When the doors first opened 13 years ago, the Adirondack Brewery was a spot known mostly to locals and summer tourists. But as YNN's Matt Hunter reports, the brew pub's recent expansion is proof the brewery's unique variety of beer has reached a much larger audience.

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. – Light or dark, hoppy or sweet, it seems everyone has their favorite at the Adirondack Brewery.

"My favorite is our Bare Naked Ale and our Dirty Blonde," said John Carr, who opened the brewery in 1999.

"The Bare Naked Ale is my favorite, it's the best," regular customer Kathy Delgiacco said.

"I like the IPA, hops are good,” Queensbury resident Brett Finemore said. “I'm a hoppy guy."

"Our regulars all come here for the IPA,” said J.K. Camp, who started working at the pub more than six years ago. “They knock down the doors for the IPA."

In addition to its specialty barrel-aged beers, the popular brewery on Lake George's Canada Street offers 11 different varieties.

First a local secret, business began to pour after summer tourists began coming back year after year. Several local grocery chains even began selling it in stores after Carr struck a deal with DeCrescente Distributing Company in Mechanicville.

"Luckily for us, even in the downturn in the economy, local beer drinkers have really started to seek out local New York State brewed beers,” Carr said.

"It is exciting, definitely,” Camp said. “If you brew it, they will come."

By the end of their first decade, Carr and his team were making about 700 barrels a year, with that number reaching 2,000 barrels last year.

No longer able to keep up with a growing demand, they began an aggressive expansion project last July which was completed this week.

"Each barrel is about 31 gallons,” Carr said. “This addition will allow us to get up to about 10,000 barrels, which will get us into the top five percent of all brew pubs in the United States."

Carr says the goal for this next year is to produce about 4,000 barrels.

The expansion also allows for bottling and boxing to be done on-site and the addition of five new jobs.

With beer naturally replacing champagne, staff toasted their success with loyal customers at a celebration Wednesday night.

"It's very exciting to see it grow,” Delgiacco said. “It's nice to see local businesses expand and contribute to the economy."

"I've been to microbreweries all over the country and you take his nine or ten beers, most places have one or two that are good. All of his beers are good," Finemore said.

For more information, visit the Adirondack Pub and Brewery’s official web site.

Adirondack Brewery: Fighting Corporate Power One Beer at a Time

Lake George Mirror
By Anthony F. Hall

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

In the thirteen years since John Carr opened the Adirondack Pub and Brewery on Lake George’s Canada Street, craft brews’ share of the beer market has grown from 2% to 30%.
“People used to walk out of here when they couldn’t get a Budweiser,” says Carr.
In fact, the national brands were so successful in snuffing out independent brewers that the equipment Carr needed to start brewing his own beer was readily available, at fire sale prices.
Now, rather than demanding Budweiser, Carr’s customers gather weekly to sample and critique the newest beers.
“I call it the camaraderie of hops,” said Carr.
Increasingly, more and more women are drawn to craft brews, Carr said.
“Women drink our beers as though they were wines,” said Carr. “The beers are interesting enough to linger over.”
The appeal of craft beers in general, and the Adirondack Brew Pub’s in particular, was obvious earlier this winter, when Carr hosted a “Festival of Barrels,” a sampling of limited-edition, bourbon-barrel-aged brews.
The event drew hundreds of people, and among its more noteworthy features was this: most of those people came from far-flung areas.
The Adirondack Pub and Brewery has become a destination, thanks in part to the fact that craft brew fans occupy a growing share of the travel and tourism market.
“Craft beer drinkers go out of their way to visit a local brewery,” said Carr. “When we first opened, most of our customers were casual tourists. Today, they tell us they’re making it a point to stop here on their way to Lake Placid or Montreal.”
The visibility of the Brew Pub has also grown because its beers are now distributed not only to bars and restaurants, but also to markets and beverage centers.
“The local markets got behind us, and we really appreciated that support,” says Carr.
Stewarts, Price Chopper and Grand Union now carry Adirondack beer, and Carr hopes to enlarge his market to encompass stores from Albany to Canada.
The brewery will soon have the capacity to meet that increased demand.
A new addition to the brewpub, now under construction, will nearly double the brewery’s output.
“I’m too independent not to want to brew, bottle and sell my beer myself,” said Carr.
Some brewpubs outsource their production. Worse, some entrepreneurs are inventing brands, paying large breweries to brew the beer, and then presenting their wares as authentic craft brews at festivals.
“Sometimes the only authentic thing about the beer is the t-shirt emblazoned with the brand,” said Carr.
Moreover, multi-national corporations are buying up small breweries, brewing the beer in bulk and then distributing it without disclosing that it’s now a national brand, just with a cooler label.
“We call them faux craft beers,” with Carr.
Once the national brands realized they couldn’t defeat the independent brewers, they decided to join them, or at least pretend to, and according to Carr, that means he’s still having to battle corporate power.
“Consumers don’t always know where their beer is coming from,” said Carr. “We’re still competing with Budweiser, but now we’re competing with it on the level of craft brews. That can be difficult if consumers aren’t aware that their beer comes from some plant.”
Authentic craft beers are, of course, fresher than the faux crafts; but they also support year-round, local jobs.
“I wanted to create year-round jobs; that’s one of the reasons why I decided to invest even more heavily in the brewery,” said Carr. “People drink beer year round.”
With the expansion of the brewery, Carr hopes to increase his work force to fourteen people, working forty-hour weeks with full benefits.
Carr and New York State’s other independent brewers recently won some support from their US Senator, Chuck Schumer.
In December, Schumer announced the creation of an “I Love NY Brew” campaign to place more locally-brewed New York beer in New York City and state restaurants, bars and convenience store shelves.
Schumer said that pushing New York-brewed beer onto convenience store shelves and restaurants in major cities like New York would be a major step forward for an industry that pumps billions of dollars into the state’s economy every year.
“Everything helps,” said Carr. “Schumer knows that when you buy truly local beer, you’re supporting local people and the local economy.”

