Doug Thayer’s brewing story began with the Wildflower Café, founded in Watkins Glen in 1990, and took shape through home-brewing experiments before Rooster Fish Brewing unveiled its first official beer in 2004. Today, the brewery operates a ten-barrel system in Watkins Glen, using organic ingredients and crisp Seneca Lake water to make ales for its brewpub and distribution across New York State.
Swiftwater Brewing CompanyFounded in 2015 by owner and head brewer Andy Cook, Swiftwater Brewing Company makes innovative beer in Rochester’s South Wedge and serves it alongside from-scratch food in its farm-brewery taproom. The brewery’s local character runs from seasonal ingredients sourced through the farming community to kayaks recalling Cook’s whitewater-kayaking past and handmade black-walnut furnishings milled from his family’s farm. Swiftwater also keeps its beers gluten reduced and its taproom centered on camaraderie and acceptance.ROCHESTER, NY
Steuben Brewing CompanySince 2014, brewer-owned and family-operated Steuben Brewing Company has made beer at its small farm brewery on the west side of Keuka Lake. Its Local Liquid series is brewed entirely with New York State ingredients, reflecting close relationships with the farmers and maltsters who grow and process its grain and hops. The Hammondsport taproom also serves as a community gathering place, hosting live music, rotating food vendors, and the Pedal for Pilsners cycling club.HAMMONDSPORT, NY
Twisted Rail Brewing CompanyTwisted Rail Brewing Company grew from founder John’s home-brewing hobby into a Finger Lakes brewery opened in 2013, now run by Ian and his wife Megan. Its small-batch beer is made under New York’s farm-brewery license, with local sourcing built into the operation and spent grain returned to nearby farmers as livestock feed. The company also brews for New York businesses seeking private-label beer.CANANDAIGUA, NY
Catskill BreweryEstablished in 2014, Catskill Brewery brews craft beer at its brewery and taproom in Livingston Manor, New York, using Catskill Mountain water and natural ingredients. Its 5,000-square-foot brewery is housed in a Gold LEED-certified building, and the company describes sustainability as part of its brewing practices. The brewery also operates a taproom and beer garden that serve as a community gathering place.LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY