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Over the past few years, Rochester, New York, has shown exceptional growth in a booming industry. With many new breweries opening around the Greater Rochester area, the craft beer industry has been taking over Upstate New York. It looks like we moved here at the best time, wouldn’t you agree?
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I’m Crystal, the writer and creator at DatesintheStates.com – a blog chronicling the lives of a couple traveling the United States on a budget. My husband Shane and I love traveling and discovering fun dates to take together throughout our beautiful country. We live in Rochester, NY. I’m a content marketing strategist and Shane is a personal trainer. With our blog, we love to cover events, try new restaurants, and discover amazing things to do in small towns.
We’ve attended many craft beverage events in the area (they happen all the time here) and, of course, have visited many of their in-person locations throughout Rochester. This is why we’ve put together a fun Craft Beer Trail you can take when you visit Rochester, NY. This trail consists of 8 stops, but don’t worry – you don’t have to visit all of them in one day! We spread it out to enjoy each of these breweries in Rochester, NY, and we hope you do, too!
1) Knucklehead Craft Brewing
Kick off your craft beer adventure at Knucklehead Brewery in Webster, NY! This lively spot, just across the bay from Rochester, is a must-visit with its taco Tuesdays, tasty grill cookouts, and lively music. Enjoy seasonal delights like the Hot Chocolate Stout or sip on year-round favorites such as Kathy’s Kreme Ale and Tainted Haze IPA. With a fun atmosphere and fantastic brews, Knucklehead Brewery sets the perfect tone for your craft beer trail journey!all year long such as Kathy’s Kreme Ale or Tainted Haze IPA.
2) K2 Brothers Brewing
K2 Brothers Brewing is operated by two brothers and opened in December 2017. They’ve been doing well, as they recently opened a beer garden addition expanding the space tremendously. They have about 15 beers on tap brewed on the premises and feature great food.
Most nights they have an acoustic band playing and the atmosphere is fun and bustling. You must try their Jalapeno Cream Ale or their Mixed Berry Milkshake IPA for a unique taste you will only find in Rochester.
3) Triphammer Bierwerks
Discover Triphammer Bierwerks in Fairport, NY, where an old warehouse hides a brewing gem! As you navigate the dark drive and find the sign, you’ll know you’re in the right place. Dive into a flight of their diverse beers and grab a bag of popcorn to enjoy the experience. With Fairport’s vibrant nightlife and numerous bars, you can easily spend an entire evening exploring this lively area. Cheers to great beer and a night full of possibilities!
4) Preservation Beer Company
Uncover the charm of Preservation Beer Company, a hidden gem in the heart of the craft beer scene! This unique brewery is known for its commitment to preserving traditional brewing methods while creating innovative and delicious brews. With a cozy atmosphere and a diverse lineup of beers, it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a carefully crafted pint. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or a casual drinker, Preservation Beer Company offers a memorable experience with every visit.
5) Fairport Brewing Company
Walking into Fairport Brewing Company, I felt as if I was walking into a little cottage in England. This very small brewery which looks like it used to be an old house in the middle of town. They’ve done a great job preserving the history of the building and using it as a brand for their beer. (I found out while writing this that the building actually used to be an old auto repair shop).
Not only can you grab a brew, but they have their own Kombucha, too. In one room is the bar and area for musicians to play, in the other room they have their own tastings you can sample of their Kombucha. I spent most of my time sampling. Bring your dog, grab a beer, and play a board game.
6) Mullers Cider House
Of course I had to put a cidery on the list. Shane is a big beer lover, I on the other hand love ciders and wine. Mullers Cider House is a great halfway point on the trail to take a break from the brews and sample some hard ciders.
7) Nine Maidens Brewing
Step into Nine Maidens Brewery in Rochester, NY, where tradition meets innovation in every glass! Nestled in a welcoming atmosphere, this brewery is known for its creative and expertly crafted beers. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, there’s a brew for every palate. Enjoy a laid-back vibe, friendly service, and a rotating selection of unique and seasonal offerings.
8) Three Heads Brewing
Not from Mullers is Three Heads Brewing – a partner of CB Craft Brewers in Honeoye Falls, NY. Their brews have won local competitions and we always seem to find their vendors at craft brew events we attend throughout the year. We suggest you try their Tiger Blood IPA or their Rochester honorary brew, Rochestafarian Scotch Ale.
9) Rohrbach Brewing Company
Rohrbach’s has been a Rochester favorite for over 25 years. Their beautiful brewery lies near a railroad track and hosts many events all year long. They have a Beer Hall with great food which they get their ingredients for from their neighbor, the Rochester Public Market. Their beer here in Rochester is special because you can only find it in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and small surrounding Upstate NY Areas and they pride themselves on their uniqueness.
10) Genesee Brewery
When visiting Genesee Brewery, you may be taken back by the extensive history this beer has impacted on the United States. A popular choice made by all, Genesee Brews have been around for 140 years with their home being Rochester, NY. The Brewery and Brew House (Restaurant) is located next to High Falls of the Genesee River. And yes, they retrieve their water and beer from the Genesee River.
We went and ate at their large restaurant overlooking the falls and enjoyed their fun atmosphere and delicious food. Try their famous Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout or their Salted Caramel Chocolate Porter. They host many events like their most recent Keg Tree Lighting as well as the popular Roc the Falls day each year.
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out our popular Dates in the States Wine Trail in North Central PA blog post. Print out the Wine Trail Scavenger Hunt and more only on DatesintheStates.com.