‘Festival of Barrels’ Jan. 28 at Adirondack Pub & Brewery
January 6, 2012 by Joe Stalvey, Connecticut Post

The Adirondack Pub & Brewery in Lake George will celebrate its limited edition, bourbon barrel-aged brews at “Festival of Barrels,” from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, on the deck of the pub. Open to the public, guests can beat the cabin fever and “toast the cold” with a star-lit barrel bonfire, craft brews and delicious food.

Tickets cost $20 and $25 at the door. Each ticket includes 5 beer tickets and a complementary mug. Tickets are available for purchase at the pub during regular business hours and online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/217514.

“Festival of Barrels” guests will have the opportunity to sample such brews as the 2010 and 2011 Vintage Fat Scotsman, Bourbon Aged CoCo-Laboration (chocolate smoked porter) and Double Dry Hopped IPA aged in white oak barrels. Food will include three bountiful appetizers and three savory entrees, prepared to complement the craft brews.

Barrel-aged brew, or beer that’s designed to be aged in bourbon barrels, is now in high demand by beer connoisseurs; but as it’s produced in small batches, they sell out fast.

In addition to its barrel-aged brews, the brewery also produces a variety of other craft ales, including Café Vero Stout, made with 100% locally roasted coffee; Belgium White Peach, re-fermented with fresh peach puree; and Maple Porter, made with pure maple syrup.

For more information about the Adirondack Pub & Brewery, visit www.AdkPub.com, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ADKBrewery.

12/21/2011
Adirondack Brewery in Lake George to Host “Festival of Barrels” at Fire-side Craft Brew Celebration, January 28, 2012
Event to feature limited-edition bourbon barrel-aged beers and delicious food

The Adirondack Pub & Brewery is now pouring its limited edition, bourbon barrel-aged brews and will celebrate its production at a star-lit, barrel-bomb fire on January 28, 2012, from 2-6PM on the deck of the Adirondack Pub. Open to the public, guest can beat the cabin fever and “toast the cold” during a brew-iffic celebration featuring craft brews and delicious food! Tickets cost $20 and $25 at the door. Each ticket includes 5 beer tickets and a complementary mug. Tickets are available for purchase at the Pub during regular business hours and online at:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/217514

At the “Festival of Barrels” guests will have the opportunity to sample 6-8 barrel aged beers, including some of the Brewery’s most rare brews such as the 2010 & 2011 Vintage Fat Scotsman, Bourbon Aged CoCo-Laboration (Chocolate Smoked Porter) and Double Dry Hopped IPA aged in White America oak barrels. 

With the beer craft movement on the rise and as ale sophistication ensues, the Adirondack Brewery and its team of brewers are taking stead and leading the way in developing innovative artisanal brews in the north country. Barrel-aged brew, or beer that’s designed to be aged in bourbon barrels, is now in high demand by beer connoisseurs; but as it’s produced in small batches, they sell out fast!

Other than their bourbon barrel-aged brews, the brewery also produces a variety of other craft ales including, Café Vero Stout – made with 100% locally roasted coffee, Belgium White Peach – re-fermented with fresh peach puree and Maple Porter – made with pure maple syrup.

“We strive to produce high-quality and innovative ales for our loyal customers,” states John Carr, owner of the Adirondack Pub & Brewery. ”Beer drinkers have become accustomed to premium brews, and we want to provide them with a unique drinking experience to keep them coming back!”
Tickets to the “Festival of Barrels” costs $20 and $25 at the door. Each ticket includes 5 beer tickets and a complementary mug. Tickets are available for purchase at the Pub during regular business hours and online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/217514

Learn about all the brews the Adirondack Brewery has on-tap, here.

