Andean Brewing Company
Andean Brewing Company is the latest craft brewer to come on line in the Lower Hudson Valley. They market their beer under the name KUKA.
Maca root description
KUKA beer draws much of its inspiration from the Andean culture, climate, and flora. All of their ales are brewed with genuine maca root, a radish-type plant that only grows in the Andean Mountains. This is just one small indication of the innovation and ingenuity going into KUKA beer. For more information on maca root, check out Wikipedia.
Other innovative ingredients are slated for the near future. I experienced one that I did not know existed and I think this ingredient will deliver an incredible new taste experience in upcoming brews. The aroma was intensely captivating.
Beyond KUKA’s Andean influence, the brewery staff derives ideas for new flavors from a couple of unique interests outside of brewing beer.
The Brewhouse
Mash tun and brew kettle
KUKA is set to brew at a 20 bbl capacity initially but the high gravity mash tun and brew kettle make it possible for KUKA to expand capacity with existing equipment. They are starting off with 4 fermentation tanks and 2 bright tanks but there is plenty of space to add a few more fermentation tanks and a couple of bright tanks. All of the bright, shiny stainless tanks and piping are works of art in and of themselves.
Fermentation tanks
The Fermentation tanks wand filtering equipment.
bottling machine
The bottling machine is the first one I have ever seen that is mobile. For its size, it has a rather remarkable through-put rate.
The Beer
KUKA Pale Ale ready for labeling
Yes those are bottles of beer on the bottling machine. Yes that means KUKA is just about ready to distribute its first beer. First to go out is their American Pale Ale.
In the bright tanks are the American Pale Ale and the Imperial Rye IPA. Backing up a step in the brewing process the fermentation tanks currently hold a Belgian Blonde Ale, an IPA, and more Pale Ale and Imperial Rye IPA. Other styles coming soon include a Banana Nut Brown Ale and a Belgian Tripel.
I guess you are wondering if I have tasted any of the beer yet? Yes I have.
What do I think? I am genuinely impressed with the fullness of flavor and mouthfeel of all of the beers I have had to date. Last night I had the Belgian Blonde Ale (6.5% ALC/vol)…and boy was she pretty! For my taste, there was a depth of flavor that I do not experience too often in other Belgian Blonde interpretations.
I have also had the Rye Ale and the Pale Ale. The Imperial Rye IPA (20% rye malt, 9.4% ALC/vol) has more of a deeper rye flavor than some of the recent existing rye ales I have had. The Pale Ale (5.2% ALC/vol) is equally impressive with regard to a solid but not overwhelming hop bitterness and a medium to full mouthfeel. The head on the Pale Ale is almost pillow-like.
The first shipments of the bottles of the Pale Ale are destined for the North-Central and Northeast regions of Connecticut. The first shipment is due to occur within the next couple of weeks.
A Legend is Born
Blonde and Banana Nut Brown labels
As far as the Banana Nut Brown Ale (brewed with real banana, 5.5% ALC/vol) is concerned, I hear it has been a hit with those who have had the pleasure to taste it. According to KUKA legend, it was offered during a ceremonial tasting with local “gods” of distribution and the gods proceeded to slake their thirst until no more ale existed.
What the gods taketh away, KUKA shall bring forth once again for the enjoyment of the masses. It is due to be hitting the tanks of the brewery in the next few weeks.
Coming Attractions
The KUKA home office is working on the plans and build-out of a tasting room. Besides the plan to give consumers the chance to taste KUKA beer, there are discussions underway to host private pairings and other events in the tasting room. Stay tuned.
The fine publicans of Growler and Gill Craft Beer Shoppe in Nanuet NY are to be the first to offer KUKA beer on tap in the lower Hudson Valley very soon. Follow KUKA beer and Growler and Gill for updates. You will want to taste this beer!
Me and my Hickory Chicory Rauch
Hi! I’m Joe Callender, the editor, writer, and blogger behind Craft Beer Coach. I cover industry and consumer issues, events, and personalities in the craft beer community. Check out my blog and follow me for upcoming exciting consumer and industry-focused developments with Craft Beer Coach.
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I am also a Cicerone Certified Beer Server at the Growler and Gill Craft Beer Shoppe in Nanuet NY.
Craft beer topics and tastes for what ales you. The craft beer community living lager than life!
Is this the same company as @AndeanBC on Twitter?
On Twitter they go by their brand name @kuka_beer.
Do you know where they sell these yet, or if they offer tours of the brewery? Thanks!
So sorry Keith but I’ve been getting spammed like crazy and your legit comment got buried. All six of the current beers are available for purchase at Growler and Gill Craft Beer Shoppe in Nanuet NY plus I believe other retail locations in the lower Hudson Valley may also carry them. I know that a distributor for NYC and NJ have been secured so sales should be occurring soon, if not already.
They are building a tasting room that is nearly complete. The last I heard they will be open a couple of days per week for sampling and tours and they may host simple beer and food pairings with a local caterer in their tasting room.