Albany Beer News

Inevitably, the last Hefe's and fruit beers have been poured, the autumn beers are in the fermenter, colder weather is setting in and local brewers are moving on to possibly greener pastures. How can we in the Capital Region deal with the thought of summer's end and the impending winter? Road trip! What better way to enjoy an Indian Summer weekend than to head north, take in the autumnal sights and just maybe...have a beer or two.

First stop, North Country Brewery. Tours on Saturday are scheduled for 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00 so plan accordingly. Otherwise, stop in to the bright and comfortable tasting room and sample a variety of North Country, Nor'Wester and now, Brooklyn products. A recent addition to North Country's ine-up is the Autumn Lager. The brewery's first lager will be featured at the upcoming Octoberfest Celebration slated for Oct. 4 from 12:00-4:00. Later this fall, expect the Winter Extreme, this ruby red strong lager weighs in at 6%ABV and will be available locally throughout the holiday season. Two new Brooklyn products, the Pennant Pale Ale and the Pinstripe Pilsener, will become permanent contract beers also brewed at North Country.

Upon leaving Saratoga, adventurers are encouraged to continue North to the town of Lake Placid. This nearly two hour drive through the Adirondack region promises to be spectacular this time of year. Reaching your final destination on the south shore of Mirror Lake, the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery at PJ O'Neills. Co-owners Chris Ericson and Chad Cleveland will be commemorating their 1 year anniversary this October and brewer Erickson promises not to disappoint with a fine array of quality ales at their two-story drinking and dining establishment. Before stopping at PJ O'Neills, travelers are encouraged to register at one of several reasonably priced hotels in the hamlet of Lake Placid. Erickson recommends the Golden Arrow, located on Mirror Lake and within walking distance of the pub. Back at the brewpub, dine on the spacious outdoor deck and watch the sun set over the expansive Adirondack skyline. Following a brief stroll through the town, settle in to sample the wares. The newest seasonal, a kölsch, features a variety of German malts, Hallertauer hops and German Ale yeast. This particularly refreshing deep golden, light-bodied, balanced traditional ale offers the enthusiastic patron a perfect opening brew of the night. The Amber, one of several LP brews going to the GABF, is another popular crossover beer. This well balanced, mildly sweet ale features a Pan-Atlantic mix of all English malts and American hops. Next on the board, try the Brown ale. This English mild boasts a nutty sweetness, good hop character and obvious chocolate overtones. By this time the group of travelers will be ready for Ericson's two other popular GABF entrants, the Ubu Ale and the 3-putt Porter. The Ubu , a local favorite, is a 7% ABV traditional English Strong Ale. The Porter features an extensive dark malt profile, an obvious hop presence and a clean finish complemented by a long-lasting creamy tan head. Finally, (this is why we recommend you stay at the Golden Arrow) finish off your taste buds with the IPA. Ericson points out that the IBU's in this well-hopped English India Pale Ale continue to creep up with each successive batch, particularly in the big Fuggle dry-hopped nose. Before the merry band breaks up for the evening be sure to stop by and say hello to Chris and Chad. Expect a healthy dose of good old fashioned Adirondack congeniality and none of the aloof haughtiness encountered in some downstate establishments.

Following a good night's sleep, a light breakfast, and a walk along the lake, our rejuvenated group of beer enthusiasts begin their slow trek south. Time your departure so that you reach Glens Falls after noon in order to visit Davidson Bros. Restaurant and Brewery for an exceptional Sunday lunch special. On the beer board, the popular favorites include the IPA and the Stout, along with several other fine brews. Spend the better part of the afternoon enjoying the remnants of Indian Summer weather, pick up the lunch tab for your designated driver and head home.

Weary travelers might choose to call it a weekend; the more hearty (or foolhardy), might stop in their local pub to top off the weekend.

In Latham, Malt River Brewing Co. brewer Goose Goslin, with the company since its inception, has decided to move on to newer challenges. The new head brewer, Mark Slater, is British born and trained at the Institute for Brewing Studies in London. He joins Malt River with a fine track record for brewing exceptional English Ales.

Big House Brewing Co.'s Rich Michaels went back to Siebel to finish up his training. Drew Schmidt and assistant brewer Mike Brunig are now brewing.

In Troy, The Troy Pub and Brewery is bringing back the Pumpkin Ale. This high gravity 8% ABV brew features over 300 lbs of fresh pumpkin in a 15 barrel batch.

In Schenectady, The Van Dyck Restaurant and Brewery has Sanford Fogg's Dunkelweizen and an IPA on the big board.

In Clifton Park, The Black Bear Brewing Co., the region's only Brew on Premises establishment, is gearing up for what is expected to be a busy brewing season. Owner/operator Jim Adams is planning a "Smorgasbrew", where brewers can walk away with a case of 22 oz bombers featuring 6 different seasonal brews.

The Original Saratoga Brewpub has their Peach Ale on, as well as an Octoberfest. Also, try a pint of brewer Blair Potts' Pale Ale or his Stout.

The 1st International Food, Wine and Beer Expo will be held on Sunday Oct. 19th from 2:00-7:00 pm at the Albany Marriott Wolf Road. Tickets are $25 per person advance purchase, and $35 per person at the door. Call 518-383-1209 and ask for Steve or Sal for more information on this fine beer event.

Copyright 1997, Great Lakes Brewing News. No material herein may be reprinted without permission of the Great Lakes Brewing News Distributed On the W3 For personal, non-commercial enjoyment and use only. Cheers!