For more information about the Adirondack Pub & Brewery, please visit www.AdkPub.com, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ADKbrewery

About Adirondack Pub & Brewery
Adirondack Pub & Brewery is a full-functioning brewery in the heart of Lake George village, with all craft-brewed beers made on premise using the finest malt, hops, yeast and water.  The Adirondack pub, a full-service, Adirondack themed dining establishment serves up all-America cuisine is open for Friday-Sundays for lunch and dinner and Thursday for dinner. Brewery tours are given Saturdays at noon during the summer season or by appointment during the off-season. Visit Adirondack Pub & Brewery at 33 Canada Street in Lake George, New York, or call (518) 668-0002.

2010 Tap NY, Matthew Vasser Brewers Cup, Best Brewery in the Hudson Valley
2011 Glens Falls Beer Fest, Favorite Brewery

7/5/11
Brewers have release the latest "brewers reserve" a Belgian amber, that have been aged in American oak barrels that that been used for aging bourbon, then used for aging of apple jack brandy, then we aged our beer in them. This give the beer a very complex flavor with a mix of the charclo and sweetness of bourbon, mixed with the light hints on apple, and then all the unusual flavors of a Belgium classic.

As we increase production of our bottling line our beers are now available in beverage centers in the area, and in the Grand Unions in the North Country.

5/24/11
Adirondack Brewery in Lake George Introduces New Packaging that Unleashes the Spirit of the Adirondacks

Just in time for the Lake George summer tourist season, the Adirondack Brewery has just released new packaging for its bottled beers and beer cases – eight new labels, each celebrating the iconic legends and tales of the Adirondack Region. Tourists visiting the region will now have the opportunity to drink the finest ale brewed and bottled right in Lake George Village while learning about the great legends that have made Lake George the “Queen of American Lakes.”

From the award-winning summer favorite, Dirty Blonde Ale that highlights the tales of summer romance on the shores of Lake George to the light-bodied lager to the history behind the Iroquois Pale Ale, each craft brew uniquely unleashes the spirit of the Adirondacks.

The concept and design of the new labels is the brainchild of Linda Wohlers, who has a vast knowledge about the history of the Adirondack region. “I wanted to create labels that not only caught the consumers eye, but also told a unique story that was symbolic of the Adirondack region,” states Linda. Each beer label and packaging of the six-packs and cases not only tells a story but also promotes the entire region by offering a brief history and introduction to the Adirondacks,” she furthers.

Below is an explanation of a sampling of the new labels:

Dirty Blonde Ale – Recently named “3rd Best Craft Beer in the Hudson Valley” by TAP NY, Dirty Blonde Ale is an all-American wheat beer with a twist of grapefruit, making this brew light, refreshing and perfect for drinking in the summer. The new label for Dirty Blonde Ale is an ode to the many summer romances that have taken place on the shores of Lake George since the early 1800’s and showcases a voluptuous longhaired dirty blonde lounging on the shores of Lake George.

A majestic, crystal clear lake, Lake George has attracted thousands of tourists and second-home owners each summer season. Bringing together downstaters, upstaters and out-of staters, Lake George village becomes a haven for the young, beautiful and the restless, all sharing the same love of good ole’ Lake George. These crowds bring hundreds of bright-eyed young ladies and eager gentlemen who are antsy to fall in love and set their sails free, for a summer of romance.

Iroquois Pale Ale – A big American style India Pale Ale (IPA) with a deep orange color, and crisp citrus aroma, Adirondack Brewery’s Iroquois Pale Ale is dedicated to the Iroquois Nation – a powerful force that controlled most of the northeast United States and Canada abut made the land spanning from the Adirondacks to Niagara Falls, their homeland and their hunting grounds. The word "Adirondack" actually means "those who eat trees" in the language of the Iroquois.

During the early 1600’s the Europeans set foot on the region and soon encountered the Iroquois. A small fight began and the Iroquois people witnessed the French settlers shoot and kill two of their Chiefs; thus sparking the hatred of the French by the Iroquois, which eventually lead to an alliance between the British and the Iroquois. The Iroquois Nation was fierce, loyal, and fought alongside the British during the French and Indian War, which positioned the British as the dominant colonial power in the eastern half of North America. The Iroquois Nation to this day has an immense cultural influence amongst the land and the people in the Adirondack region.

Iroquois Pale Ale is dedicated to the powerful and peaceful Iroquois Nation.

