Karp's Hardware and Homebrew of East Northport was chosen as best homebrew shop on Long Island recently in the Golden Tap Awards.
Karp's was started in 1934 by Alexander Karp, selling hardware and tools. Current owner Alan Talman took over for his stepfather, Richard Karp, in the 90s and began selling homebrew supplies from books, beer and wine making kits, to malt extracts, grain malts, hops, yeast, and anything else you might need to make your own beer.
"We have led the way in homebrew-making here on Long Island and on the internet for over a decade," said Alan.
Indeed, internet business for homebrew supplies today exceeds in a weekend what took Karp's a month to make 15 years ago.
"I was always into brewing my own beer," said Alan. "When I got involved with the store some friends suggested that I carry supplies for making beer. The store had a little space to make this possible and the rest is history."
Nominees also included Arbor Wine & Beer Making Supplies of Islip, Brews Brothers at Kedco of Farmingdale, Brewtopia of Port Jefferson, and Hoptron Brewtique of Patchogue.
The third annual Golden Tap Awards were held on Tuesday in Patchogue. The first of its kind award show that was created in honor of Long Island's beer innovators and pioneers. Awards were given based on voting results from online polling as well as official panel judging.
This year's host was New York standup comedian Joe DeVito.
It's Craft Beer Week here on Long Island. Tell us what your favorite local brews are in the comment section below.
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