LIC Beer Project may have closed its doors in 2024, but its spirit and influence still linger in the hearts of New York City’s craft beer community. Located in Long Island City, Queens, the brewery earned a devoted following thanks to its bold experimentation, unique beers, and urban vibe. Today, we look back on the story of LIC Beer Project and celebrate the mark it left on the city’s brewing scene.
The Story Behind LIC Beer Project
Founded in 2015, LIC Beer Project emerged as a bold new voice in New York City’s booming craft beer movement. Its founders — a team of homebrewers, microbiologists, and creatives — set out to build a brewery grounded in tradition yet driven by innovation. Inspired by Belgian farmhouse ales and American hop-forward styles, the team built a brand known for its fearless approach to fermentation and flavor.
Operating out of a converted industrial warehouse in Queens, the brewery quickly gained traction with locals and beer enthusiasts. Its name, “Beer Project,” symbolized a mindset of constant evolution — every brew was an experiment, a new chapter in a continuing story.
Beers That Made an Impression
Though LIC Beer Project is now closed, its beers remain memorable to those who tried them. The brewery was best known for hazy IPAs, saisons, and wild ales brewed with spontaneous fermentation and barrel-aging techniques.
Standout Beers Included:
- Coded Tiles: A fan-favorite NEIPA that burst with mango and citrus hop notes.
- Higher Burnin’: A juicy, cloudy IPA with a silky smooth mouthfeel and balanced bitterness.
- Saison Project: A rotating lineup of mixed-fermentation farmhouse ales, often aged in oak barrels with wild yeast.
- Gal Friday: A tart Berliner Weisse infused with rotating fruits like guava, raspberry, and passionfruit.
These beers showcased LIC Beer Project’s mastery of both science and creativity. Their ability to balance complexity with drinkability earned them praise in a crowded craft scene.
A Unique Brewery Experience
The brewery’s taproom, located at 39-28 23rd St, Long Island City, NY, was more than just a place to drink — it was a hub of creativity. With exposed brick walls, colorful murals, and a minimalist aesthetic, it welcomed artists, locals, and tourists alike.
In addition to their wide range of beers, LIC Beer Project regularly hosted events that brought the community together:
- Live DJ sets and brewery parties
- Food truck pop-ups and seasonal festivals
- Behind-the-scenes brewery tours on weekends
Even in a competitive borough, the brewery managed to carve out its own identity through originality and community engagement.
Accolades and Reviews
During its nearly nine years of operation, LIC Beer Project received accolades from both fans and critics. It held a strong presence on Untappd and RateBeer and was frequently listed among the top breweries in Queens.
Some highlights include:
- Gold Medal at the 2022 New York State Craft Beer Competition
- Features in Thrillist, Hop Culture, and The Manual as a must-visit NYC brewery
- Strong community support and word-of-mouth buzz
Many visitors praised the brewery’s innovative beers, welcoming staff, and artistic ambiance, calling it a “hidden gem” of the Queens beer trail.
The Closure in 2024
In March 2024, LIC Beer Project quietly closed its taproom with little fanfare. Though there was no formal announcement, fans noticed the brewery’s website going offline and Google listing the location as “permanently closed.”
The reasons remain largely unspoken, but industry insiders suggest factors such as rising operational costs, increased competition, and limited foot traffic contributed to the decision. Regardless of the cause, the closure marked the end of a creative and impactful chapter in NYC’s beer history.
LIC Beer Project’s Lasting Legacy
Even in closure, LIC Beer Project remains part of New York’s brewing lore. Its commitment to experimentation, quality, and community left an impression on both drinkers and fellow brewers. Former fans often reminisce about their first sip of Coded Tiles or the bustling nights spent in the taproom’s warm glow.
The brewery helped redefine what Queens could offer the craft beer world — not just in product, but in spirit.
What’s Next?
While LIC Beer Project has ended its operations, the Queens craft beer scene continues to thrive. Nearby breweries like Fifth Hammer, Transmitter Brewing, and Finback offer a range of styles and taproom experiences for those looking to explore.
And who knows? With enough passion from the community and the right opportunity, perhaps the team behind LIC Beer Project will rise again — under a new name, in a new form.
In Memoriam
LIC Beer Project was more than just a brewery — it was an experiment in creativity, connection, and craft. Though its taps have run dry, its influence will long be remembered in the clinking of glasses and the boldness of beers inspired by its legacy.
Raise a Glass to the Past
If you ever enjoyed a pint at LIC Beer Project or dreamed of visiting, take a moment to toast its memory. Craft beer isn’t just about hops and malt — it’s about people, stories, and places that leave a mark. And LIC Beer Project did just that.
