As the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, brew flavors begin to flourish in Central New York; moving away from the autumn-spiced vibes to heavy, dark brews that highlight the holiday season. Here are some of our favorite seasonal brews made by our Brew Central partners located right here in America’s Craft Brew Destination
Good Nature Farm Brewery – The Great Chocolate Wreck
Good Nature Farm Brewery & Tap Room is a farm-to-glass type of brewery located in Hamilton. They are committed to serving their guests the freshest brews all year long.
Brewed every September and on tap throughout the winter is the historical and famous brew Great Chocolate Wreck. This imperial chocolate stout pays tribute to an incident that happened back in 1955 when a freight train carrying a load of Nestle chocolate derailed in Hamilton yards away from the brewery. This chocolatey stout has an ABV of 10 percent along with an IBU rating of 52. Brewed with cocoa nibs and cocoa powder, this savory brew is worth a try.
Critz Farms Brewing & Cider Co. – G.O.A.T.’S Out Oatmeal Stout
Starting out selling trees, pumpkins and apples Critz Farms has grown to include brewing of award-winning ciders. The taproom is an ideal place to hang out and sip during the holiday season.
If you find yourself in the area during the winter months, be sure to try their featured drink called the G.O.A.T.’S Out Oatmeal Stout. This stout was made with American ale yeast, flaked oats and roasted barley. When sipping on this brew you will taste hints of chocolate and coffee flavors. It weighs in with an ABV of 6.3 percent and an IBU of 43. Even on the coldest day, this brew can be categorized as comforting and warm you right up.
Cooperstown Brewing Co. – Bench Warmer Porter
The Cooperstown Brewing Company is located in the baseball mecca of New York and known for being a “godfather” of microbrewing in the area. This microbrewery makes baseball and beer acceptable at any time of year. Cooperstown Brewing Co. makes sure to bring new brews to the plate, even during the winter.
A great winter brew is the Benchwarmer porter. Benchwarmer is a rich, full-bodied ale made with two malts, chocolate and aramunich, which gives the brew a coffee-like finish. With an IBU of 45 and an ABV of 6.3 percent, there is no way you will strike out with this smooth porter.
Serious Brewing Co. – Stonewalled Maple Porter
In scenic Schoharie County is a quaint farm brewery, Serious Brewing Co. In 2016, after years of experience and passion for brewing, the owners decided to take the leap and takeover an old screen-printing facility that they turned it into a brewing hub.
Serious Brewing Company is always serving up some great brews, one that sticks out more than most during the winter months is their Stonewalled Maple Porter. Like typical porters, it is heavy with a maple smokiness. What makes this brew even better? The maple syrup is locally sourced. The Stonewalled Maple Porter has an ABV of 5.5 percent.
Don’t let the winter blues get you down. Grab some buddies or a significant other and head on out to explore the great breweries of Central New York.
