Albany County has a vast history in the craft beverage scene. Did you know one of the first breweries in the U.S. was founded in Albany? Our craft beverage industry is still booming today with producers from the heart of the capital city all the way to the Helderberg Hilltowns. The Albany County Craft Beverage Trail unites these craft beverage producers for visitors and locals alike to take a tour of Albany’s bustling breweries, wineries, cideries, distilleries, and meaderies.
Scroll on to meet some of the participating producers before you set out and explore the craft beverage trail for yourself Purchase your Albany County Craft Beverage Trail pass here.
1. Indian Ladder Farms
342 Altamont Road, Altamont, NY
Indian Ladder Farms is an Albany County favorite! Since 2016, the farm's new cidery and brewery has expanded from a tiny tasting area off the porch of the Indian Ladder Farm Store to an expansive tasting room on the bottom floor of the Indian Ladder Farm Market. The tasting room leads out to a lovely rustic Biergarten patio complete with a soundstage, plenty of seating, and a fire pit.
Indian Ladder Farms is open year-round, offering everything from berry-picking in the warmer months, to apple and pumpkin picking in the fall, and holiday celebrations in the winter. The Biergarten offers great views of the Hop Yard where hops are homegrown for the brewing process and apple trees that are hand-picked to help create the farm's hard cider.
2. Meadowdale Winery
32 Fryer Lane, Altamont, NY
This award-winning winery can be found at Black Creek Farm in Altamont. Sip on fall flavors with their gold medalist Ice Cider Apple Wine. Or travel back in time with their unique Birch Wine that pays homage to Albany's Dutch roots. With a 1736 recipe, this traditionally European wine provides an authentic taste of the past. The drink is made by hand only on Meadowdale's 1730s farmstead, and the winery is the sole producer of this distinct beverage in the United States.
Meadowdale Winery strives to remain eco-friendly. All ingredients are locally sourced in New York State and any waste is composted on the farm. The winery is heated, cooled, and powered by renewable, emissions-free solar and geothermal energy.
3. Helderberg Mountain Brewing Company
83 Main Street, East Berne, NY
Since 2015, this East Berne establishment has been brewing up evenings of delicious beer tastings, fun games, and food truck favorites. Visit the tap room for a rotating selection of brews all handcrafted in the heart of the Helderberg Mountains. Soak in the sun or bask in the cool night air out on the brewery's pavilion featuring plenty of picnic tables and warm lighting. While out on the pavilion, grab a few friends and challenge them to a game of cornhole. Stop by on a Saturday for delicious food truck eats or, visitors are always welcome to bring their own food. Stop by during one of the brewery's monthly fundraisers and help raise money for a local cause. For every sale of the business's pup-themed pint "For Paws Porter," the brewery donates a dollar to a different animal rescue, veterans group, or non-profit organization.
4. Mixed Breed Brewing
457 NY-146 Ste 6, Guilderland Center, NY
Mixed Breed Brewing is a newer producer to the craft beverage scene, but since its grand opening in 2021, the brewery has quickly won its way into the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Owned and operated by five longtime friends, the brewery works to create an environment that celebrates "the diversity of beer, life, and the friendships it creates." While enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of the brewery, visitors can sip on everything from IPAs to seasonal blends to a raspberry lime hard seltzer. The brewery also hosts rotating food trucks and events so be sure to visit their website ahead of time for a full schedule!
5. Albany Distilling Company
78 Montgomery Street, Albany, NY
A trip to Albany Distilling offers an immersive look into Albany's rich history. Not only is the establishment Albany's first licensed distillery since prohibition, but both the ADCO Bar & Bottle Shop and the company's actual distillery are located within historic Albany sites.
The Bar & Bottle Shop is located in a 19th century building that previously served as a place of residence, a horse stable, and a Nabisco factory. Today, customers can enjoy a full bar, outdoor seating, and a small shop within this historic location.
The distillery itself was once a 19th century coal yard and it lives in close proximity to Albany’s original 1700s distillery: The Quackenbush Still House. This inspired the company’s Quackenbush Rum, made with an 18th century recipe. Visitors can tour the distillery on the first Saturday of each month; reservations are required.
6. Bull and Bee Meadery
140 Hamilton Street, Albany, NY
Bull and Bee is buzzing with hand-crafted beverages including cocktail specials, locally-produced beers on tap, and of course a variety of honey fermented mead. The Meadery and tasting room is located in the heart of downtown Albany and boasts a welcoming atmosphere that is sweet as honey. Try Bull and Bee's own honey-fermented "Genesis Mead" which can be enjoyed on its own or in a cocktail. Outside of Bull and Bee's downtown location, find their mead at local farmers markets and various Albany restaurants.
7. Rail to River Brewing
109 Main Street, Ravena, NY
This micro-brewery may be small, but it has created a huge presence in the community of Ravena since its opening in 2021. Visit the brewery and enjoy classic brews such as a New England IPA or an English Pale Ale. Or try beer blends such as the Snakebite made with half Oatmeal Stout and half Nine Pin hard cider or the sweet Raspberry Blonde which combines American Blonde Ale with raspberry puree. Visitors can enjoy seasonal blends such as the Pina Colada Blend pictured above during warmer months or the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Blonde Ale during cooler months. The brewery also offers events year-round such as live music and paint n' sips.
8. The Warbler Brewery
155 Delaware Ave, Albany, NY
This Delaware Ave brewery has a tap list as varied and vibrant as the bird that it's named for. Find everything from their flagship Warbler Pale Ale to a Strawberry Lemonade Sour Ale to a Mocha Moon & Back Imperial Stout conditioned with coffee beans. The Warbler Brewery hosts a lively atmosphere with events scheduled each week. Stop by on Thursday nights for trivia or jam out to some live music on various Fridays and Saturdays. The Warbler Brewery often hosts food trucks but patrons are permitted to bring in their own food as well.
9. Bye-I Brewing
122 Remsen Street, Cohoes, NY
Bye-I Brewing boasts a welcoming atmosphere with twinkling lights, plenty of fun events, and a distinctive variety of locally made beers. Sip on unique brews like the Taylor Tot Chocolate Coffee or the blueberry flavored BoozeBerry Blonde. The brewery also pays homage to its Cohoes location with city-themed beers such as the Spindle City Pils and Cohoes Cerveza. Pair your drink with one of the delicious selections from the brewery's food menu. Snack on some chips and salsa, enjoy one of their signature burgers, or grab an order of their jumbo wings paired with one of their house made sauces.
