Once upon a time, finding impressive brews in Pelham with which to stock your bar wasn’t really an option. But, now, thanks to Keith Goubeaud of , you can easily get the nod of approval from your guests even with the most discerning of palates.
With its hundreds of brands from which to choose, the beer section of the market now looks something like a library of libation. Goudbeaud, a self-proclaimed beer aficionado, has worked at DeCicco for 15 years and has been lording over the brews for the past seven. He attributes his vast knowledge about everything pint related to his voracious thirst for reading everything he can on the topic.
“People come in and try different things and once they start liking things, they’ll try other ones,” Goubeaud said. “That is what gives me the opportunity to bring in more varieties.”
Though Goubeaud said he has a special place in his gut for West Coast beers (Stone Brewing Co. in Escondido, CA and Rogue Ales of Newport, OR are his two favorite breweries), he still pays tribute to the brands that come from other states, and around the world. You’ll find a limited edition option from Belgium that’s brewed with mustard seed. When it comes to pricey pints, you can get your hands on a a six-liter St. Bernardus Abt 12 for $250. Goubeaud has even made a beer made exclusively for DeCicco by Captain Lawrence Brewing Company of Pleasantville, NY.
Though Goubeaud typically reaches for a bottle of Double Bastard Ale, he said he aims to stock his shelves with Pelham favorites. These days, locals are cracking open Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, Magic Hat, Brooklyn and, lately, Dogfish Head (in addition to the staples of Budweiser and Corona, of course).
For newbies who may find the vast array a bit daunting to peruse, Goubeaud has some advice: Start with Blue Point Brewing Company’s Toasted Lager, a favorite amongst both experts and amateurs alike.
