6 Valley Brewers Tell Us About Their Favorite Local Brews

The Valley’s top brewers talk their go-to sunny suds.

Hudson Valley brewers produce some of the finest summer-style beers in the country — so many, in fact, that it’s hard to know which ones to try. So we went to the experts, some of our essential brewers, and asked: If you had to pick a favorite summer-style beer — one that you don’t make — what would it be? 

 

“Sylvester’s FUN IPA is extremely juicy and flavorful the entire way through, with very little bitterness on the back end. It packs a ton of citrus aroma and flavor with a slight lingering sweetness. It’s absolutely a sessionable IPA that pairs extremely well with my favorite chicken quesadilla, green peppers, onions, and garlic. Keegan did it right with this one!” — Kenan Porter, Clemson Brothers Brewery

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“This summer I’ll be seeking out lagers made by Peekskill Brewery’s new brewer, Amit Ram. I was lucky enough to recently try ‘Murican Accent, an unfiltered hoppy lager he brewed with a blend of Czech Saaz and American-grown Amarillo hops. Beautiful in its simplicity and execution, I could spend a good long while with this beer in hand.” — Dan Suarez, Suarez Family Brewery

 


 

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“My go-to local summer beer is Newburgh’s Cream Ale. A classic New York heritage ale. Straightforward beers can be the hardest to make and they nailed this one. Perfect no matter what you are doing or eating — hot dogs at a baseball game or clams on the beach.” — Richard Coleman, Westtown Brew Works

 


 

“In the summer, I do generally lean toward Hefeweizens and Witbiers. However, at last year’s TAP-NY, I had the pleasure of sampling Confliction Dry Hopped Sour Ale from Sloop Brewery. While it still has that fresh grapefruit flavor and aroma that I enjoy in IPAs, it’s also got a lighter body. It’s no surprise it’s a World Beer Cup gold medal winner.” — Janine Bennett, Crossroads Brewing Company

 

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“MegaBoss from Newburgh Brewing. It’s incredibly fresh and well balanced without being too ‘in your face.’ Also, being in a 16 oz. can makes it perfect for bringing along on a hike, or to a swimming hole.” — Patrick Sylvester, Keegan Ales

 


 

“The Farmhouse Ale from S&S Brewery is a true farm beer — these guys grow their own grain and hops, and cultured a yeast from wild strains captured on the farm. It goes down best sitting on a hay bale, under the stars listening to some bluegrass Friday night at the farm. As for taste, it’s a little funky; but so is the brewery.” — Tom Crowell, Chatham Brewing

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