Publick brewmeister leaves Southampton

In the world of beer brewing on Long Island, the big news is that Phil Markowski, who had been brewmeister at Southampton Publick House for 16 years and is one of the best-known in the business nationally, has departed for a Connecticut craft brewery scheduled to open in September.

Markowski had developed a near cult following at Southampton Publick, which has been a landmark for beer since the 1800s, according to Hamptons Magazine. Markowski's brews earned him more than 25 awards, including nine medals, five of them gold, at the industry's most prestigious competition, the Great American Beer Festival.

He is to join Two Roads Brewing Co. in Stratford in September.

Donald Sullivan, Southampton Publick's president, said Markowski "received an offer from a start-up, and we wish him well. We didn't want to stand in his way."

Markowski could not be reached for comment.

Alan Wax, a Melville-based public relations executive and editor of the blog Corks, Caps & Taps, said Markowski helped build up Southampton Publick over the years.

"He is one of the most talented brewers in the United States," Wax said. "In the local beer community this is significant."

Sullivan said Southampton Publick's assistant brewer, Evan Addario, has taken over for Markowski. "It's been a smooth transition," Sullivan said.