We at Destination Dutchess are excited to announce a new element to our immersive augmented reality program Commander in Cheers: Commander in Cheers Beers. These limited-release beer cans pay homage to the revolutionary history of Dutchess County with a special focus on George Washington. Beginning this autumn (October 27), four craft beverage locations across Dutchess County will release their limited-edition Commander in Cheers Beers. Collect all four as you try unique, delicious and in some cases award-winning brews. The program offers craft beer lovers, history buffs and visitors the chance to raise a pint and learn more about Dutchess’ critical role in the birth of our nation as the country prepares for its 250th anniversary. 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.
Not familiar with Commander in Cheers? Visit taverns, tasting rooms, pubs and restaurants across six regions of Dutchess County to scan specially marked coasters; when you do so, "Tiny George" will appear on your screen and deliver a tale from our region's role in the American Revolutionary War.
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Kolsch with apple flavor, 4.6% ALC/VOL
Jamie Bisop, owner and brewmaster at Mill House Brewing Company, felt especially inspired by Poughkeepsie's significant beer history when it came to brewing Historic Harvest. "Having a mom who went to Vassar College, it was really important for me to say that we are that first functioning brewery in Poughkeepsie in a hundred years," Bishop said. He's referring to Matthew Vassar, who was able to found Vassar College as a university for women due to the immense profits of his Poughkeepsie-based breweries. Carrying the torch of Vassar's legacy, Mill House Brewing Company has been a Queen City staple since 2013. Their flagship Kold One was a starting point for their Commander in Cheers Beers release, Historic Harvest Ale. "We wanted to brew a Kolsch as a gateway to craft beer....Kolsch is very classic." This iteration features apple flavor, as a playful nod to George Washington. In addition, this beer features the crisp, clean, refreshing qualities of their classic Kolsch. According to Bishop, this apple-flavored Kolsch is a great pairing for a juicy burger, of which the brewpub has many delicious options. Visit Mill House Brewing Company in Poughkeepsie to try Historic Harvest while supplies last.
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Dark Ale, 6.1% ALC/VOL
Harrison Forman, head brewer at Zeus Brewing Company has had a phenomenal 2025. The Great American Beer Festival in Denver recognized Zeus with a gold medal in the fruited American sour category for Forman's "Urban Oasis", which features raspberry and locally grown lemon verbena, as well as with the coveted Brewer of the Year award in the 0-250 barrels category. Zeus Brewing Company continues to make history with their special release for Commander in Cheers Beers, Zeus Dark Ale. Brewed with biscuit, wheat and carafa malts, this dark ale delivers subtle roastiness perfect for peak autumn pours. "It's a traditional American dark ale, taking a little bit of inspiration from some of the dark pub ales you would find in England with a more modern-day hop profile," Forman said. Specifically, this dark ale was hopped with Pacific Northwest Cascade hops that bring bright but mild citrus and pine notes to balance out the rich, malty characteristics. "The idea was to pay homage to these historic styles of brewing you'd find in the late 18th Century, and specifically the interplay of old-school English dark ales and new-American hops." Smokiness from dishes like their grilled chicken ciabatta (that features chipotle mayo) or the Cubano sandwich pair perfectly with Zeus Dark Ale. Be sure to stop by and collect this seasonal release while supplies last at Zeus Brewing Company as well as at Schatzi's Pub and Bier Garden in Poughkeepsie.
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Belgian Wit, 5.0% ALC/VOL
Students at The Culinary Institute of America get to learn all of the skills required to produce exquisite beers that are served at on-campus student-run restaurants and local eateries. The Brewery at the CIA flagship Belgian-style wheat beer gets a makeover for this limited-edition Commander in Cheers Beers release. "Mise en Place Wit is a very food-friendly beer and goes well with a variety of lighter-flavored dishes and softer cheeses, so it's a really good one ot feature as a part of Commander in Cheers Beers," Hutch Kugeman said. Kugeman is head brewer at the CIA and also serves as the president of the New York State Brewers Association. "During the revolution, beers and ales were commonly drunk as they were food safe. Here in the Hudson Valley we have a long history of brewing." Kugeman and his students (that craft each beer) continue to build on that storied history of brewing in the region. Stop by The Egg as well as the Apple Pie Bakery Cafe at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park to collect your Commander in Cheers Beers Mise en Place Wit. Be sure to pair this easy-drinking wheat beer with a wide variety of fishes, salads and other refreshing, delicate plates; with dried orange peel and coriander, it features a delightful spiciness as well.
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West Coast IPA, 5.5% ALC/VOL
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of a young America defying a King with a distinctly American beer made by King's Court Brewing Company. Their Commander in Cheers Beers edition of The Dutchess will delight fans of hoppy beers. The West-Coast-style IPA utilizes Amarillo, Cascade and Centennial hops alongside locally grown ingredients. Clean, clear and crisp, this happens to be head brewer Cortlandt Toczylowski's favorite beer on tap at this 40 Cannon Street staple. In fact, it tends to be the most popular brew produced at King's Court. Get your limited-run can of The Dutchess while supplies last at King's Court Brewing Company in Poughkeepsie.
