Neither Beer nor There: Craft Beer Tasting Sail

By EastCoastBrewReviewer -


The first of our "Neither Beer nor There" series, we introduce a bit of a different post today as we didn't venture to any breweries this weekend. We went on a craft beer tasting sail around New York Harbor which featured on our tour was KelSo Brewery located in Brooklyn, NY. In the future this series of posts may include wineries, cideries or just anything we deem worthy.



The Stats 

Location: Battery Park City, Slip 2

 History: Manhattan By Sail was founded in 2000 with the Clipper City Tall Ship being their newest vessel taking passenger around New York Harbor on a variety of normal tours or themed tours. The craft beer sail happens at noon on Saturdays and Sundays from April to October. 
Food Service: Charcuterie platters

 Website: www.manhattanbysail.com

The Scenario 

It was a beautiful day to sail around and sip some beers. We boarded the boat at 11:45 and quickly claimed our seats on top of a lifejacket storage bin. If you plan to do this excursion, I highly recommend being toward the front of the line and claiming a seat, otherwise its standing room only for you. Each weeekend the ship features a different brewery for their beers on tap. The weekend we selected was KelSo brewery in Brooklyn, NY. They also provided a full bar for sale as well. A woman on a microphone welcomed us on the ship and guided us to the bar for our first sample immediately. There were 5 samples for us to taste along our hour and 45 minute sail. The crowd (about 125 people) received a new brew every 15-20 minutes. That timing was great and the plates of meats and cheese were provided to guests as soon as the first beer was poured. The views of NYC are incredible and guests can't seem to snap enough pics along the route. 

The Ratings 

Edible Ale West Coast IPA
D: 1/5 - Nope. Too bitter. 
K: 2/5 - Odd to start a tasting with an strong IPA, it was fine.

Kelso Pilsner
D: 4/5 - My favorite of the day. I wish I could've had more and sipped on it for the rest of the sail.
K: 3.5/5 - Very drinkable, easy to have on a summer day.

Nut Brown Ale 
K: 2/5 - Not as strong a Nut Brown taste as some but still not great.

Brett Saison Farmhouse Ale
D: 3/5 - Definitely a different tasting beer as it was brandy barrel aged but I didn't dislike it as much as other people didn't.
K: 3/5 - Didn't taste like a beer but I think that's the point. The brandy barrels made this taste more like a wine/liquor than a beer without the burn.
*Note: Many passengers were overheard saying that they didn't like this one. 

Traditional IPA
K: 2/5 - Just a fine IPA, not my favorite type of beer at all but was decently drinkable.

Final Thoughts

D: I would definitely do another sail. I think neither of us loved the beer from this brewery but it's a great idea and a cool activity to do if you're in the city. The same views can be seen if you take the ferry over to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island but this vessel has more beer!

 K: I would also do another sail. It seemed like this was a great date day judging by the people who were on the ship. A lot of young couples and some parties of a few. It seems as though the beer situation just depends on the brewery that takes over that weekend. We weren't crazy about any of the beers but still managed to have a great time. On a great day, the views are incredible and I highly recommend.

Cheers lady liberty!



Bar and snacks

Awesome views of NYC

Check them out on social media!


facebook.com/manhattanbysail

 @manhattanbysail


@manhattanbysail



Location: Battery Park, New York, NY 10004, USA

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