Downtown Brewery Shooting for June Opening

After word got out nearly two years ago that Digger's owner Steve Wirth was planning on opening a microbrewery in downtown Riverhead, Wirth said last week that it's looking like a June opening for Crooked Ladder Brewing Co.

Though Wirth originally hoped for fall 2011 opening, permitting has taken much longer than anticipated, and Wirth isn't the only current small businessperson among those behind Crooked Ladder. Duffy Griffiths, who will be doing the brewing, owns Jamesport's and Riverhead's Duffy's Deli, while Wirth's brother David will be doing the construction and renovation work at the former Crystal Bar.

"We knew it was going to take some time," said Wirth. "While it's inconvenient, it's not the end of the world."

The brewery will likely offer a year-round menu of an India pale ale, an Irish red-style ale, a lager and a porter, in addition to seasonal varieties. Located adjacent to Digger's, though a separate business, the beers will be available on tap at the Irish pub, with a tasting room at the front of the brewery as well.

Wirth said the plan is to couple the grand opening of Crooked Ladder with the 20th anniversary of Digger's opening in 1993. The brewery will at least hold a soft opening by mid-June; the company's wholesale license will expire if it doesn't.