pizza places. I love their commitment to an awesome sour program, and the tiki bar in the back has a great vibe. I was just there and crushed two of the Rossas myself. Also have to mention Paulie Gee’s for the ridiculous vegan cashew ricotta pie. That’s an all-timer for me.
