Mid-Atlantic breweries in planning (2021)

They usually do bottle releases one Saturday a month, but not necessarily. They were saying a spring opening for the taproom but that never happened so IDK. You may luck out and be able to be there on a release day but I wouldn't plan around it.

However!

Literally from another thread on here I was just alerted to Bovina Farm & Fermentory (how I was scooped by an out-of-state person on this place I don't know, much shame) and it looks gorgeous. Only a few things on but they look to have bottles and it's only 10 miles from Weaver Hollow so that could be a substitute. Kelsey Grammar's Faith American Brewing is also right around there but IDK what the taproom situation is or if one exists. No Google reviews and no IG presence.

 

Rail II River in Ravena opening on Nov. 26.

 

Northern Barrell in Voorheesville on track for a December opening and I'll be working just a couple minutes away so I'm hoping it's decent so that can be a regular after-work spot for me.

 

Been a while but got some Buffalo news:

- Spotted Octopus Brewing opening soon just north of Downtown and right near Gabriel's Gate/Colter Bay/Fat Bob's. Great location and it looks like they're gonna do a lot of small-batch and rotational shit.

- Steel Leaf Brewing opening in Williamsville not far from 12 Gates and super close to a Duff's and a Paula's Donuts, so they'll do well there for sure.

 

In "breweries I will assuredly never go to" news we've got Duane Stage Brewing Company in the works up in Malone, NY. Where is Malone, you ask? I had to ask too. It is in the *literal* middle of nowhere between Massena and Plattsburgh. But they may have a physical brewery up there at some point so if you're doing god knows what up there next year maybe be on the lookout?

 

Went to Eisenlader Brahaus outside Canajoharie, left very impressed.

The space itself is as faithful a recreation of a Bavarian beer hall as you'll find anywhere -- the woodworking alone is absolutely bonkers -- and they nail the traditional German styles. The marzen, hefe and kolsch were all bangers. Had a big-ass pretzel too with hot cheddar and two different mustards that ruled.

Gorgeous outdoor space too, would be super cool at night.

If you're on 90 between Utica and Albany I'd make it a point to stop here. It's only a couple miles off the Thruway and just a really cool experience and really good beers.

 

Buried Acorn opening a second location on a farm outside of Ithaca, gonna be slingin' wood-fired pizzas there too. Don't know what the place looks like but their website says they do weddings so I'm guessing its a pretty nice rural spot.

 

Locust Grove outside Poughkeepsie opening up this weekend with Friday-Sat-Sunday hours. I'll actually be passing right by on Sunday so I guess I'll simply have to go check it out.

Alternative Medicine, Rail II River and Northern Barrell all still looking at December openings based on recent updates.

 

Strangebird in Rochester, which has been open for bottle sales half the year (or more) is finally about to open the taproom. Place looks bright, stunning and spacious.

Progress at Weaver Hollow, too. No date or even range there but they've been working hard on the taproom.

 

Nice! Next time I'm hitting Drowned Lands or other shit in that area I'm gonna for sure stop by.

 

I haven't had that one myself but the owner of my local beer bar goes "I'm not usually an ESB guy but I had this one a few days ago and have since convinced like nine other people to try it" so I'd say that speaks volumes.

 

Checked out Locust Grove this weekend and love what they're doing there. Gorgeous, rustic taproom that's huge but feels extremely homey. Got TVs for the games, bar shuffleboard, giant connect four and some other shit too so its great to accommodate big/varied groups. Outside area is killer too, overlooking the farm and river, would be stupid beautiful spring-fall.

Beers were very good too, tried 4-5 different things and dug them all. Also had a killer IPA from Kings Court there and they have cider/wine too. Will for sure be coming back.

Also stopped at Rail II River on the way back and its kind of what I assumed it would be. Felt like a gathering spot for the whole town after the high school football game. Taproom was extremely bright with a ton of overhead lighting (which I loathe) so it's not a very relaxing spot and I don't think anyone needs to go out of their way for it but they'll do great business with locals so good on 'em. Had 5-6 beers on tap, $6/pint, $10 growler fills, good range of styles and the one thing I had (red rye IPA) was fine.

 

Also, per their 'Gram, Weaver Hollow opening their taproom in January.