He's a Jolly Good Fellow

Last weekend, we traveled via party bus to the Captain Lawrence Brewery in Pleasantville, NY to give our good friend Heath a weekend of debauchery before he gets married and has less time to debauch himself. And, what a weekend it was. Fortunately, Captain Lawrence was our first stop, so most of our facilities were still intact when we arrived.

What a great brewery. Despite being small, bottling by hand and only distributing in the tri-state area, Captain Lawrence turns out world class beers that easily compete with the bigger craft breweries. Brewmaster and founder, Scott Vaccaro, has a great story that was recently in Beer Advocate Magazine, and is described on the brewery's website. Check it out. And, check out the brewery too. It's a short drive from the city and can be reached via Metro North.

We were lucky enough to have Scott show us around the brewery, and it was the most informative tour that I've ever been on. More important are the free samples in the tap room, and growlers/bottles for purchase.

They brew some standard but delicious beers like the brown, pale ale and liquid gold that is spiced with orange peel. But, their real strength lies in the limited release beers like the Smoke from the Oak series of smoked porter aged in various barrels: wine, brandy, port, rum, bourbon. Also, their sour beers Cuvee de Castleton and the new Rose Marron are unique and worth seeking out.

As for the rest of the party, you know the saying, "What happens in Pleasantville, stays in Pleasantville."

Here's a pic of the bachelor himself.