Two Havens Brewing Company, Smithtown’s first and only brewery, has earned gold in the Best Stout category at the annual New York State Brewers Association (NYSBA) competition in Albany.
The competition highlights more than 500 breweries, microbreweries, farm breweries, brewpubs, and brewing-related businesses across the state, all of which are part of NYSBA’s mission to support and protect New York’s craft beer industry through advocacy, education, and promotion.
With dozens of categories in the competition, Two Havens faced stiff competition, going up against 35 other breweries in the Best Stout category. Owner Dave Okenshorn said the brewery’s first beer was brewed in 2023, and while they have continued to grow and improve since then, the win came as a surprise. With New York State home to some of the best brewers in the country, the recognition underscores the significance of the achievement.
This was not Two Havens’ first year participating in the competition. Okenshorn said that as results were announced, starting with bronze, then silver, he assumed the brewery had not placed. When Two Havens was ultimately named the gold medal winner, he said he was blown away.
Dave Okenshorn shares this win with a few others: Dave Bernstein, Jimmy Carty, Gary Carruthers, and Jeremy Strootman, all of whom make Two Havens possible, spreading their love for crafted beer across Long Island.
What set Two Havens apart in the Best Stout category was its ability to meet the key qualities judges look for in a top-tier beer. Okenshorn said entries were evaluated on factors including clarity, head and head retention, flavor, balance, aftertaste, and mouthfeel, all things, according to the judges, Two Havens excelled in.
Okenshorn said each beer recipe is carefully crafted, with a focus not only on his own preferences but also on what a wide range of customers will enjoy. He added that he enjoys experimenting with different malts, grains, and hops, as well as varying base recipes to create new flavors.
“We always try to pride ourselves on having beers that all taste different,” Okenshorn told The Messenger. “All of our beers have different notes, whether they’re a little higher in ABV, a little more fruit-forward from the hops, a little less bitter, or a hybrid of bitterness with some sweetness, something that makes each beer stand out on its own.”
Community involvement remains a priority for the team at Two Havens, and they hope to expand those efforts in the future. The brewery has taken part in events including Taps and Talent at Sweetbriar, charity events at Old Street, Smithtown Day, and the Smithtown Fire Department’s cornhole event. Okenshorn added that much of the team is based in the Smithtown area, making it especially meaningful to operate close to home and build a brand within the community.
Looking ahead, Two Havens has plans for continued growth. Okenshorn said the brewery’s short-term goal is to keep building its brand and expand distribution to more bars, restaurants, and beverage stores. Long-term, he said, the team hopes to open a taproom/restaurant location.
As Two Havens Brewing Company continues to grow, the team remains committed to sharing its passion for handcrafted beer with the community and beyond. For more information, visit www.twohavensbrewing.com. Congratulations to Okenshorn and the entire Two Havens team on this well-deserved recognition. Many are excited to see what they have in store next as they continue spreading their love for craft beer.
Visit www.twohavensbrewing.com
