Moustache Brewing Co. Kicks Off Production; Tasting Room Coming Soon

Craft beer fans who've been eager for a taste of Riverhead's own Moustache Brewing Co. will soon have plenty of chances to sip the new suds.

The new craft beer business, located at 400 Hallett Avenue in Riverhead, was born of Lauri and Matthew Spitz' passion for craft beer; the couple set up shop last February — and began brewing two weeks ago.

A new tasting room is tentatively slated to open in March.

Moustache Brewing Co. is a 2 BBL microbrewery that aims to provide Long Island and the New York City area with fresh, local and handcrafted beers.

"The beers are based on brewing’s tradition with a nod to the trends and uniquely changing future of craft beer. The beers are constantly changing to keep a unique homebrew spirit and to highlight fresh local ingredients available," according to the Moustache Brewing Co.'s Facebook page.

In addition, the craft beers will be offered at the new Riverhead indoor farmers' market, set to kick off on Feb. 1.

The couple is also selling Growler of the Month Club memberships on their website, to help raise capital.

The business is a dream for the couple; they first considered the Riverhead area after speaking to Dan Burke and Greg Martin, co-owners of Long Ireland Brewery.

"They told us how good the town was, and we wanted to be a part of the revitalization," Lauri Spitz said. "Craft beer has always been something we have been passionate about. We have been creating homebrews since 2005 and had always dreamed about opening a brewery. The timing was right in our lives and in the industry and we just decided to go for it."

Still, Spitz said, finances have been challenging. "Money has been the biggest hold-up," in opening the microbrewery, she said. "It's a super expensive business to start, unfortunately."

To that end, the couple has taken on some investors to help purchase larger equipment. 

Despite the roadblocks, Spitz said the journey has been rewarding. "If we had paid everyone to do everything for us, it wouldn't be the same," she said. "We've done everything ourselves."