Ridgefield CT - Kyle Acenowr has been named head brewer at Nod Hill, Ridgefield’s newest craft brewery which was announced by co-owners Rob and Dave Kaye. “When we first met Kyle, we knew that we had found someone that had the elusive combination of passion, technical ability, and a drive for constant improvement," the pair said.
An upstate New Yorker, Kyle began his career at a small production brewery -- The North Brewery in Endicott NY -- where his beers won critical acclaim and production increased yearly. His focus at Nod Hill will be on American and Belgian-style brewing: IPAs, stouts and pale ales with hoppy flavors reminiscent of fruit, pine and flowers. Nod Hill will also be developing a barrel-aging program that will feature sour beers and imperial stouts, among other styles. Kyle describes his philosophy as “every beer, no matter what style, should be flavorful, but also palatable.” He describes his style as "emulating the best aspects of my favorite beers, while also adding in my own variations. I use traditional and experimental techniques to brew an array of styles. We are lucky here at Nod Hill to have water with low minerality, it makes it easier to create water profiles that fit the style of beer. I find joy in blurring the lines between styles to create my own unique flavors.”
Both the Kayes and Kyle believe that the strength of a brewery depends on the drinkability, consistency and flavor of a core line of beers, which is why Nod Hill will regularly offer as its core a hoppy pale ale, a Trappist-style single ale brewed with local seasonal ingredients and a very hoppy IPA. Alongside will be three rotating taps which will showcase a variety of styles and brewing techniques.
“We are passionate about brewing high quality beers that are boldly flavorful, well-balanced, and on the leading edge of New England craft beer culture. Kyle’s special skill is combining the elegant and expressive brewing styles of England and Europe with the trailblazing energy and ingenuity of American brewers," they say.
For over a decade, Nod Hill brewery Co-founders Rob and Dave dreamed of opening their own brewery. “We’re so excited to have Kyle on board as our head brewer, and feel well on our way and looking forward to our grand opening this fall," they exclaimed.