Drowned Lands Brewery soon to open at former Mid-Orange prison

Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton recently reported that work to redevelop the former Mid-Orange Correctional Facility continues at an accelerated pace with five new businesses under construction, four under contract to purchase buildings or lots in addition to already established businesses on the site.

And one of those businesses, Drowned Lands Brewery, is nearing completion and planning to open this spring.

In July 2011, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the Mid-Orange Correctional Facility in Warwick was on its list of seven prisons to be shut down to save the state money. And in 2014, the State of New York approved the transfer of the property to the Warwick Valley Local Development Corporation and the Town of Warwick.

From the beginning the Town Board’s objectives in acquiring the former prison were to create Warwick’s first and only business park that would produce tax revenues and provide jobs.

Drowned Lands Brewery will not only fill that bill but it is the result of a search by founder Mike Kraai, a passionate beer entrepreneur with a vision to bring a best-in-class destination brewery for the benefit and enjoyment of both visitors to and residents of Warwick and the surrounding area.

“The beer we create takes its cues from the richest soil in the country, connected distinctly to both time and place and inspired by old world techniques and modern innovation,” said Kraai. “Anything worth doing takes time.”

He explained that the Drowned Lands Brewery seeks to create beers that reflect the land itself, partnering with local farmers and featuring an extensive aging program.

The structure that houses the brewery and taproom is a 100-year old refurbished administration building that once belonged to the State School for Boys.

The brewery will feature an expansive beer garden and an artisanal wood-fired pizza and cocktail program alongside its beer list.

- Roger Gavan