Breweries
Sometimes a glass of wine just doesn’t do it. Thankfully, the Finger Lakes are a haven for gifted brewers and suds-smiths, too. Profiting off the success of the “microbrew revolution” of the 1990s, a growing group of beermakers in the region is making a name for themselves with their unique and unusual craft brews. From the Chemung Canal Towpath Ale at Horseheads Brewing to the Raspberry Jalapeno beer at the Bandwagon Brewpub, there’s an ale, lager, or stout for every palate. And the brewers are only too happy to let you sample their concoctions.
As an alternative to the celebrated wine trails of the area, here’s a sample “Beer Trail” that will acquaint you with the best and brightest of Finger Lakes brewing. All of these establishments have opened within the last 15 years, and many are already earning regional and national awards. Several are associated with a restaurant or vineyard, allowing you to sample more of the many local ingredients that go into the beers. (And if you want to do all your drinking in one place, be sure you check out the Brew Fest in Ithaca each September, where brewers from across the eastern United States gather to show off and share their brews.)
Custom Brewcrafters
300 Village Square Boulevard
Honeoye Falls, NY 14472
(585) 624-4386
One of the bigger players in the regional beer scene, Custom Brewcrafters makes beers under its own label — such as the Canandaigua Lake Ale, a German-style Hefeweizen, and their Oktoberfest Lager — while also brewing for pubs and restaurants from Buffalo to Geneva. They recently moved their operation into a new, state-of-the art facility just outside the center of Honeoye Falls, where visitors can taste 23 beers and enjoy free tours of the beermaking facilities on the weekends.
Keuka Brewing Co.
8572 Briglin Road
NY 14874
(607) 868-4648
The only microbrewery on Keuka Lake, Keuka Brewing Co. opened in 2008 and offers tastings and 64 oz. growlers of their rotating beer selection. Don’t miss the seasonal Keuka Pumpkin Ale and the White Cap Wazz-berry.
Market Street Brewing Co.
63 West Market Street
Corning, NY 14830
(607) 936-2337
Market Street Brewing Co. is located in the heart of Corning, in an area filled with taverns, cafés, and restaurants. They always have six beers on tap, from the lighter Mad Bug Lager to the heavier D’Artagnan Dark Ale. Enjoy one of their brews alongside a meal from the restaurant, located in a newly-restored historical building and featuring a wide array of international cuisine.
Horseheads Brewing, Inc.
250 Old Ithaca Road
Horseheads, NY 14845-1700
(607) 739-8468
Horseheads recently walked home with the F.X. Matt Memorial Cup for “Best Craft Beer Brewery in New York State” — the Hot Jala-Heim Beer with a Bite (made with chili peppers) and the specialty collection are a big reason by. Visitors can stop by their brewery to purchase bombers (22 oz.), growlers, or kegs, or find their beers on tap at many bars and restaurants around the Finger Lakes.
Rooster Fish Brewing
223 North Franklin Street
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
(607) 535-9797
An offshoot of the famous Wildflower Café, Rooster Fish Brewing uses Seneca Lake water and organic hops to create award-winning beers from the Firehouse Blonde to the Mad Monk Dunkelweizen. Live music and food from the café are a perfect compliment to the 4 oz. samples of any brew on tap.
Two Goats Brewing LLC
5027 New York 414
Burdett, NY 14818-9816
(607) 546-2337
Two Goats Brewing sits smack in the middle of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, with a bar offering great views of the lake below. Try the Cream Ale and the only item on the food menu — delicious roast beef sandwiches.
Wagner Valley Brewing Co.
9322 New York 414
Lodi, NY 14860-9641
(607) 582-6450
Just up the street from Two Goats, Wagner Valley Brewing is part of Wagner Vineyards and is a great stop for those checking out its better-known wine operation. Sticking by a Germany purity law from 1512 regarding brewing technique, Wagner has won awards at the prestigious World Beer Cup and allows visitors to take a self-guided tour of its facilities. The Grace House Honey Wheat and the Wagner India Pale Ale are favorites, while seasonal brews like the Sugar House Maple Porter change year-round.
War Horse Brewing Co.
623 Lerch Road
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 585-4432
War Horse Brewing is another brewery sharing space with a vineyard, serving as the beer operation of the Three Brothers Wineries & Estates. Get a “Tasting Passport” that allows you to sample both wine and beer, and be sure to try the Riesling Ale — the world’s first brew made from Riesling grapes, the Finger Lakes’ signature variety.
Ithaca Beer Co.
606 Elmira Road
Ithaca, NY 14850-8745
(607) 273-0766
The devotion Ithaca Beer enjoys around town borders on fanaticism, and it’s not hard to see why: with awards for several different brews and a lineup of recurring seasonals and stand-bys, this community-oriented brewery offers its beers and sodas in almost every spot around town. Their brewery store sells home-brewing equipment in addition to perennial favorites, such as the Cascazilla Red Ale and the regionally-renowned Apricot Wheat.
Bandwagon Brew Pub
114 North Cayuga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850-4331
(607) 319-0699
The newest arrival on the Finger Lakes brewing scene, Bandwagon Brew Pub features new beers every week alongside appetizers
