Cazenovia, NY — Empire Brewing Company and Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards have teamed up to brew a New York State apple beer. Apples grown there, beer made here!
Apple Harvest Ale was brewed at Empire Brewing Company’s new 60bbl brewhouse. Over 800 gallons of fresh New York State raw apple juice made from Empire and Honey Crisp apples were used in the brew. A red colored ale with a crisp, tart apple flavor and a sweet caramel malt finish. The limited release ale will be available at Empire Brewing Company’s brewpub in Syracuse, the tasting room at Empire Farmstead Brewery in Cazenovia and the Beak & Skiff Tavern in Lafayette, along with a few select Central New York establishments. Apple Harvest Ale will be packaged for retail distribution in 2017.
Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, established in 1911 in LaFayette, NY, was voted #1 apple orchard in the country by USA Today. George Skiff, an onion farmer, and Andrew Beak, a dairy farmer, met at the the Regional Farmers’ Market in Syracuse and decided it would be fruitful to enter into the emerging apple business. Five generations of family members have been growing apples on that land. They purchased land on Route 20 in LaFayette knowing the conditions would be suitable to grow apples. The rest is history.
Empire Brewing Company was founded in 1994 in Syracuse, New York, and recently opened a 60 barrel farm brewery and tasting room in Cazenovia, NY. The new Empire Brewery enables bottling the award-winning ales and lagers for the first time. The 22-acre farm brewery has been captivated to grow hops, lavender, vegetables, herbs, and fruits for use in the brewing process and to support the needs of both the Syracuse brewpub and Cazenovia tasting room.
“Empire Brewery and Beak and Skiff are both incredibly successfull local businesses that have redefined the craft brewing, cider and beverage tourism industries in Central New York. Their innovative collaboration is a recipe for success.” Rob Simpson, President, CenterState CEO.
“The collaboration between Empire Brewing Co. and Beak & Skiff 1911 combines two of the craft flavors that individually transformed Central New York into a beverage paradise. Separately, each of these businesses produces hundreds of thousands of smiling customers and expanded awareness of the Syracuse and Central New York Region. Their collaboration will only serve to take this higher. Truly in this case, one plus one equals brew.” David Holder, President, Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“It’s not every day that I get to brew with a liquid other then water. This is a beer unlike anything I have ever made before.” Tim Butler, Director of Brewing Operations at Empire Brewing Company.
“This is what happens when two great New York farms collide. What an incredibly tasty collaboration we have made here with our Apple Harvest Ale.” David Katleski, President, Empire Brewing Company.
“We first began discussing this project almost a year ago. Our two companies are committed to creating high quality hand crafted products, so the opportunity to work together has been very rewarding. We believe Apple Harvest Ale has the potential to be a big part of both of our business in the years ahead.” Eddie Brennan, Co-Owner, Beak & Skiff and 1911 Spirits.