New York Micro-Brewery Is Keeping It Local
Keeping it local is more than just a sales pitch at Keegan Ales in Kingston, New York. Keeping it local is this micro-brewery’s way of doing business. Tommy Keegan, brewmaster and owner of Keegan Ales has made it a priority to buy from local sources, suppliers, and farmers. Even the spent grains used to brew the beer go to Litt’s Cattle, a local cattle farmer in nearby Highland. The resulting “Buy Local” business philosophy has served his beer-making business well, with consistent [doubling] of growth since opening in 2003.
Malts, Water, Yeast and Marketing are all local
With the recent droughts, flooding and crop disease it’s nearly impossible to find a reliable source for hops and malts at stable prices. Crops have declined over the past several decades due to environmental uncertainties. Although the main ingredients that comprise the base of Keegan Ales have seen unprecedented fluctuations, the “secret” ingredients that make his beers especially unique have been fairly stable. Honey, spices and flavorings that make up the three [brand] mainstays all come from local growers in the Hudson Valley.
“The furthest we’ll go for ingredients is Champlain, New York. Country Malt Group is our main supplier for malt, hops and brewery supplies. They have offered us stable prices and supply in an unpredictable market.”
— Tommy Keegan, Brewmaster
Mother’s Milk, Old Capital and Hurricane Kitty
The regulars that comprise this Hudson Valley micro brewery lineup consist of three brands. Each has a distinct taste that have a loyal following. A Stout, Ale and India Pale Ale have found a permanent place on the tap handles of many premium dining establishments.
Mother’s Milk – A chocolatey Stout that has a rich flavor, creamy finish that goes down smoothly. New York Times called it one of the top ten stouts in New York State.
Old Capital – Light, fresh and thirst quenching ale that is perfect for a hot Summer refresher. Although, it’s very popular all year around. If you’re not into a full-belly beer experience, then Old Capital is complex yet simple. In 2003 it won the Best of Show at The Hudson Valley Microbrew Festival.
Hurricane Kitty – Like me, if you like to taste the hops in your beer, then you’ll love this India Pale Ale. Named after Tommy Keegan’s fast driving grandmother, Hurricane Kitty has a flavorful finish that any IPA connoisseur would admire. For the sake of full disclosure; it’s my favorite. I’ve tasted many different IPAs and Kitty has the right amount of hops and fruity tang which I like.
Short-sighted View of Doing Business Locally
Tommy Keegan’s view of doing business locally can be termed “Short-Sighted”. He truly believes that when you do business locally you keep your money in your neighborhood. When you buy from your local-owned “bricks and mortar” store the impact is realized immediately. When you spend your money locally you contribute to a lower cost-of-living and better quality of life.
“We all benefit when you patronize local businesses. You can drop a twenty in every store on Main St. or send it to all to a CEO on Wall St. [or the Busch family of St. Louis].”
– Tommy Keegan, Owner of Keegan Ales
Keegan Ales has developed a long-range business model that relies on talent and resources from within a walking distance of his brewery. Kingston New York has many talented professionals in marketing, display, graphic design and Web development fields. Tommy likes to espouse the creativity of the local Kingston business that he buys services from.
” I can literally (figurative speaking) reach outside my office window and have access to some of the most talented advertising professionals in New York”
– Tommy Keegan, Buy Local Business Advocate
Since Keegan Ales official opening in 2003, its operations have come to rely on many local businesses for success. Evolving Media Network has provided Web development and social networking to help the Keegan brand increase its reach. Timely Signs has provided signage, design ad graphics for Keegan’s POP displays, product labels and printed literature. Rob Dupont is a Kingston New York architect whose design and architectural talents have helped create a warm and welcoming bar and restaurant at the brewery’s main location.
Homer Simpson likes to quote his favorite Wall Street proverb in describing his business prowess, “Buy low and sell high“. Even though he’s a cartoon character, many businesses have relied on the same outdated thinking. Keeping it local is not only a responsible way of living sustainably, it is also a very smart business model. Keegan Ales microbrewery of Kingston New York is a another example of why “Buy Local” is more than just a trendy saying.
The main offices and brewery of Keegan Ales is also a popular venue for live music acts and art showings from some of the best artists in the Hudson Valley and NYC area. There is also a large bar and dining area that is open daily.
Keegan Ales
20 Saint James Street, Kingston NY 12401
(845) 331-BREW • beer@keeganales.com
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday through Thursday: 4pm – 10pm
Friday and Saturday: 11:30am – Midnight
Sunday: 1pm – 10pm
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