Founded 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.
Iron Tug BrewingFounded in 2016, Iron Tug Brewing makes craft beer in Rochester’s Park Avenue neighborhood, drawing on Lake Ontario and Great Lakes life for its taproom’s distinctive brews. Owner Mike Nulton’s connection to the lake and more than a decade building businesses on Park Ave give the brewery a distinctly local, community-focused character, while partnerships with nearby farms bring local ingredients into its beers.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
Hopshire Farm and BreweryFamily-owned and run by Chris and Holly Rakow, Hopshire Farm & Brewery has brewed New York farm beer in Freeville since opening in 2013 as the state’s fifth farm brewery. The brewery uses locally sourced ingredients, sends spent grain to a nearby farm, and operates an onsite market garden, while its taproom doubles as a community gathering place for local food and live music.FREEVILLE, 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