Local Champion · Oneida County
Meet Fred Matt: Things to Do in Oneida County, NY and Utica
President, F.X. Matt Brewing Company, Utica
Who Is Fred Matt?
Fred Matt is the president of F.X. Matt Brewing Company in Utica, the brewery his great-grandfather founded in 1888. F.X. Matt arrived from Germany as a teenager and chose Utica because it reminded him of the Black Forest. He kept every employee working through the 13 years of Prohibition by making beer and soft drinks, which set the tone for the company today: “Once you join our company, you’re part of the family.”
Fred grew up in the brewery, tagging along with his father on Saturdays and ending each visit with a tour. After college and eight years in New York City, he came home in 1989 and has been there ever since.
About F.X. Matt Brewing Company: Saranac and Utica Club
The brewery makes the Saranac line of craft beers and Utica Club, which was the first beer brewed after Prohibition and holds the country’s number one brewing license. Fred jokes that Utica Club has become “so bogus, it’s hip,” and it’s enjoying a real comeback as an easy-drinking everyday beer.
Why Oneida County “Has It All”
Fred calls Oneida County a place that “has it all,” from outdoor recreation and great schools to affordable living and a short commute. Above all, he loves the people. The community shows up for each other, too, and Fred points to the area’s generous turnout for charity events as proof.
He has seen plenty of newcomers arrive reluctantly, unsure of what they’d find. “The worst day in their life is the day that they have to move out of here,” he says. Visitors are most surprised by how welcoming everyone is. Ask a local where to go canoeing tomorrow, and they might just offer to take you.
Brewery Tours, Parks and the Boilermaker: Fred’s Must-Dos
01
Take the VIP Brewery Tour
Fred calls it “probably the best in the business.” The tour goes behind the scenes with Tom, a 17-year veteran of the brewery, and includes tastings straight from the tanks, a stop in the pilot brewhouse to sample beers no one else has tried, and a pint of your favorite at the end.
02
Relax at the 1888 Biergarten & Tavern
The brewery’s outdoor beer garden opened two years ago with a full menu from its chef and about 12 beers on tap, including four to six pilot and throwback brews. Kids and dogs are welcome.
03
Visit the Museums
Fred recommends the Munson for its art collection, plus the Utica Zoo and the Utica Children’s Museum for families.
04
Get Outside
Walk the rail trail, stroll the nature trails at Hamilton College, or explore Proctor Park, designed by the same firm behind New York City’s Central Park. Golfers will find plenty of courses, and Turning Stone offers golf and gaming.
05
Run the Boilermaker
The Boilermaker Road Race is the largest 15K in the country, and its post-race party wraps up behind the brewery, where the team pours about 350 kegs in two hours.
06
Follow the Heart of NY Craft Beverage Trail
Oneida County is home to about a dozen breweries. Fred encourages beer lovers to visit his “brewing brethren” too.
