Taproom for The Real McCoy Beer Co., Delmar, NY
I heard about The Real McCoy Beer Co several months ago, and have been stalking their Facebook page awaiting the next day they were open so that I could go check them out. The brewery is in a nondescript old auto body shop a few blocks from Delmar's Four Corners. There is a small taproom, albeit no tables. Although Facebook said two Pale Ales were on tap, only the Warehouse Pale Ale (hoppy wheat/pale) was still flowing. We were the only ones in the taproom, so we got to talk to head brewer/owner Mike Bellini about his operation.
He's owned the space for the better part of a year and a half. Operating under the NY State Farm Brewery Bill, Mike got his license last September. He quickly found out that his 3.5bbl system was not big enough to keep up with the demand for good beer in Delmar. He shut down operations at the end of April so they he could add much needed automation to his small brewhouse. In fact, yesterday was the first day the taproom was open since the new automation systems were installed. This now sets the stage for his next move: installing a 7bbl system to keep up with demand (my apologies if this information is incorrect, I can't remember if he is expanding to a total capacity of 7bbl, or adding additional 7bbl to his current setup). He still has his 12-gal home-brew setup in the back that he uses as a pilot line, so he seems very dedicated to experimenting with new recipes.
Beer: As I mentioned, the Warehouse Pale Ale was the only beer still on tap when I arrived. It was light, refreshing, and dry (like a dry white wine). I decided to get a growler and bring it home to enjoy while I BBQ in the sun.
Overall, I would recommend that you stop in if you are in the area. Check their Facebook page for hours, as they are continually expanding, you might catch them on a renovation day. Also, the current lack of tables doesn't necessarily make this a destination where you can go and hang out, but definitely swing by, fill up your growler, and take it with you to enjoy. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Real McCoy Beer!
Current offerings, check Facebook to see what's available.