Beer in the Capitol Area

[Rumblebelly]

Sounds like Mahars is the ideal place to be. Looks like they even have a cask barleywine. WOW.

[ryangiggs]

only in upstate n.y. (and i have travelled a lot)have i ever found the molson red export ale (besides in canada itself). that is the best of the molson beers.

[ryangiggs]

there are a bunch of pubs on lark street, correct. mahar's is by the college of saint rose and is a nice local pub. there was a big article in the times union about mahar's recently.

[thunder94]

Ahhh Beer Finally
Good question Rumble..I hope this helps!!
You definitely must hit Browns over in Troy..he makes a good beer.Had the imperial porter there on St pats it was great.While you are in Troy you must stop in right next door at Ryans Wake.The actual bar itself is spectacular.Ryan purchased it at an auction over in Amsterdam I believe and had it shipped here.It is a must see!!
Check Albany Pump..good beer but not as comfortable.A huge building and with that,to me, it kinda loses that brewpub feel.
You can then head up to one of my fav's and hit Davidsons over in Glens Falls one of the best Pale around.Also there is Coopers Cave,just up the block.CC is a MB but only has a tasting room..but trust me you can get caught up ther very quickly..great people.Adorondak Brewing company is just up the Thruway a bit across from Lake George..they are seasonal so check ahead.
Unfortunatley The Van **** just closed it's doors..some say for good..but we'll see.Also closed to on premise brewing is Malt River over in Lathem.It is now just a beer bar.I don't know the selection ther yet.Also over that way in Colonie is the Fox and Firkin.Nice selection ther and I believe they do 2 casks a week..but I might be wrong so check first.Now heading east a bit you must make it to Man of Kent in Hoosick..a great stop.Also the owners of Browns have now begun bottling production in a building over in Hoosick as well.I don't know if they have tastings as of yet.I can send you on a great pubcrawl over into Vermont as well as one into Mass so if your interested let me know.In Vermont you can hit 4 exceptional brewpubs all in one day..if you love beer it is way worth it!!Also if you head out to cooperstown to Ommegang be sure to stop in and see the boys over at Butternuts Beer and Ale over in Garretsville as well..bring your pillow you may be there for a while!!!

Hope this helps!! Good Beer Hunting!!!!

[Rumblebelly]

Thanks Thunder for all the great info. It's too bad Van Dyck and that place in Latham closed. It seems like there's enough peeps in the metro area to support a couple more breweries but maybe I'm wrong. I think Fort Collins is an extreme situation, it's a part of the city's culture and I'll misss it.

I wish I could just quit my day job, work up some capital, and open a brewpub. Now I'm wishing my job took me to the east end of the metro area instead of outside the west side.

[thunder94]

Don't worry Rumble there are great brewpubs in that area to keep you happy.
It's funny that you should mention opening a brewpub.
I am involved in something along those lines up in that area, that might interest you.
I have been researching the Hudson Valley for the last 2 years to do just that.
I can tell you every Brewery and Brewpub all the way from NYC up to Plattsburg,into Mass and Vermont.
So it's safe to say I have done my homework.
Anytime you want to talk beer let me know!!!

[Rumblebelly]

I appreciate the invite. Are you in the area?

[thunder94]

Hey Rumble
Right now I spend half my time in Long Island and the other half upstate in a little town called Athens.
In Sept I plan on being a full time resident upstate.
Long Island is about to break off and sink into the ocean so I want to get out before that happens..l0l