Defiant Brewing, which opened in Pearl River in 2005, is closing.
The brewery, across the street from the Pearl River train station, was the first microbrewery in Rockland County. According to an Instagram post, the last day will be sometime at the end of March.
Since its start, owner/brewmaster Neill Acer focused on high quality, unique (some may say “defiant”) craft brews. His goal, as reported in an earlier The Journal News/lohud story, was to challenge the conventions of mass-produced beers and to offer an experience akin to what you’d find in local pubs in Ireland.
Along with its tasting room and roughly 30 styles of ales and lagers, the brewery has also been known for its smokehouse featuring slow-smoked BBQ.
In a message on their Instagram, the owner expressed gratitude to those who’ve walked through Defiant’s doors. “For 21 years, you have shared dates, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, reunions, and fellowship. We are truly humbled to have been a part of your lives — THANK YOU!
“This is not goodbye. It’s simply, until we meet again!”
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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Defiant, Rockland’s first microbrewery, will close at the end of March
Reporting by Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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