Destination Dutchess announced the launch of its new initiative, Commander in Cheers Beers, at a special event, October 27, 2025 at Zeus Brewing Company in the city of Poughkeepsie. The program offers craft beer lovers, history buffs and visitors the chance to raise a pint and learn more about Dutchess’ important role in the birth of our nation as the country prepares for its 250th anniversary. Four craft breweries in Dutchess County are releasing limited-edition beer cans inspired by America’s Revolutionary War era and patrons are encouraged to collect each of the four customized cans under Destination Dutchess’ Commander in Cheers brand.
Building on Dutchess County’s long history of beverage production, from early apple cider mills and 19th-century breweries to today’s thriving craft beer scene, Commander in Cheers and Commander in Cheers Beers invites participants to explore history through taste and technology.
“Our goal with the Commander in Cheers augmented reality coaster series was to bring the stories from our county’s history, as told by Tiny George, out into the community and to meet people where they are – at taverns, tasting rooms and restaurants,” said Melaine Rottkamp, president & CEO of Destination Dutchess. “This exciting new spinoff has been an incredible collaboration with The Culinary Institute of America, King’s Court Brewing Company, Mill House Brewing Company and Zeus Brewing Company. It continues to make history more accessible to wider audiences by celebrating the craft-beer legacy of Dutchess County and connecting it to the stories that shaped America.”
“We’re proud to collaborate with these breweries and Destination Dutchess to launch Commander in Cheers Beers,” said Jeremy Philips, owner of Zeus Brewing Company, winner of the 2025 Brewery of the Year at the Great American Beer Fest in Denver. “This is just the beginning — our hope is to grow the program next year, commemorating America’s 250th birthday in an even bigger way.”
Participating Locations & Beers
A full list is available at DestinationDutchess.com/cic-beers.
“At The Culinary Institute of America, we embrace creativity and craft in everything we do,” said Head Brewer at the Brewery at the CIA, and president of the New York State Brewers Association, Hutch Kugeman. “It’s exciting to tap into Dutchess County’s Revolutionary War roots and bring those stories to life through beer.”
Dutchess County’s beverage legacy dates back to the early 1700s with apple-cider production and taverns frequented by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette. By the early 1800s, local breweries capitalized on European barley, hops and malt. By 1836, Matthew Vassar, founder of Vassar College, had two thriving breweries in Poughkeepsie including a riverfront brewery that produced 50,000 barrels of beer annually. Prohibition ended in 1933 with the ratification of the 21st amendment during the presidency of Hyde Park’s Franklin D. Roosevelt. Today, the county is home to a thriving craft-beverage ecosystem with 15 craft beer producers, six distilleries, two wineries, two cideries and a sake brewery.
Residents and visitors can now engage with Commander in Cheers in various ways: by collecting the limited-edition beer cans, by visiting participating locations that have specially marked coasters to unlock “Tiny George” stories, and by sharing their experiences on social media using #CommanderInCheers. The program connects storytelling, craft brewing and digital innovation, making history interactive in a uniquely Dutchess way.
To encourage public participation, Destination Dutchess is launching a Commander in Cheers social media contest from Tuesday, October 28, through Monday, November 10, 2025. Participants can visit any Commander in Cheers location, snap a photo with “Tiny George” or the CIC beer can and post it on Facebook or Instagram tagging @DestinationDutchess with #CommanderInCheers. Guests who visit one of the CIC beer partner breweries receive an additional entry. Two winners, one from each platform, will receive a prize package including two three-day Taste Finder passes, a four-pack of Commander in Cheers beers, and other Rev250 and Destination Dutchess-themed items. Winners must be 21 or older, show valid ID, and pick up prizes at Destination Dutchess offices.
