From The Ground Brewery is a New York State Farm Brewery that is committed to using New York State grown ingredients. The majority of the barley used is grown onsite at Migliorelli Farm. They source many of their hops from farms in New York State.
Migliorelli Farm is the home of From The Ground Brewery. The brewery sits in the middle of a 100 acre orchard on Migliorelli Farm. Ken Migliorelli and his family are the third generation of Migliorellis that work the farm. They offer a huge variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the Hudson Valley Region.
According to the website, "Jakob Cirell is the brewer and founder of From The Ground Brewery. He grew up in the woods of central Maine with his mom, dad, 4 sisters, and brother. His parents built their small farm house off the grid. Given his dad didn’t like the taste of water run through a pipe, he made sure to not install a hand pump for running water. And so, at 10 years of age, Jakob began hauling the family’s daily lot of water, one 5 gallon bucket at a time from a well a ¼ mile away. He learned to cook on a wood stove and studied at night by kerosene lamp. This way of life took root in him and shaped his ideals for the design of everyday life. At 18, he left home for college at the University of Maine, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating, he soon moved to New York City to work as a mechanical engineer and then later as a brewer. After eight years of city life, he decided to move upstate and start a family.
Jakob dreamed up From The Ground Brewery, but it took lucky collaborations with a host of interesting people to extend his dream’s reach into reality. The majority of From The Ground Brewery’s raw ingredients are grown and processed within a 5-mile radius, and within this beer microcosm, he is creating a spirit of community. Throughout his study and immersion into advanced technology and living, he has never forgotten the joys of simplicity and the occasional hard work required to achieve it. Here is a picture of him with his eyes closed."
I've had a number of their beers! The Farmhouse Red Ale, the American Pale Ale, Bar and Chain Stout, To Be Or Not To Be Golden Honey Ale, and the Hudson Farmhouse Ale. All are excellent in flavor, concept and execution. The Red Ale is especially memorable since there are few quality Red Ales out there. Malty but with a lovely hoppy back bone, it's a wonderful beer. Also love the Pale Ale and Stout especially! And the To Be...is a lovely summer beer for me. Tremendous stuff!
From the Ground Brewing is growing in many ways. Sales are growing. The beer is a local popular favorite, with a budding reputation. But, up until now, From the Ground Brewing has operated a small micro-brewery from a barn near Migliorelli farm. However, now, a proper tasting room is emerging in Dutchess county. I recently visited Jakob to seeing it growing. From the Ground Brewing is building a unique three season tasting room. The building is being made out of a 40 foot steel shipping container. Incredibly clever!
There are a number of great quality local breweries popping up all over the Hudson Valley. But I have a real soft spot for From the Gorund Brewing. I like their premise. I like that they are linked to one of the most respected local farms in the region. And I like Jakob and his vision. Most of all, I LOVE the beer! Excited to see this project blossom!