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A pair of local business have begun to use an app that allows beer aficionados to more easily seek out the pints they desire.

TapHunter, which was created in 2012, gives businesses a way to manage their beers on tap and also allows customers to follow their favorite restaurants for specials. Users of the app are also given directions to nearby bars and descriptions of the styles currently on tap.

Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. was the first local establishment to utilize the app and Legends in New Suffolk began using it this month. 

“This gives your beer nerds and your beer aficionados the opportunity to go ahead and search around for the beers that they really truly love,” said Tim Staron, manager at Legends. “I think it’s an up and coming thing for most bars, restaurants, and breweries.”

Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. co-owner John Liegey shows off the app on his phone. (Credit: Krysten Massa)
Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. co-owner John Liegey shows off the app on his phone. (Credit: Krysten Massa)

While both places are in the beginning stages of using the technology, they said they see a lot of benefits from it already.

For John Liegey, co-owner of Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., he said not only is it great that the app can incorporate social media and help promote, but it is useful for the bar on the back end of things as well, in terms of managing what they have on tap and what should go where. They also have a monitor in their tasting rooms with a list of all the beers available.

“In the middle of a busy afternoon if one beer suddenly kicks and we are putting a new beer on it can be adjusted within a few minutes,” he said. “Whereas previously it would take us until the next day to climb onto the bar and print out a whole new beer listing [on the old handwritten signs].”

Mr. Staron is excited about adding the digital menu to Legends. He said currently he has to write the specials on a chalkboard daily, but they will soon be installing screens so people around the bar can see what’s available.

Legends has 21 different beers on tap, including only about six mainstays, with the most styles and brands changing every few days. The app and the new screens are an easy way for staff to keep up with the beer rotation and to make sure the customers are receiving up-to-date information. Also managed through the app, bar managers can put up promotions on these screens and advertise special events at the bar.

All the styles on tap are displayed on monitors in the Greenport Harbor tasting rooms. (Credit: Krysten Massa)
All the styles on tap are displayed on monitors in the Greenport Harbor tasting rooms. (Credit: Krysten Massa)

Aside from being a useful tool for the bar owners, Mr. Staron said for craft beer lovers he thinks the app will really catch on. Users can follow their favorite spots and beers even receiving a notification when favorite styles are added to the taps.

“At a high level, TapHunter connects people with the drinks they love and the places that pour them,” said Lisa Rodriguez, director of marketing and customer success for TapHunter.

Mr. Liegey said he really sees the need and benefit for apps like this.

“The more you can provide it to people in an easy, accessible way the better that experience is going to be,” he said.

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