New York's Craft Beer Journey Begins Here
New York has quickly become a top destination for craft beer lovers, with breweries popping up in every corner of the state. Whether you're new to craft beer or a seasoned enthusiast, there's always something fresh to try. From small, family-run operations to larger, more established names, each brewery brings its style and flavor. This guide will help you discover some of the best spots in New York to enjoy a cold pint and learn more about the state's growing craft beer community.
Brooklyn Brewery
Brooklyn Brewery, one of the top breweries in New York City, was founded in 1988 by Steve Hindy and Tom Potter. It has been a key player in bringing Brooklyn's brewing scene back to life. Their flagship beer, Brooklyn Lager, is a Vienna-style amber brew known for its toffee and caramel flavours, balanced with a trace of light bitterness. This popular beer has earned a strong following over the years. The brewery focuses on using local ingredients and experimenting with new techniques to create a wide variety of beers that reflect New York's lively beer culture. For anyone exploring the city's beer scene, a stop at their Williamsburg taproom is a must.
Ommegang Brewery
Ommegang Brewery, located in Cooperstown, is one of the top breweries in upstate New York. Since opening in 1997, it has become a popular spot for craft beer fans. Known for its Belgian-style ales, Ommegang is especially praised for Three Philosophers, a blend of quadruple ale and Belgian kriek. The brewery offers guided tastings where visitors can try their year-round beers like Hennepin and Rare Vos, along with special limited releases. With its beautiful grounds, outdoor seating, and live music on weekends, Ommegang is a great place for beer lovers to experience the upstate New York beer scene.
Other Half Brewing
Other Half Brewing is widely regarded as one of the best breweries in New York State, with locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Finger Lakes. Known for its impressive lineup of IPAs, Other Half has earned a strong reputation in the craft beer community, with Beer Advocate ranking 16 of their beers among the top 20 in New York. Visitors are often drawn to their extensive selection of IPAs, each offering distinct and bold flavors. However, their Imperial Stout is a standout for many, offering exceptional quality despite the higher prices. For craft beer enthusiasts exploring New York's beer scene, Other Half is a must-visit destination.
Threes Brewing
Threes Brewing is one of the top breweries in New York City, with locations in Gowanus, Greenpoint, and Moynihan Station. It has played an important role in shaping the city's beer scene. The Gowanus location is a fully operating brewery during the day and turns into a busy brewpub and beer garden at night. Visitors will find a diverse beer selection, including fresh lagers, IPAs, and mixed culture offerings. The outdoor area, called The Yard, is a popular spot year-round and features its bar. Threes Brewing also hosts a variety of events, from live music to cider week celebrations, making it a lively place for craft beer fans in New York.
Evil Twin Brewing
Evil Twin Brewing is one of the best breweries in New York City, founded by Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø. The brewery has gained recognition for its innovative and quirky approach to craft beer. Their Ridgewood taproom, which opened in 2019, is a greenhouse-inspired space that offers a unique atmosphere for drinking. Visitors will find a wide range of experimental beers that often include unusual ingredients like marshmallows or fruit purees. The creative names of their beers, such as "Is It Me Or Does This Subway Station Smell Like Pee?" add a fun element to the experience. Evil Twin's commitment to pushing boundaries in craft beer makes it a must-visit for any beer lover exploring New York's beer scene.
Grimm Artisanal Ales
Grimm Artisanal Ales is regarded as one of the best breweries in New York City, founded by Joe and Lauren Grimm in 2013. This Brooklyn-based brewery has built a strong reputation for its innovative and elegant ales. What sets Grimm apart is its focus on creating limited-edition, single-batch releases that highlight the creative spirit of American craft beer. Visitors to the brewery will find a wide range of styles, from hazy IPAs to barrel-aged sours. The taproom, located in their 7,000-square-foot production facility, provides a unique experience with its bright, plant-filled space and 20 draft lines featuring their latest creations.
Ruckus Brewing
Ruckus Brewing is a dynamic craft brewery based in Atlanta, Georgia, known for its innovative and diverse lineup of beers that reflect a passion for flavour and quality. Founded by a group of friends with a shared love for Brewing, Ruckus Brewing focuses on creating unique styles, including IPAs, stouts, and sours, often incorporating local ingredients and bold flavours. The brewery emphasizes community engagement, often hosting events and collaborations with local artists, musicians, and food vendors, making it a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. With a commitment to sustainability and a creative approach to Brewing, Ruckus Brewing continues to make a name for itself in the ever-evolving craft beer scene.
Conclusion
Breweries across the Empire State shape the world of craft beer by pushing limits and setting trends. Whether exploring the concrete jungle of New York City or heading into beautiful upstate, you're sure to come upon a brewery that captures the essence of its place. This vibrant beer culture invites both natives and visitors to engage deeply in the rich tapestry of flavors and experiences offered by New York's craft breweries.