New York state has more than 320 breweries — some 200 of which opened in the last five years. Which got New York Governor Andrew Cuomo thinking, “Which one’s the best?” That led to the Taste NY Craft Beer Challenge and a public poll of 170 breweries from May 1 to May 12. Now the results are in.
The top five breweries in New York according to more than 42,000 online votes are:
- Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown
- Genesee Brewing Company in Rochester
- Prison City Pub and Brewery in Auburn
- The Roscoe NY Beer Co. in Roscoe
- Southern Tier Brewing Company in Lakewood
There’s just one problem. Technically speaking, Genesee isn’t a craft brewery. It’s the oldest brewery in New York (founded in 1878), but it’s now wholly owned by the Costa Rican Florida Ice and Farm Company. It’s also, apparently, beloved state wide.
Brewery Ommegang opened in 1997 and specializes in farmhouse ales and Belgian styles. It’s owned by the Belgian company Duvel Moortgat.
Prison City opened in 2014, and its Mass Riot IPA has gotten rave reviews.
Roscoe Beer Co. opened in 2013 in the Catskills and was “created by folks who enjoy the great outdoors.”
Southern Tier Brewing is one of the biggest craft breweries in the state, and works with Victory Brewing Co.
The top beer will be selected by Mario Batali, Cuomo, and a panel of beer judges on the night of May 17.
