Upstate New York Breweries
The bar at Brown’s Brewing Co.’s Malt Room in Troy, N.Y. Photo via Brown’s Brewing Co.

If you crave a cold, frosty mug of beer served steps from the brew kettles in which they were crafted, look no further than Upstate New York. According to the New York State Brewers Association, there were a whopping 207 breweries within our borders as of 2014 — which makes for a whole lotta local libations. Here’s a guide to four fantastic New York State breweries to quench your thirst.

Brown’s Brewing Co. (Troy, N.Y.)
Self-proclaimed makers of “dependable ales and lagers from the Hudson Valley,” Brown’s Brewing Co., pictured above, offers a minimum of 10 tasty brews on tap each day and several ways to enjoy them.

Brown’s Troy Taproom is a restaurant and 15-barrel brewhouse that serves up award-winning fare alongside decadent sips. The Malt Room offers food, cask-conditioned Brown’s, an extensive list of scotch and small-batch bourbons, and unique cocktails that celebrate the nuances of the booze. If you like to go big with your beer, rent out Revolution Hall for a beer-soaked celebration. As a plus, Brown’s is also behind the nearby Walloomsac Brewery; stop by for a tasting and tour overlooking the Hudson River.

Upstate New York Breweries
The duck burger at the Genesee Brew House in Rochester, N.Y. Photo via Genesee Brew House

Genesee Brewing Company (Rochester, N.Y.)
Sip on history at one of the oldest continually operating breweries in the nation. Genesee Brewing Company has been pumping out beer since 1878 and its headquarters offers everything a hops head would love: tours, a museum, a tasting room, pub and restaurant.

Indulge in 14 Genesee originals and two guest brews on tap as you chomp on bar food and specialty meats from Upstate’s own Zweigle’s. In warmer months, take advantage of the terrace and rooftop patio overlooking the Genesee River Gorge. Make sure to check the events calendar for special discounts and live music.

Upstate New York Breweries
A gorgeous backdrop for Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, N.Y. Photo via Brewery Ommegang

Brewery Ommegang (Cooperstown, N.Y.)
Experience the OMG of Ommegang, the Belgian-style brewery that brings the beer to New York’s famous baseball town. Tours are free and tastings are $5; the casual Cafe Ommegang serves Belgian cuisine like frites, stews, crepes and waffles.

Big on events, the brewery is host to the upcoming Annual Winter Beer Festival in downtown Oneonta on March 12. If you’re planning to visit later in the year, its Summer Music Series already has A-listers like Brooklyn’s own Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings lined up to party.

Upstate New York Breweries
A beer dinner at Ithaca Beer Co. in Ithaca, N.Y. Photo via Ithaca Beer Co.

Ithaca Beer Company (Ithaca, N.Y.)
High up in the Finger Lakes Region lies Ithaca Beer Company, known for favorites like the Flower Power IPA. The locally sourced Taproom Brewpub bakes up wood-fired pizzas and pub favorites like burgers and BBQ. The brewery hosts tours on the weekends with beers changing weekly; if you happen to be celebrating an Ithaca College or Cornell University graduation or other special event, it offers tent parties as well.

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What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. These are all so far away. Much closer is the wonderful Newburgh Brewing Company in Newburgh, very close to the waterfront. And the new Angry Orchard Cidery in Walden is not far, either (though not really a brewery, but still delicious, and not very far)