E-Malt.com News article: USA, NY: Simple Motive Brewing coming to Hudson Valley within the next year

Add Simple Motive Brewing in Yonkers to the list of breweries opening within the next year in the Hudson Valley, The Journal News reported on September 24.

The new Lake Street microbrewery, complete with a tasting room, should open next year and will feature an event space next to the brewing tanks for company gatherings, larger parties and other events.

It is part of a mixed use development called The Mill, located in the historic Alexander Smith Carpet Mills factory. The redevelopment — construction is going on now — will, when complete in spring 2020, include a food hall, axe throwing, an escape room, co-working and other destination tenants. The space is being developed by Momentum Realty Acquisitions.

As for the brewery, head brewer and co-owner Kevin Glessing said beers will include lean hoppy beers, robust porters, stouts and seasonal creations. And, thanks to a one-barrel pilot system, they'll always be experimenting. "We want to keep it interesting," he said.

There will also be small plate items like charcuterie, cheeses and Glessing's own handmade artisan bread. The focus, he said, will be on local and farm-raised ingredients and items that pair well with beer.

Plus, the shared space with The Mill will allow for an all-around event experience.

"When we were looking into spaces it was important for us to find a place with history and strong ties to the community," said Sam Meriwether, another partner. "Bringing people together from all facets of life in a town that is thriving in the arts is something we could only dream about."

It helps, too, that the brewery's owners all come from different — and diverse — backgrounds which Meriwether said "brings a unique perspective to the business."

The four partners — Matthew Williams, Andy Galagarza and the aforementioned Glessing and Meriwether — span careers from operations, sales, brewing and even firefighting. Galargarza, the firefighter, grew up in the Bronx and had a career as a chef before becoming a public servant. Along the way he said he spent many nights with his friends (and now his partners) developing a deep appreciation for beer.

"Finally, we gave into our crazy notion of going into business for ourselves," he said.

"We're basically four buddies with a love of beer," chimed in Williams. "The fact that one of us is a really good brewer means this is going to something great."

Galargarza, for one, is particularly proud of opening in the city he loves. "I've made a career out of serving the very communities I live in, whether through food or civil service and I plan on continuing to do so for the city of Yonkers."

Added Meriwether: "This is a dream years in the making and we aim to please all people from every walk of life. Beer brings people together and we cannot wait to bring our passion directly to your glass."

Simple Motive is not the only thing brewing in the area. Opening in mid to late October: Soul Brewing Company in Pleasantville and Two Villains Brewing in Nyack with Scarlet Birds Brewing Company opening in early 2020 in either Clarkstown or Orangetown (location still being finalized).

Also scheduled for later next year: R&H Brewing at 30 Broad Street in Port Chester owned by Tim Shanley of Coal's Pizza fame who expects to do gypsy brewing starting in November.

A few more details on what's coming:

At Two Villains, folks will find more than beer. According to Travis Koester, owner of the Local Tap House of Nyack and one of Two Villain's partners, this brew pub/restaurant, at 132 Main Street, will offer a seven-barrel brewing system along with a Southern Roadhouse style menu. As for the beer, expect hop-forward ales, saisons and stouts.

Meanwhile at Soul Brewing at 41 Wheeler Ave., owner Allen Wallace, a longtime home-brewer, expects to sell six to eight beers on tap including a Honey Blonde Belgian-style ale, some fruited variants (sweet cherries in the summer and cranberries in the fall), Empirical Pale Ale brewed with New York malts and hops, Monk’s Dream, a Belgian Trappist-style brown ale made with candy sugar, Gose (a traditional German style sour), Chocolate Milk Porter and Tropicale IPA, along with saisons and seasonal additions.

And, over at Captain Lawrence in Elmsford where founder/owner Scott Vacarrao helped jump-start the lower Hudson Valley beer movement, his newest venture is less about beer and more about spirits. Current Spirits, will open in a separate area off of the beer hall in November selling gin, vodka and whiskey.


29 September, 2019