My brother and his wife are traveling (driving) to Rochester in mid-May. I told him to bring me back some beer and he said to put together a list for him. I have no clue. I like IPAs, pale ales and every other style that's out there. I'm not picky. Really just looking for some things that don't get distributed down here in Texas. Would appreciate any help in putting together a decent shopping list. Thanks and Cheers Y'all
Other Half has a finger lakes location, I believe there’s some distro in Rochester but it won’t be the latest and freshest brews. They may still have the Saturday Rochester pop up, which would have fresher stuff. If they’re into breweries, they could just drive to the flx location.
These three are IMO the best in Rochester Strangebird Brewing is outstanding. https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/60477/ Fifth Frame. https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/51561/ Swiftwater. https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/38475/ Farther away in order of distance are: Mortalis (tends to be long wait times) https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/52338/ Rising Storm https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/52339/ Other Half (they do brew on site and I’ve never had issues with freshness) https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/54750/ Frequentem https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/60004/
Depending on what route your friends take there are a few others in the Finger Lakes that are worth taking a side trip to visit. All of the places noted above are along the route shown below.
Rochester gets distro from Remarkable Liquids and Craft Beer Guild so anything you could get in NYC you can get in the Roc. So plenty of OH, Grimm, Finback, Equilibrium, Drowned Lands, Industrial Arts, etc. I’ll also agree with the above post that the best three spots in Roc are Strangebird, Fifth Frame and Swiftwater. Strangebird literally just co-won best brewery in NY (with Grimm) so I’d get anything you see from them. Saisons especially. Iron Tug in Rochester also does great work. Mortalis cans are gonna be hit-and-miss but they can be found. Your best bet for compiling a list will be to look at the IG for One Stop Brew Shop to see what they get in. Their selection is incredible. You can do the same with AJs Beer Warehouse. I think next to nothing that we get up here makes its way to Texas (save like, Bells, Founders and the big nationals) so the world is your oyster on this one my guy.
Definitely worth a visit. The vast majority of their beer is in walk-in coolers. https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/33226/
Have not even heard of it or tried any of their beers but Strangebird out of Rochester won a lot of awards at NYS Craft Beer Competition. You should check it out. NY State Governor’s Cup Craft Beer Competition (raiseaglassfoundation.com)
Seconding AJ's as mentioned above; you can signup for their email newsletter and every Monday they'll send out a list of the week's new releases.
I thank you all for your replies and suggestions. I've been looking over the list and we'll just have to see what he has time for or can get to. Looking forward to trying some great beer! Cheers Y'all
