Customer Spotlight: Port Jeff Brewing Company
By: Paula Polei
For our next customer spotlight, we head to Port Jefferson, New York to speak with Michael Philbrick, Brewmaster at Port Jeff Brewing Company. Once a Temple University Owl mascot turned Masterbrewer, Mike opened Port Jeff Brewing Company’s doors in October 2011 and has since become a beloved figure in the Long Island craft beer scene.
From Homebrew to Brewery Dream
What inspired you to start your own brewery?
My dream started with my first homebrew—but it tasted like swamp water! As I improved, I realized my dream could actually become reality. Coupled with Long Island’s lack of breweries at the time, I decided to take the steps needed to make Port Jeff Brewing Company happen.
The Journey to Port Jeff Brewing Company
Mike jokes that his career path went something like this:
- A nine-month residency in a dark womb.
- Years of growth and a middle-class education.
- Bad decisions, better decisions, and lots of help from family and friends.
- Graduation from university, and a life-changing Christmas gift: a homebrew kit from his then-girlfriend (now wife) in 2000.
- Years of brewing, dreaming, and taking calculated risks until that dream became reality.
Day-to-Day at the Brewery
Mike wears many hats—brewmaster, distributor liaison, graphic artist, accountant, event coordinator, and more. “Sometimes I do all of these jobs at once,” he laughs.
What Makes Port Jeff Brewing Unique?
The brewery is only 800 square feet yet produces more than 1,500 barrels per year—all inside a former year-round Christmas shop.
The Art of Brewing
Mike developed many of Port Jeff’s recipes while homebrewing, and his head brewer Matt helps refine them for production. “All of our beers become a collaborative effort,” Mike says. “We just want to make the best product possible.”
A Nautical Brand with Local Roots
Port Jefferson has a long history as an East Coast shipbuilding hub. Mike embraced that heritage by building a nautical theme into about 90% of his brand’s identity—an easy fit for a community with deep ties to the water and boating.
Marketing and Beer Releases
Port Jeff Brewing relies heavily on social media and point-of-sale marketing to connect with customers. “These give a more direct response than TV or print ads,” Mike explains. “Beer is about choice—so influencing that moment matters.”
Next up is Overboard, a bourbon barrel-aged Russian Imperial Stout. Mike says their release schedule balances creativity with craftsmanship: “Many of our releases are based on what we want to make and drink ourselves.”
Evolution of the Craft Beer Scene
“The industry has basically doubled since we opened,” says Mike. “We’re seeing more nano breweries than ever, which gives beer lovers more local options. I think craft beer will continue to become even more localized—and that’s a great thing.”
Advice for Aspiring Brewers
“Budget wisely, then double it—and remove the part where you get paid,” Mike advises with a grin.
About Port Jeff Brewing Company
The brewery operates a seven-barrel system capable of producing 217 gallons (about 86 cases) per brew. Port Jeff Brewing’s beers are distributed throughout Long Island, New York City, and Westchester County, with products available in kegs, 22-ounce bottles, and limited-release formats.
The Man Behind the Barrel
Mike Philbrick, Brewmaster
A Port Jefferson resident, Mike brewed at home for nearly a decade before graduating from The World Brewing Academy at Siebel Institute in Chicago. His passion for craft beer led him to open Port Jeff Brewing Company to showcase his recipes for locals and tourists alike. When he’s not brewing, Mike enjoys boating, the beach, and time with his wife, four kids, and their dog, Buddy.
Cheers!
