North Fork Fresh Hop is available at the Southampton Publick House. Photo by Sheila Cosgrove Baylis

Southampton - If you like a hoppy beer, try a glass of the new North Fork Fresh Hop, just put on tap at the Southampton Publick House, the East End's first microbrewery. Head Brewer Phil Markowski gets the hops locally from a farmer in Laurel, and Assistant Brewer Spencer Niebuhr explains that the North Fork crop is unique. "The hops have a grassy taste," Niebuhr said, "and also the flavor of hibiscus."

Pub goers are thrilled with Fresh Hop. "It's the best beer I've had in a long time," said regular patron Bob Hammel, Jr. "And the Publick House usually has great beer," he added. North Fork Fresh Hop should be available for the remainder of September.

Niebuhr says that next on tap is an Espresso Stout, with coffee provided by The Hamptons Coffee Company in Water Mill. "We like to use local ingredients," Niebuhr explained. "The Hamptons Coffee Company is going to roast the beans for us." Niebuhr expects the stout to be released in time for the holidays.