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The new Ossining business -- set to start pouring its beers later this month -- is all about paying homage -- and celebrating — local history.
Hence, the name -- and nod to the past.
The Village of Sing Sing was established years before its most famous institution was built explained Eric Gearity, the brewery's head of operations.
“Naming ourselves Sing Sing Kill Brewery is about embracing our local heritage," he said.
"Sing Sing Prison is part of our community.
"But it’s the beautiful and iconic Sing Sing Kill, the creek which flows through Ossining, that gives the brewery its name."
"A kill, after all, is water," added Matt Curtin, who is the head brewer (and was proudly wearing a t-shirt with the motto when he met this reporter). "And beer is mostly water."
The brewery, which will sell those t-shirts along with other items, has been two-ish years in the making and started with a conversation had by many at a backyard barbecue, when talks turn to what one likes to drink.
Curtin, a home brewer for more than 20 years, is known among his friends for creating interesting flavor combinations. When he and his wife, Lisa, moved to Ossining in 2007, she already knew at least one resident. Gearity's wife Victoria, now Ossining’s mayor, grew up in the Tarrytown schools with Lisa.
The two couples started talking about creating a brewery with the kinds of things they've always wanted -- a family-friendly environment, a commitment to New York State products, and a welcoming place to hang and down a pint. They also wanted a large, airy taproom with space to fit a live band.
Transforming a vacant factory and warehouse on Spring Street, a couple of blocks south of the center of Ossining’s downtown, was a way to help further revitalize the historic business district, an area the couples firmly believe in.
Equally important was a commitment to source ingredients locally from the Hudson Valley. This, explained Curtin, will help make for creative brews with seasonal ingredients. And it supports New York's farmers.
Having the accreditation of a being a New York State Farm Brewery means they're able to sell any item produced in the state. One of their first batches will, in fact, be a collaboration with Big Alice Brewing in Long Island City.
In all, the two expect to have eight beers on tap. They will also offer house-made sodas (to fit in with that you-can-bring-your-kids-here vibe), as well as bar snacks from local vendors.
Beer varieties will include IPAs, session ales, a honey hibiscus wit and a chocolate milk stout. They will also fill growlers, and sell 32-ounce crowler cans in a refrigerated to-go section.
Follow their progress on Facebook here. They expect to initially be open limited hours (i.e. Friday/Saturday and Sunday) with the goal of becoming a five-day-a-week operation.
The brewery is located at 75-77 Spring Street; go to www.singsingkillbrewery.com/ for more details.
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