USA, NY: Cousins Revolution Ale Works to bring craft beer enthusiasts another option in the mid-Hudson Valley
It all started with two cousins and a passion for craft beer.
"We really wanted to get into something we both loved, so we started Cousins Revolution Ale Works," Aaron Browne, head brewer and co-owner, said in an interview to the Poughkeepsie Journal on November 27.
Cousins Revolution Ale Works will bring craft beer enthusiasts another option in the mid-Hudson Valley, highlighting stouts and other dark beers while reveling in the history of the American Revolution. The craft brewery is tentatively scheduled to open in late-January at 1582 Route 9 in Wappingers Falls.
The opening will mean another option for craft beer drinkers in a state with a rich selection of quality craft brewers. New York ranks fourth in craft breweries with 269 total in 2016, according to the Brewers Association.
New York's brewing industry also carries a hefty economic impact, with a $2.9 billion impact in 2014, per the Brewers Association.
Before co-owner Aaron Dorn got involved, it was a simple homebrewing operation called Browne's Revolution Ale Works.
"I got into it thanks to a (homebrewing) kit I got as a Christmas gift," Browne said. "I've been brewing beer ever since."
Dorn teamed up with Browne about a year ago, and the duo renamed it to Cousins Revolution Ale Works.
The craft brewery will feature a variety of styles and flavor profiles, but Browne said his beer is "malt-forward" and skews toward darker styles like its flagship Smoking Musket Stout.
"We both love stouts and the darker, maltier beers," Browne said. "We're not steering away from the other styles of beer, but we plan to always have a few dark beers on tap."
Of course, the brewery will serve a seasonal selection, and craft beer fans can still expect an India Pale Ale in the form of The Lone Bee IPA.
But even the more elaborate options, like the When in Doubt Chocolate Strawberry Stout, will feature a malt-heavy flavor.
"These aren't fruit beers," Browne said. "You'll get those flavors, but they're very subtle."
The brewery will offer flights, pints and tankards in line with the American Revolution theme. It will feature live-edge pine bars and tables to match the rustic atmosphere, as well as a musket adorned on the wall.
"We wanted to build ourselves a rustic, warm, inviting, old-school space," Dorn said.
Drivers won't spot the brewery from the road; it's in the back of the Dutchess Shopping Plaza.
As locals to the area, Browne and Dorn said the space fit their needs for a brewing site and event location. Beyond the bar, the duo plan to host live music and other events.
"It fits in perfectly with the revitalization of Wappingers Falls," Dorn said.
Wappingers Falls Mayor Matt Alexander described the brewery as yet another destination within the village.
"We're happy to see a new brewery coming into the Village of Wappingers Falls, and it adds to the economic rehabilitation of the area," he said.
And even with the Hudson Valley's expansive brewing scene, the duo said there is still room to grow for craft brewing in the region.
"There's plenty of room, and all the brewers we've spoken with have been so kind and helpful," Browne said. "There's a great community here, so the more, the merrier."
30 November, 2017
