Hi Everyone, In mid-September I'll be flying into Albany and driving to Lake George for the weekend. Probably won't be able to go much beyond Lake George as the weekend is pretty full for a wedding. I've been looking up places between Albany and Lake George and these seemed like some potential places to check out. I guess ideally I'd like to try/buy some beer I can't get in Ohio but at the end of the day I just want to drink some good beer. Does anyone have any other suggestions or advice on what to check out in this area? Thanks! Shmaltz Brewing Olde Saratoga Brewing Druthers Brewing Adirondock (think I'll be staying right down the road)
My girlfriend and I ate/drank at Adirondack. I remember having their ipa, apa and I believe it was a stout or cascadian ale. They were fine, being that I kept my expectations low. However, if it's a weekend and in the summer be prepared for a crowd. Full functioning restaurant in a high tourist area leads to long waits.
I've only been to the Albany location of Druthers, but the beer was good and the food was tasty - big portions too.
I haven't been, but Common Roots in my hometown of South Glens Falls has some pretty kickass Beer Advocate ratings. I have been, Schmaltz was a good time. I have been, and the free samples at Olde Saratoga were nice, as we the people. Though the beer is not anything to go out of the way for, unless the free part is important to you. I have been, Davidson in Glens Falls is a place I'd avoid returning to.
Any thoughts of Coopers Cave Brewing just a short distance from Common Roots Brewing in South Glens Falls??
Minouge's is a good bottle shop and they do growler fills. They have a few locations but I've been to the one in Queensbury a few times which is about 15 min south of Lake George. http://www.minoguesbeverage.com
For bottles, you have to check out Oliver's Beverage in Albany. Amazing selection. Brown's Brewing in Troy is worth a stop, too.
Have any of you ever been to 163 Taproom right in the center of town? (did it used to have a different name?) The menu listed on beermenus is pretty impressive with a nice NY state tilt. Paradox is about 30mins north or Lake george, Ive never been, but I hope to at some point this summer
First post, been lurking for ages. I highly recommend Common Roots Brewing in South Glen Falls, was just there about a month ago during a trip to Lake George. Their beers are great, especially the Daylight double IPA, and the taproom and brewery are spot on. The owners are also super friendly - I emailed in advance about possibly getting a tour and they really hooked us up and were incredibly welcoming.
I'll be doing a vacation road trip from Long Island up to Montreal with a stop in Lake George. Adirondack is walking distance from the hotel. Good to see some of the other suggestions.
Common Roots is making some of the best beers in New York State, that needs to be your number one stop. It's right on the way. I'd also recommend Battle Hill Brewing, it's in Fort Anne, just a few miles away from the main drag in LG. Adirondack has good food, but save a few exceptions -- their wine BA sour if they have it -- their beer is really boring. The best two bottle shops are in Albany, South of where the airport is, but they're not gonna be on your way. Stay away from Minogues, that place sucks out loud. Hit up EBI just north of downtown Saratoga instead. Oh and Shmaltz is definitely worth a stop. Literally 45 seconds off 87 (how you'll be getting to LG), 10 taps and plenty of beer to bring home. Do yourself a favor and grab a fresh-as-fuck 4-pack of Hop Manna.
