Iconic Brewmaster Tommy Keegan Has Passed

Sad news, RIP. Brings back memories of first dabbling into local craft beer, Keegan Ales and Captain Lawrence both come to mind. I'll certainly be picking up some to celebrate his contributions.

 

My cover band played the brewery more times than I can count from 2007 up until just before Covid hit. Between Harpoon IPA and Hurricane Kitty, those two beers opened my eyes to the greater craft scene. Tommy always made sure we left with at least a six pack or a growler in addition to whatever the band made that night. Class act of a man and always there to support us. A true pillar of the community as well. While their beers may not be held in the same regard as the Other Half’s and Equilibriums of the world, Keegan Ales will always hold a special place for me.

 

As a hudson valley native, I've seen this reported by various news sources and not just beer related. Sad news for sure. Mother's milk will always have a place in my heart as a gateway beer to the world of craft.

 

Keegan Ales is linked with Brick House brewpub in Patchogue, who produce some similar beers. I enjoy the traditional beers they offer like Hurricane Kitty and Mother's Milk (both mentioned above).

 

I only met him once or twice, when Keegan Ales was first opening and he lead the tour. Then tipped us on "Milk for the Kitty" black and tans. Really passionate fellow. RIP, Tommy.

 

Tommy Keegan was a good man with a big heart who loved presenting great music and beer to people who visited his brewery. He sponsored many charity events and causes in the Kingston NY area, fund raisers for patrons with medical needs, hosted local home brewers club events and fostered co-operation with local brewers to get competitive pricing on grains/ ingredients. I worked for Tommy in 2009 when he won the "Triple Crown" at TAPNY - Best Brewery in the Hudson Valley and NY state and Joe Mamma's Stout for best beer in the competition. I tapped the first batch of Hurricane Kitty at Half Time right after he opened and posted it's first review here. I have been a fan ever since. Beer lost a true leader in the industry who did it all for the right reasons. Thanks for everything Tommy.

 

One of the Brickhouse’s old brewers now is head brewer for Ghost in the GSB building. He makes some very interesting beer.

 

I can't keep track of the brewers these days. I was in a hombrew club in the 80's (maybe a dozen members). An accomplished brewer member of the club (don't remember his name!) became the brewer at the earliest local microbrewery, "Long Island Brewing Co." brewpub on Jericho Tpk. in Plainview. It didn't last long, and I didn't find a trace of its existence in a quick search on the web. Mark Burford was also in the club, and, with his partner Pete, eventually built, and then made, Blue Point a long term success.

 

July 2021 edition of the Hudson Valley Magazine.