This is long overdue. I visited Storm King Arts Center last fall and, on the return trip, stopped at Peekskill Brewery. If you’ve never been to Storm King, here’s what to expect:
I was thirsty after battling giants and relieved to find local brewing on the waterfront nearby. Peekskill is a more recent entry and frontrunner for craft beer in New York. There is no rush to grow, but rather establish themselves as a destination upstate. The multi-level brewery houses a taproom on the 1st floor, bistro on 2nd, banquet hall in the works and, dare I speculate, a coolship on top of it all (how cool would that be?). Chief Brewer Jeff O’Neil, the radical behind Flower Power IPA, was lured away from Ithaca Beer Company with a taste for hops and sours; we have so much in common. Brewery Ambassador Mike gave an essentially private tour with half pints of beer for $5 each, which is where I found this gem…
One of many great things about craft beer is that it can’t be outsourced and remains possibly the last sector of American manufacturing to experience positive growth. The necessary tools are often imported from Germany or Western Europe, but Peekskill Brewery went the extra mile and built a brewhouse by way of Portland, OR. That’s Metal. One could argue it’s so craft that they were almost out of beer and food when I arrived on a Sunday but, much like beer itself in New York, I think they’re still deciding who to become. The Eastern Standard IPA was standard, their Simple Sour more simple, the kitchen slow enough that appetizers were served for dessert. That said, I appreciate the vision, not to mention the healthy selection of fellow brewers on tap. In Peekskill’s catalogue, Shotgun Willie IPA drew first, an homage to Willie Nelson. Here’s to a namesake brew for Yngwie Malmsteen next time.
Beer and the City 