is both a leading craft brewer and a symbol of the revitalization of New York’s most populous borough. Founded in 1987 by journalist Steve Hindy and banker Tom Potter, by 2010 it had grown to over 107,000 barrels, and become one of the top 20 craft brewers in the United States (out of 1600). Brooklyn Brewery also “played an integral part in revitalizing the Williamsburg [section of the borough] and fostering Brooklyn’s renaissance,” according to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. That tip of the hat appeared in the mayor’s introduction to Steve Hindy and Tom Potter’s 2005 book on their origins called Beer School. Prior to founding Brooklyn, Steve had honed his writing chops as an Associated Press correspondent in the Mideast (where he witnessed Anwar Sadat’s assassination, among other seminal events). While in the Mideast, Steve also developed a keen interest in home brewing, which he capitalized on when he returned to the US.

Brooklyn’s original logo was created by designer Milton Glaser, best-known for the iconic “I Love New York” campaign. Early on, Brooklyn Brewery developed a close connection with its local community through sponsorships, events, and media coverage, which Steve proved especially adept at cultivating. Brewmaster Garrett Oliver joined in 1994 and enhanced those ties as a pioneer in beer–food pairings, a frequent media presence, and an author in his own right. The brewery releases upwards of 15 different beers per year, many of them available on draught for only a short time. The beers have won many national and international awards. Brooklyn Brewery has also become a leader in the production of fully bottle-conditioned ales, most of them Belgian-influenced.

Brooklyn retains strong local connections, but it has also paved the way in exporting Brooklyn Brewery’s products as well as the craft beer movement around the globe. About 12% of Brooklyn’s 2010 volume was in exports. Brooklyn is likely the largest craft exporter, accounting for about 20% of all craft beer volume exported outside the US. It was also the first brewery in the United States to pursue international brewing collaborations, and in 2010 the brewery commenced regular production of collaborative beers with the Italian brewery Amarcord.

Brooklyn also owned its own distribution arm for over a decade, called the Craft Brewers Guild. The pioneering Guild helped spread the “gospel” of craft beer in New York City. It sold Brooklyn’s own beers and many other craft and import brands. The Guild was sold in 2003, and that capital infusion enabled Tom Potter to sell his stake to the Ottaway family. David Ottaway and Steve Hindy’s friendship dated back to the early 1980s when David was a Mideast Washington Post correspondent. David’s two sons, Eric and Robin, are the principal managers of the brewery. Brooklyn Brewery brews in Brooklyn and also under license in upstate New York. In 2010, Brooklyn undertook a major expansion of its brewery that will eventually enable it to brew up to 120,000 barrels in its home borough.