Views from a Southern Finger Lakes Beer Adventure

By Julia Burke, Beer Editor

Over the weekend I headed to the southern Finger Lakes area to visit friends; as always, the trip was essentially a beer pilgrimage. Though I came seeking the enigmatic Ithaca Beer Company Brute (it was back on the tasting room shelves for a short time only; stay tuned for a formal review), I also got a chance to visit with brewer Jeff O'Neil and check out the beginnings of Ithaca's expansion to a larger facility. Naturally, I also stocked up on Flower Power, and my friend's sister, a breastfeeding mom, appreciated Ithaca's scrumptious root beer.

Tales of the excellence of Horseheads Brewing had reached my ears after this spring's Tap NY festival, so I had to make a stop at the tasting room. I was exceedingly impressed. Look for a piece on the Horseheads brews I tasted later this week, but for now, suffice it to say I've met my chili-pepper-beer match.

A sample of Towpath ale at Horseheads Brewing Company

 

Jeremy Gulich fills growlers on a busy Sunday at Horseheads

 

A beautiful day in Ithaca

 

The Ithaca tasting room bar

 

Ithaca brewmaster Jeff O'Neil explains the expansion plan, fresh pint of Flower Power in hand

 

Plans for Ithaca's new brewery on the walls of the current tasting room

 

Ithaca's sexy new bottling line

 

The Holy Grail

Comments

[identity theft protection]

You know, let's let some people make big fortunes because that provides spice in life and some adventure, something to look forward to-- that you might get this.