Utica, NY is not a hotbed of microbrewery and brewpub activity, no doubt due to the long-time (since 1888) presence of Saranac Brewery, formerly known as the F.X. Matt Brewery, originally known as the West End Brewing Company, perhaps most commonly known as the Utica Club brewery. The only other brewer in town is Woodland Farm Brewery, open since 2015. The joint was jumpin’ on a Friday evening, both inside and out on the patio.
Firehouse Pils, a German style pilsner. Profits go to the local fire department.
They call themselves a farmhouse brewery. The idea is to use as much New York State grain and hops as possible in the brewing of their beers, and the term has been defined in NY law since 2013. By 2024, 90% of the ingredients will have to come from within the state; currently, that proportion is 60%.
Upstate New York in autumn!
The beers are well-made at Woodland, and they also offer an appealing menu of “millennial” food. You know, sandwiches with lots of veggies, grilled cheese, waffles made from Tater Tots…
Utica’s farm brewery
Wait, waffles made from tater tots?!? And you didn’t elaborate for the sake of research?
They top ’em with melted, locally made cheese curds and scallions and come with a choice of dipping sauces – horsey sauce, pesto aioli, or chipotle cilantro aioli – with an optional bacon and sour cream add-on. Some day when Sue is away (she is not a tot fan) I’ve got to make Tater Tot waffles!