Ep. 54 - Mike Kraai of Drowned Lands Brewery

There is good news in beer these days. Despite all the harm that COVID-19 is doing, there are businesses that are forging ahead and opening to the public. This week on the show we are talking with Mike Kraai of Drowned Lands Brewery in New York. 

The brewery has been making beer for a year now, but only opened its tasting room five weeks ago. 

The space is massive, suited for drinking apart during a pandemic. The 15,000 square-foot space sits on three acres, with a large lawn, ample patio, and even a second floor event space. Kraai isn’t shy about talking about the nearly $3 million he spent on the renovations to the century-old building that was once a reform school and later minimum security prison. 

With a view of the Appalachian mountains, in dedicated farm country, he wants the beers to be a reflection of place, and is trying to make the most out of his New York state farm brewery license, all while playing with traditions.

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• Host: John Holl
• Guest: Mike Kraai
• Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, lager, oak, IPA, Homebrewing, nanobrewery, wood, saison, New York