[2] Many of Captain Lawrence's beers are strongly influenced by traditional Belgian ale styles, although often with an American twist.

Like many small breweries, Captain Lawrence seeks to be environmentally sensitive, including donating its spent grain to a local farmer for use as cattle feed.

The brewery takes its name from Captain Lawrence Drive in South Salem, New York, the road on which Vaccaro's childhood home is located.

The street is named after Samuel Lawrence (1733–1796), a captain in the Westchester County Militia, 3rd Regiment, during the American Revolution.

As a teenager in high school he saw a friend's father brewing beer at home, asked if he could participate, and was told it would be allowed with parental permission.