The amazing thing about the state of New York is that it’s known for its melting pot of cultures from all over the world. In addition to those cultures, there’s a mixture of said cultures that have been infused with the classic New Yorker culture. Thanks to this, there’s a food and beverage scene like no other, and the beer industry is no exception.
How Many Breweries Are In New York State?
New York state is home to over 440 breweries, so the options are pretty much endless.
What Are The Best Breweries In New York State?
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You’ll be able to find every beer imaginable at these New York breweries, from classic Belgium style beers to modern American style beers, whatever the brew, it’s up to you! To give a small introduction to the infinite list of world-famous breweries, let’s talk about the Ommegang Brewery in Cooperstown, Central NY. These guys are known as giants in the craft beer game, and if you manage to get there you have to try their Belgian style “Hennepin” beer.
The Lake Placid Pub and Brewery in Adirondacks can not go unmentioned. This pub’s delicious ale named the “Ubu Ale” after one of their loyal customer’s labrador, owes its fame to being former US president Bill Clinton’s favourite. The story goes that an intern brought some back to the white house, and the president loved it so much that he ordered three cases. If the adorable name and presidential approval aren’t enough, this pub also has three stories of seating and delicious American style snacks on offer to accompany their beer.
There’s nothing better than enjoying a beer while having a fun-filled time listening to live music on rolling lawns, or participating in outdoor games. The Greenpoint Harbour Brewing Company offers exactly that, their mission is not only to make incredible beers but to also provide memorable times. Come with friends, and after a few pints see who’s the best at a game of giant Jenga, whoever loses gets the next round!
What’s The Most Popular Brewery In New York State?
According to BeerAdvocate, 8 out of the top 10 beers reported in Jan 2022 belong to The Other Half Brewing Company, so it’s safe to say that this might be the best New York state brewery. Starting out as a small craft brewery in 2014, Sam Richardson, Matt Monahan, and Andrew Burman wanted to craft beer that represented “the other half” of the brewing society, and so their legendary Brooklyn brewery was born. Now they proudly own breweries all over the US.
What Is The Oldest Brewery In New York State?
New York’s beer history is just as rich and complex as the beers themselves. The mass of German immigrants to New York in the 1800s saw the introduction of the Lager brewing methods we know today, but the craft beer movement that has taken New York by storm began its journey into the hearts of New Yorkers around the 1980s.
So which New York state Brewery has been brewing the longest? The Genesee Brewery in Rochester has been making lagers since 1878, making it the first known brewery in the state of New York. This famous and loved American style beer uses corn grits and hops from the Yakima Valley, making it a true New York speciality, and a must-try when you visit the city. You can find it in every Bodega, and they ship countrywide.
What Beer Is New York State Known For?
With a legacy like the Genesee classic beer, it’s hard not to associate New York state beer with the white and red can of the truly American lager. Over the last couple of decades, however, New York has become a pioneer in the world of craft beer. Thanks to the multitude of diverse cultures, breweries all over the state are bringing in methods of beer making all the way from medieval Europe, to styles never seen before in beer history.
A big name in the New York beer game is the craft breweries’ rendition of an India Pale Ale (IPA). A beer that was introduced to the state hundreds of years ago, making a comeback in the beer renaissance and has become the much-loved choice of the locals. There are even breweries putting their unique spin on the ale, and mixing and matching the influence of countries from all over the globe into their special brew.
Which Brewery In New York Has The Best Food?
With so many breweries to choose from, it’s pretty much impossible to decide which offers the best food. Depending on the area you’re in, you can get anything from classic American beer snacks to an upmarket dining experience influenced by the cuisine of a country you may not have even heard of. The best way to decide what might interest you is by checking on Yelp or looking at the recent article by Time Out to see which amazing breweries accompany their beers with incredible foods.
What Are The Major Beer Festivals And Events In New York State?
There’s only one thing New Yorkers love more than their beer, and that’s celebrating it. Where you may be in New York state, you’re sure to find a brewery with an upcoming event or a festival nearby. Now that the Covid restrictions have eased up in the state of New York, 2022 is going to be a big year for beer events.
Ever heard of Oktoberfest? Well, New York celebrates it just as much as the Germans do, thanks to the large population of descendants of German immigrants. Here you’ll find all the classic German beer styles and snacks, and celebrate the most authentic of beers for a 7-day long period. If festivals aren’t your style, don’t worry. New York microbreweries are often set up to accommodate larger crowds for event style beer enjoyment. There’s a beer event almost every weekend, so depending on the area you’re almost guaranteed to find a beer event nearby.
Cheer for New York State Beer
There’s really no doubt that New York state might be one of the world’s capitals when it comes to beer making, with hundreds of breweries big and small, unique takes on classic styles, and a revolution in the craft beer industry, New York has become a giant in the beer-making industry.
If you’re a beer fanatic, they are the ones to watch, and the next time you’re looking for your next beer adventure it’s a great place to experience beer from all over the world in one place.