So a few friends and myself are looking to start visiting breweries. As of now we are kinda strapped for money so would like to stay in the Northeast region but eventually like to branch out. What are some suggestions to start at and possibly visit down the road? Any favorite beers that are worth checking out while there?
I don't know about specific breweries in the northeast or New York specifically that would be good to visit, but I'd suggest just checking out any breweries near you if you haven't made any visits just yet. You might find some little local places that don't even bottle/can their beer yet and probably discover some really good new beers you might not have been aware of otherwise (and generally have a good time while you're at it.) Sticking to local places also helps with the money situation. I've only made two brewery visits myself so far, but based on those I would definitely recommend it, especially if you have a friend (or friends) who are also into beer who might be interested in tagging along.
Not sure where in New York you are, or what you consider Northeast, but Pittsburgh has some cool spots that can be done in a day or two. Penn Brewery, Fat Heads (not the actual brewery, but good beers), The Church. When you branch out, Jester King in Austin, TX is pretty great. Phoenix AZ is blowing up with great stuff.... and come to the great state of Michigan. Lots of great breweries in Michigan!
Start with ones that are close to your house...then do ones that a far from your house...then do ones you have to get on a plane to get to...
If you like sours then I would definitely try to visit OEC in Connecticut. They're are pretty close to New York and they make some really great sours. Also New England Brewing Co. Tree House and Trillium are the tops for Mass so if you make it into Massachusetts then it's a must that you visit both of them.
Start by doing a search by using the BA Places feature. http://www.beeradvocate.com/place/ If you are strapped for money, save the gasoline costs and stay local. You know, kind of 'practice' visiting breweries to determine your method to evaluate the places and their beers. You'll be supporting small businesses that are local, and doing it on a budget.
Northeast? Make the pilgrimage to VT and hit: Hill Farmstead, Alchemist (new brewery opens in Spring), Fiddlehead. A few hours down the road in MA is Tree House and in Boston you have Trillium.
Route 11 will get you Selin's Grove Brewing Company, Marzoni's, Old Forge, Turkey Hill, Berwick Brewing Company, then lead you to Wilkes-Barre (Breakers and Lion). Go east on I80 to Tannersville for Barley Creek and Pocono Brewing Company in Sweetwater.
