Spotlight on Rites Brewing: Craft, Community, and the “Right” Ingredients

Much like the farm-to-table movement transformed how we think about food, Rites Brewing is reshaping how Long Island approaches craft beer. Founded by Long Island locals Tim Irwin and Chris Dougherty, the brewery stands for something refreshingly simple yet increasingly rare: knowing exactly where your ingredients come from — and why that matters.

For Chris, who has been professionally brewing beer for more than a decade, craftsmanship starts with humility and meticulous attention to detail. He learned the trade from the ground up, refining technique through patience, precision, and a deep respect for the raw materials.

The GenuTrace team recently had the pleasure of tasting through their collection — including the Roeder-Kellerbier, a Franconian-style kellerbier, and the Coronation of Rye, a Belgian-inspired saison brewed through open-air fermentation. Each beer was distinct, expressive, and unmistakably intentional.

So what makes a Rites beer a “Rites” beer?

According to Chris, it begins long before brewing starts.

“It’s important to know where your materials come from,” he explained. “Since we are brewing small batches from highly customized recipes, we have to take care to utilize the best equipment, ensure the water is high quality, control the supply of the grains we use, and manage how we filter, adjust, and add them so everything is made perfectly. Our intention is to provide a high-quality beer — and to do that, we have to know our suppliers. In that sense, traceability is embedded in everything we do.”

Rites Brewing sources its hops and malt primarily from New York–based growers, emphasizing regional agriculture and building genuine relationships with suppliers. Those relationships have grown so strong that malt producers now custom-manufacture malt to Rites Brewing’s unique specifications — a testament to the trust and collaboration that underpins their work.

Their beers are brewed in the traditional Saison style, using natural spices such as coriander to achieve a clean, very dry profile layered with citrus and peppercorn notes. Every recipe is original. Every batch is deliberate. Every choice reflects a belief that transparency and quality go hand in hand.

Co-founder Tim Irwin captures the spirit of Rites Brewing’s philosophy beautifully:
“We are excited about the future because we know that when you make a beer that’s very dry but smooth, has depth and a beautiful color, people recognize that and they want to try it. You don’t need to travel far to experience truly high-quality beer — but more importantly, you get to meet the people who made it.”

Chris also shared a thoughtful reflection on the local connection between Rites Brewing and GenuTrace:
“What I love about GenuTrace is that you’re local too — right here on Long Island — and you’re doing something incredibly important. You’re helping people understand where things come from and why it matters. That’s the same mindset we brew with. It’s great to see another local company pushing for transparency and quality.”

As we welcome a new year — a moment for renewal, reflection, and optimism — Rites Brewing offers a perfect reminder of what it means to start with integrity and intention. Their craft shows that when you know your ingredients, respect your process, and honor your suppliers, the results speak for themselves.

So here’s to Tim, Chris, and the entire Rites Brewing team — and here’s to raising a glass in celebration of a New Year filled with authenticity, community, and genuinely crafted beer. Cheers to 2026!

Contact
Chris Dougherty, Head Brewer
Rites Brewing
1460 N. Clinton Ave, Bay Shore, New York 11706
E-mail: ritesbrewing@gmail.com | Website: https://www.rites-brewing.com/