Getting Sent Up The River

By Sean O'Carroll Tuesday, November 19, 2024

The Clurichaun Gets Taken to Sing Sing

Your local clurichaun is not headed to prison, but instead, a microbrewery of a similar name. Sing Sing Kill Brewery is located in Ossining, N.Y. They are the textbook definition of a microbrewery. With only three vats to produce from, they maintain a steady lineup of consistently delicious brews. They offer a core group of beer styles that remind you what a beer should taste like.

Sing Sing Kill takes pride in being a New York State farm-to-glass brewery committed to sustainability. Most of their ingredients are sourced from local farms across the state, with some transported via the Schooner Apollonia down the Hudson River. In addition to using energy-efficient practices and conserving water, the brewery emphasizes its dedication to environmental responsibility.

As you enter Sing Sing Kill, you walk down a short hallway lined with flyers for local events. To the left is the brewhouse, where you can see the metal vats, while to the right leads you into the taproom. Upon entering the taproom, you're immediately greeted by the bar and tables, creating an embracing atmosphere. A dedicated space for hosting local music acts and open mic performances is at the back of the taproom. The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable, adding to the overall inviting experience.

A Cream Ale Brewed with Sustainability in Mind

Sitting at the bar, I ordered Sing Sing Kill's Killer Cream Ale, which has a 4.9% ABV. Served fresh off-tap in a branded glass, the appearance is a clear golden color. There was a short and quickly dissipating head, the foam atop the beer where you get the aroma. I hover my nose over the glass, picking up those familiar, subtle, sweet scents. Sipping this light-bodied ale, I feel a smooth and crisp mouthfeel. The flavor is sweet and bready, with the taste of hops lingering in the background.

The Killer Cream Ale is a wonderful, easy-drinking beer that doesn't try to hide behind overly complex flavor profiles. Instead, it embraces simplicity, brewed to be enjoyed for the sake of enjoying a beer. Its smooth, refreshing taste makes it perfect for year-round enjoyment. I look forward to returning to Sing Sing Kill Brewery to explore their offerings further.

What's your favorite brew when you are looking for simplicity? Let us know in the comments!

Lore of the Hudson Valley Clurichaun

The Enchantment of the Clurichaun

by Sean O'Carroll Saturday, November 16, 2024

According to Irish folklore, the clurichaun is the cousin of a leprechaun. They are primarily found in breweries, bars, and wine cellars. Mischievous creatures, they are known to play pranks on patrons. Given my appearance, I bear a resemblance to a clurichaun. Though I won't play any pranks, there is a good chance you will find me at your local brewery. Come follow this clurichaun on his journey of exploring the many breweries and their beers across The Hudson Valley Region.

 My name is Sean, and I am The Clurichaun of the Hudson Valley. A proud native New Yorker of Irish descent, I grew up in an area of New York City that was once the site of the Ruppert Family Brewery. The brewery was known for its two beers, the Knickerbocker Lager, and Ruppert Pale Ale. Though it closed long before I was born, its legacy is still felt. Buildings in the area are named after the brewery. Knowing that my roots are grounded on the same site as one of New York's historic breweries, this blog comes as a full-circle moment.

From Casual Sips to Becoming a Craft Beer Enthusiast

My college roommate sparked my thirst for craft beer by introducing me to Genesee Cream Ale from Rochester. The sweet aroma and quality of that first sip opened my eyes to the world beyond mass-produced domestic beers. My exploration of diverse beer varieties began. I delved into the local craft scene on Long Island, tasting offerings from Blue Point Brewery and The Southampton Publick House. I collected beer caps from my tastings and adorned my ceiling with them, creating a starry mosaic as a badge of my beer adventures.

        Returning to New York, I was excited to check out the bar scene. Two new spots, Third Avenue Ale House and City Swiggers opened in my neighborhood. Both take pride in their rotating selection of craft beers on tap. City Swiggers also serves as a retail store with hundreds of beers to bring home. Each visit, I felt like a kid in a candy shop, solidifying my appreciation for craft beer. My excursions led me to seek out breweries wherever I traveled. My go-to order, like many, is a beer flight, which is a group of smaller pours to sample. This is a terrific way to try various beers.

Embarking on the Next Chapter of My Journey

My passion has inspired me to create this blog highlighting the craft beer culture of the Hudson Valley. I'm excited to share my experiences visiting various breweries and sampling their unique offerings. May my insight guide you into a new realm of beer appreciation.

Feel free to leave a comment about a brewery or style you enjoy and stay tapped into my blog by joining my email list.