In the shadow of the Ravenswood Generating Station, nicknamed “Big Alice” for the Alliss Chalmers manufacturing company that built the generator at the power plant, and recognizable due to the 3 orange and white striped smokestacks, sits the craft brewery Big aLICe. That the brewery is named Big aLICe is not a coincidence. OK, it’s not exactly, in the shadow, but it is close. It is also located in Long Island City which is why it’s aLICe.
BIG aLICe BREWING Co. began production in January 2013 on a 10-gallon pilot system, last Friday, 1 March 2019 they expanded with a barrel room in Industry City Brooklyn. I attended their grand opening. Oh I mean GRAND OPENING! It was a fabulous party, their great beer, friendly staff (Bella! Bella! Bella!), and live music. Most importantly, you can bring your pupper.
My Friday evening started at Transmitter, which is where my Friday evenings usually start, and end when I’m being good. The plan was one beer at Transmitter then on to Big aLICe for the opening. The brewer at Transmitter accused me of ‘cheating on him’, well we are not dating so I don’t feel guilty. He then asked if I minded delivering a bottle along with a message, and I didn’t mind, mainly because I figured I would get a free beer out if it, and I did.
Since I’m something of a regular in the LIC brewery scene I was recognized by one of the bartenders. Hence the salute mentioned above. This location is much bigger than the Queens location which means room for more people, more barrels and more pups. Kelly thanked me for coming, but as a dedicated beer blogger I had to come. I asked if the live music was going to be a regular event and was told they are trying to get something going. They really should after all, someone built a stage! There is merchandise, including but not limited to a hoodie just like the one I was wearing except it had Brooklyn on it instead of Queens.
Take a train ride to check it out. Also check out the article in amNY.
city girl drinking craft beer 