Finger Lakes Region
The Best Breweries in the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region has over 75 breweries that are making some really unique and tasty malt beverages. Here are our favorities…
Shout out to Eric Banks for his help with the rankings!
Genesee Brewery - Rochester
I know that all the “Craft Brew” aficionados are going to give us slack for this, but c’mon - it was started in 1878 and it is doing better than ever! Besides their mainstays of the Genesee line that they have been making for 150 years, they have an award winning Chocolate Scotch Ale, a Schwarzbier that is very good, and many other craft style offerings that make it worth the trip. Besides - the view of the High Falls from the 3rd floor of the Brewhouse and the great “gourmet bar food” make the experience even better.
Steuben Brewing - Hammondsport
Not many New York breweries can say that their beers use 100% New York ingredients, but Steuben can. Their 2 IPA’s, Pilsner, and Double IPA in the Local Liquid line all are all Empire State! Since brewing in the U.S. first occurred in New York in the 1650’s when the Dutch brought their brewing prowess here, it seems fitting that all NY ingredients would have a home at a New York brewery.
Lucky Hare Brewing Company - Hector
One of the things that we love about Lucky Hare is that they don’t stick to the traditional IPA’s and Pilsners. They have some very unique beers that Wowed us. Cucumber Kolsch, Milk Stout, Extra Special Bitter - they have all 3. The Harvest Lunch Blonde Ale and the U Sabro Hazy IPA were our faves, but the unique options and quality of all of their offerrings in general is the reason they are one of our favorite breweries.
Three Heads Brewing - Rochester
Back in the early 2000’s before craft brewing was the convoluted phenomenon that it is now, the owners were making “west coast” beers that were barely known in the area. With numerous award winning beers under their belt, they launched their brewery and the rest is history. “The Kind IPA” is their most popular beer, but we personally prefer the “Two Kind Double IPA”! It packs another 2.1% ABV than The Kind and some good pine and citrus flavors
Ithaca Beer Company - Ithaca
Ithaca Beer Company isn’t a little kid anymore! A while back they had only a 7 barrel brewhouse, but now they make of 20,000 barrels a year and the beers can be purchased in 14 states. Pretty impressive. Flower Power is one of their most popular beers. It is a 7.2 ABV IPA with a Honey Hue and Pineapple Finish. The Fuggly Sweater Dark Lager is a Christmastime beer with a Gingerbread finish. We had to give them props for the creativity on the name. After drinking it the first time, I thought about my sweater collection and went into my closet and purged a few of the semi-Fuggly ones. They also have a good bar food menu if you are in need of some sobering up eats.
Brewery Ardennes - Geneva
This Belgian inspired craft brewery is one of our favorites. Not only is the beer really tasty, but the owners have also created a fun almost whimsical vibe with at the brewery. Their two dogs - Barley and Hops attend a weekly Happy Hour (at Five Thirsty P.M.) that features a beer of the week. The NY Farm Saison was our favorite along with a Cherry Sour Ale. They have a few different sour varieties that are all very good. And Brewery Ardennes has some good eats that have a Belgian flair.