Because Beer Helps. . .

Welcome to Kelso of Brooklyn!

Thank you for taking an interest in fresh, locally made beers.

We feel that brewing is an art, and take great pride in our beers. We do not spend a lot of time trying to come up with innovative advertising strategies (clearly), new, fancy logos, or crazy soundbites. We brew beer. Good beer. We hope you have a chance to try one (or two) at your favorite neighborhood bar. Maybe we'll even see you there.

Remember, Beer Helps. . .

Why "Kelso"?

The name "Kelso" is an amalgamation of the Brewmaster's name, Kelly Taylor,  and that of his wife, Sonya Giacobbe. It was their goal to create flavorful, fresh, and easy drinking beers for the people of Brooklyn and greater New York City. Since inception, we have met scores of people who have an association with the name Kelso. Whether a hometown (both Washington State and Scotland have towns named Kelso), or a friend's last name, or a character on a TV show, we've been happy to note that those associations have been markedly positive.

Environmental Stewardship  

We believe strongly in doing our part to limit our impact on the environment. Since day one at Kelso, we have viewed the world in which we live as part of our business. (Not much of a stretch, really).

Some key points:

Kegged beer is inherently better, as packaging is kept to a minimum and reused regularly. Less waste.

We use ingredients that are cultivated in an environmentally sustainable manner.

-All of our suppliers are required to submit a Environmental Statement (either official or unofficial) that they recycle waste and minimize energy usage or use alternative forms of energy. 

-We are actively lobbying the State Legislature to give incentives for local farms to grow and harvest barley and hops. They'll probably need incentives, as the infrastrucure is not adequate at this point to grow raw materials and get to market.  We're working with the New York State Brewers Association on this project.

-We consolidate our raw material orders to maximize deliveries, reducing their frequency (and saving money/fuel in the process)

-We use biodegradable sanitizer.

-We monitor our cleaning chemical to insure it meets with NYC standards before disposal, and do not put into sewer without proper treatment.

-We recycle ALL office paper and mixed cardboard

-We recycle ALL plastic drums/bags/stretch wrap

-We recycle ALL scrap metal

-We take part in energy conservation programs during peak demand periods (see www.ecsgrid.com for more info).

-The brewery stays rather cold in the winter (60F inside), and rather warm in the summer (93F).

-Kelso offices are powered by ConEd Solutions, a combo of wind energy and hydroelectric power. The brewery will follow shortly.

We by no means think this is enough. Every day we try to improve. We challenge others to do the same, at home and at work.

Last Updated 10/08/08

In the news:

• Daily News, 8/29/2006
• Brooklyn Record, 11/21/06
• Daily News, 3/13/2007
• Clinton Hill Blog, 3/29/07
• NY Times "Food Stuff", 8/29/07
• NY Post, 4/22/08
• NY Times "Dining & Wine", 8/26/08
• Hey, we're now on Facebook. Join the "Kelso of Brooklyn" Group.

• blog at http://blog.kelsoofbrooklyn.com

Upcoming Events:

• Tue, Oct 21st, Fundraiser for National Resources Defense Council, at the Frank Gheary IAC building in Manhattan. They wanted our beer. We’re honored to pour. Let us know if you are interested in attending.

• Thursday, Nov 6^th, Brooklyn Arts Council “First Thursday” artist discussion series in Dumbo. They’ll be pouring Pils and talking art. Free.  

• Fri, Nov 7^th is the Brazen Head Cask Beer Festival. We’re sending the Kelso Satisfaction, Flemish Red, Chocolate Lager aged in Bourbon Barrels, and the Brett fermented golden wheat ale. Three day event, Fri-Sun.

• December, TBD, we’re in the process of planning a cheese and beer tasting in early December, to take place here at the brewery. Proceeds to charity. Probably NY Food Bank. To feature some of our beers, as well as some special guest beers.  If you’re interested, let us know and we'll give you updates on this event or keep your name in the que for tickets. We anticipate selling out 50 seats quickly.