New York has a long history with cream ale. I realized, though, I haven't tasted many recent local craft examples. This site and others like it are not a huge help in finding them, either, because there's no way to filter out all the adjunct-spiked coffee/blueberry/whatever versions. I just want a traditional, easy-drinking Genny analogue. Return Come Back I found too hoppy and Newburgh's skips the corn. Any other good tips?
If you can get your hands on the Wayward Lane Off-Road Soda Cream Ale, you should give it a try! https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/61266/721944/ Wayward Lane won NY State Brewery of the year last year (tied with Grimm, I think). I've carried a bunch of their beers on my wall and they're all really high quality and super delicious.
As a big cream ale guy, Wayward Lane’s is fantastic. As is Grimm’s. Strangebird makes a good one too. Honestly I feel like most Rochester-area breweries have a cream ale every once in a while as an homage to Genny.
echoing this and adding Prison City's Cream Ale into the conversation. I believe there was an event in the Rochester area that celebrated cream ales? https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/38140/211572/?ba=mikeinportc
Since closed.... https://www.brewbound.com/news/celebration-of-cream-ales-to-return-to-roc-brewing-co/
Not to my taste, but why not "a traditional easy-drinking Genny"? You won't find anything cheaper. If you live in NYS north of Westchester, it's probably readily available. The one I'm waiting for is a revived McSorley's "cream ale" from the 70s. Here's a label from Ortlieb. https://www.ebay.com/itm/335340621395
Threes, Finback, Wild East, Strong Rope all collaborated on "Canal Beer". I thought was pretty good, but I believe it's only a summer seasonal and the last canning that I had was canned on 7-22-2025. Definitely worth tracking down when it's fresh though. https://threesbrewing.com/products/canal-beer-cream-ale I just picked up some Southern Tier Irish Coffee Cream Ale a few days ago but I have to wait another week before trying it (dental surgery healing). Seems to have good reviews, although kind of gimmicky with the adjunct ingredients.
Gotta echo @moodenba . The more crafty versions will be along the lines of what you've already encountered (and expensive... and IMO not dependable). The best answer is Genesee. If you can't get that where you live, try Narragensett. Narragensett is brewed by Genesee Brewing. It's obviously not a "cream ale" but it might be closer to the experience that you are looking for than something by Return or Newburgh (and more reliable).
