Finger Lakes breweries make top 30 NY list: Is your favorite among them?

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3 days ago

CANANDAIGUA — My Bartender (which sounds like my kind of magazine) recently released its list of top 30 breweries in New York state and while it's weighed heavily toward downstate producers, some familiar breweries in the Finger Lakes earned well-deserved mentions.
And there's a few more we hope get more consideration in the future.
Besides great beer, though, all of the places selected are known for their creativity and local character. Also important, many of them use ingredients grown in New York, the magazine noted.
Here are the locals, in reverse order, that made the list.
Noting the lengthy history of Genesee Brewery — it dates back to 1878, after all — writer Brian Nagele seems to favor old Genny favorites and seasonal specials brewed onsite and he must be a history buff as he seems to love that the brewery's museum shares the story of Genesee's roots in the region. And we agree with Nagele, the views of High Falls and Genesee River can't be beat.
The Auburn, Cayuga County-based Prison City is, of course, named for the former state prison. But Nagele is held captive (see what we did there?) by its popular Mass Riot, a hazy IPA that the writer notes has drawn attention from craft beer fans across the country for its smooth body and juicy hop profile.
The Avon, Livingston County-based Mortalis specializes in heavily fruited sours, pastry stouts and hazy IPAs that often sell out shortly after release, the writer noted, mentioning fan favorites such as Hydra and Thanatos. Noting its creative approach, Nagele commends its use of new flavor combinations and ingredients — even marshmallows.
The Other Half is based in Brooklyn, but its Canandaigua location draws a mention too. So yes, we'll claim this as a win for the Finger Lakes. Nagele noted how beer fans line up for new releases. Many here will remember waiting in lines stretched out onto state Routes 5 and 20 in the cold shortly before the Other Half opened its first Finger Lakes home in East Bloomfield. Now we know why!
With more than 500 craft breweries in New York state, of course way too many will be left out of the list. That won't stop us from suggesting a few for a future list.
In no particular order, here are five to consider ...
Brewery Ardennes Taproom & Kitchen is at 570 Snell Road, Geneva. It's kinda like a vacation to Europe.
ReInvention Brewing Co. is at 9 N. Main St. Manchester. Good beer and they have fun making it.
Laurentide Beer Co. is at 12 Maiden Lane, Penn Yan. If for no other reason than its beer is brewed in a 200-year-old carriage house, although the beer is a good enough reason on its own.
Strangebird Brewery is at 62 Marshall St., Rochester. Its beer keeps winning awards and fans love it. So do we.
Frequentem Brewing Co. is at 254 S. Main St., Canandaigua. If you like fruited sours, you know. Good vibes and good beer are an excellent collaboration.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Best breweries in NY: Finger Lakes area lands 4 on top 30 list