by Keenan Steiner
It wasn’t long ago that there were no craft breweries in Westchester, and now you need at least two hands to count them all. It’s a brimming beer scene, and it’s also the fall, which is always a hoppy time for new creations and a return to the autumn classics.
Warm up your taste buds. Think of the malty Oktoberfest lagers, ales and IPAs infused with warm, fall spices, of course the classic pumpkin beer, and even a rich stout to pair with your Thanksgiving pie.
In that spirit, we asked more than a half dozen county breweries to share three of their unique fall beers with Westchester Guest. Here are their unique fall offerings:
Captain Lawrence Brewing
For Captain Lawrence Brewing, the first craft brewery to open in the county in 2005, has two locations now – its Elmsford brewery and beer hall and a new Mt. Kisco pub and “barrel house” that opened amidst the pandemic, fall is a busy time. Brewmaster and owner Scott Vaccaro is offering:
Snyder Bier: Pretzels are a classic snack with beer so why not take this combo to the max? This collaboration with the slow-baked-pretzel brand adds Synder’s pretzels right into the mash. The result is two beers – a sweet and savory gose, called a PretzelFrücht, that puts a refreshing twist on Oktoberfest brews, at 4.5% alcohol-by-volume (ABV) and a classic, malty Oktoberfest Märzen, being called a PretzelMärzen, at 5% ABV. Order while supplies last, because Vaccaro cautioned there may not be enough to last the season.
Autumn Blaze Pumpkin Ale: A malty and smooth-amber colored ale brewed with pumpkin and then spiced in the kettle with nutmeg, all spice, and cinnamon. 5% ABV.
Double Pull Imperial Stout: This annual winter beer not only packs a big punch at 10% ABV but is infused with coffee from Westchester’s own Black Cow Company.
Soul Brewing Co.
While Captain Lawrence was the county’s first craft brewery to open, originally in Pleasantville, Soul Brewing Co, is one of the newest, and, guess what, they’re in Pleasantville too. Started by former homebrewer Allen Wallace, this award-winning brew pub has the following to savor:
Oktoberfest Märzen: Rich and slightly sweet, you’ll taste notes of toasted bread and biscuit, a subdued hop spiciness, and a medium dry finish in this traditional lager. 5.8% ABV.
Winter Soulstice 2021: Wallace called this Belgian, monastic-style, dark ale “a perfect fireplace sipper on a cold night.” You’ll taste notes of caramel, figs, and other dark fruit with a subtle spiciness. 8.5% ABV.
Truth Serum XX IPA: A Hazy Double IPA with a firm backing bitterness and predominant citrus, melon, and tropical fruit hop notes from multiple additions of Citra, Motueka, Mosaic and Simcoe hops. 8.5% ABV.
Broken Bow
Down County lies yet another award-winning brewery: Broken Bow in Tuckahoe. The team is not only excited about how their fall beers taste, but about what they mean.
Hell Hath No Fury Double Stout: Brewed with peppers sourced from five local, women-run farms, the team is calling this one “as complex as a woman scorned.” It’s a double stout brewed with coffee, cocoa nibs, and the peppers, and finishes smooth with a hint of spice. 9.8% ABV.
Pumpkin-Spiced Oktoberfest: What’s more autumn than combining pumpkin AND Oktoberfest. This Märzen has a toasty malt backbone with hints of biscuit and toffee that’s balanced by East Kent Golding hops, making it a crisp ale that finishes with subtle autumn spice. 5.5% ABV.
Nick’s Hazelnut Praline Porter: Roasted malt creates the chocolate notes in this robust and velvety brew, which is infused with hazelnut extract. Enjoy bitter cocoa notes up front and a sweet nutty finish. Recommended with dessert. 8% ABV.
Once you’ve sampled some of these brews, there’s much more for the beer-curious among us. For a list of Westchester’ many exciting breweries, visit WestchesterGuest.com. Prost!
Tags: dining
