Twas a few nights before Christmas
And the brewery was rocking.
People sampling craft brews and wondering
If growlers would fit in a stocking.
The Pale Ale! The Brown Bird!
The Captain’s Reserve!
Fine beers from Westchester
We all richly deserve.
Jim Hundzynskiwas picking up Kolsch for the Eve
The Pleasantville man had a few culinary tricks up his sleeve.
For Jim was hosting the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
And thus ensuring he would not have to wash dishes.
Michelle Crepeau came from Sleepy Hollow
On break from her job as a teacher.
Her friends found the tasting room preferable
To that dopey film called “Jack Reacher.”
Teaching kids French, Michelle actually prefers Merlot
But when the gang was Lawrence-bound,
She said, “Oui, I’ll go.”
They’re celebrating the fact that life has gone on
Even after the Mayans believed we were done.
Her pal Melissa Voviero says she’s enjoying a “Grolsch.”
An honest mistake when you’re sipping a Kolsch.
The Village Dog guys are baking Mac & Cheese with Orecchiette
They bring you your grub when your order is ready.
Or they can make you a Brown Ale Dog in cranberry relish.
Paired with a fresh brew, it sounds mighty delish.
Bill and Kathy Brown made Black IPA their selection
The beer was rebrewed after winning the Captain’s election.
They’re sipping their beers while sharing wistful talk
As the old place in Pleasantville was a four minute walk.
They used to go there after reffing, still wearing their stripes.
The Imperial IPA washed away those soccer moms’ gripes.
 And back where they’re brewing
The guys are tossing the Nerf.
Randy would fare better than Mark Sanchez
On the Jets’ MetLife turf.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” cranks
From a big set of speakers.
Freddie Mercury meshes with the sounds
Of the football guys’ sneakers.
At one cozy table is a clan that’s called Flynn.
Joanne, John and Krystal of White Plains just walked in.
What’s better than sipping some ale with your daughter?
 Well, Joanne wishes they had her favorite — Smoked Porter.
The only Porter that’s on tap is Imperial.
Joanne’s refined palate finds that less than ethereal.
Her nails are painted with snowflakes
Or maybe they’re stars.
John says the Liquid Gold tastes better
Here than in bars.
A few brews with your family toward the end of December
Make for some moments that you’ll always remember.
The merriest of Christmases from your friends at CL
And may your 2013 end up ridiculously well!

 —Michael Malone (malone5a@yahoo.com)

Captain Lawrence Brewing, at 444 Saw Mill River Road in Elmsford, is open Tuesday through Friday (retail 2-7 p.m., samples 4-7 p.m.); and Saturday, with retail and samples 12-6 p.m., and brewery tours on the hour, starting at 1. The author is paid by Captain Lawrence, partially in Freshchester Pale Ale, for “Notes From the Tasting Room.”