Fat Scotsman Ale – This big rich and malty Scottish ale is a tribute to Lockhart Mountain in Lake George, which was homestead for the Scottish Lockhart Clan who emigrated from Scotland to Lake George region in the early 1800's, where they settled on what would soon be called Lockhart Mountain. During the French and Indian War, members of the clan served as soldiers in the Scottish Regiments who fought alongside the British and the Iroquois. As history tells us, the Iroquois viewed the British as “wimps” and the Scots as fierce, proud, warriors who never backed down from a rowdy brawl! The Lockhart clan was rewarded from their service in the French & Indian War with a grant of land included all lakefront land on Route 9L north to Dunham's Bay on the water, and over the Mountain to Route 149.

Fat Scotsman Ale is a tribute to the bold Lockhart Clan ad their proud Scottish traditions.

Headwater Hefe Beer – Headwater Hefe is Adirondack Brewery’s authentic Bavarian style Hefeweizen. Imported Malts and an Authentic German yeast strain give this lightly hopped wheat beer a refreshing flavor with hints of banana and clove in the finish.

Dedicated to Hudson River, a true symbol of New York State whose 315 miles of shoreline connects the largest state park in the country to the largest city in the country, Headwater Hefe Beer celebrates the origin of the Hudson River, which starts from the southwest slope of the tallest mountain in the New York, Mt. Marcy. At an elevation of a steep 4,293 feet lies Lake Tear of the Cloud, is a small tarn located in the town of Keene, in Essex County. It is both the highest lake in the state and the highest source of the Hudson River. We dedicate this beer to the river that links upstate to downstate, and urbanites to country folks, in one proud connection.

Learn about all the brews the Adirondack Brewery has on-tap.

We are planning some great beers for this coming summer! Our Hefeweizen is outrageously popular during the hot Lake George summer and we are just getting geared up to brew that in order to have it for the impending heat. In addition to the classic “hefe” we are going to be adding a couple of different beers to our summer lineup. We are going to be pulling out a Hefe-Rye-Zen, which is our take on an unfiltered wheat beer with some rye malt added to the recipe. Look for a slightly darker color, earthy aroma, and slightly more spicy taste. The third beer we are pulling out in that style is going to be a “Hopen-Weisse,” a slightly hoppier version of Lake George’s favorite summer brew. The color will be the same, and will just as refreshing, but its going to have a nice hearty addition of aromatic American hops instead of the milder German counterparts used in our classic Hefeweizen. Another great seasonal brew we are working on is going to be a refreshing watermelon wheat beer. It has been getting quite warm up here already; and it’ only the first week of May, but we have just been daydreaming about what fabulously fruity beers will pleasure our palates through these warmer months ahead. This is going to be a must-try for everyone!

Man, these beer festivals take their toll! We had a great experience at the Glens Falls Brewfest on April 10, but then had to quickly refill to make it to TAP NY at Hunter Mountain. We brought the most beer we have ever brought to a festival anticipating the thousands of thirsty folks there, sadly enough our poor brewery truck couldn’t handle the load. We made it there OK, and wound up winning “Best Brewery in the Hudson Valley” as well as winning “3rd Best Craft Beer in the Hudson Valley” for our Dirty Blonde Ale. Thanks, to everyone who came out to these great events, we will see you at the next few fests- but you can still get your ADK fix by stopping in to see us in Lake George. See you soon!

We have recently purchased a firkin for the brewery! A firkin is a traditional English-style cask used for storing, aging, and serving ales, and we couldn't be prouder... We are planning on putting a heaping helping of hops in the cask along with the new brown ale that has just finished fermenting. The brown ale was originally going to be released as a spring seasonal beer- but when the brewery and restaurant staff tasted it, well... we knew there would be a mutiny if we only allowed this recipe to see the light of day once a year.

This winter has been great for us here in Lake George, the weather has been strange but the beer has never been better! We released, for the first time, a Black Lager as a winter seasonal beer. It is a smooth and drinkable beer like most lagers, but it is just about pitch black in color- thats not something you see everyday! As this was a test-batch, we only made enough for our pub and a few select accounts who were interested in this uncommon product, like Gore Mountain in North Creek, Bar Vino in North Creek, and Max London's in Saratoga. If you were lucky enough to try it- don't worry, it will be back! If you weren't so lucky... there's about 9 months until we brew it again, but our classic hefe-weizen will be on-tap in no time!

American wet hopped cream ale which was brewed on Oct 1st should be ready the week of the 25th.

There is quite a lot going on in the brewery right now. From finishing up our Oktoberfest lager for our annual Oktoberfest party on October 17, to brewing an experimental beer that will contain a good portion of Hicks orchard’s apple cider. The next big project that we will be taking on will be a Fall Farmhouse ale. This will be a very interesting dark amber beer with fresh orange peel, black pepper, coriander, and dark Belgian candy sugar. We will be using a saison blend yeast strain that I obtained from White Labs. We also used this same yeast on the batch of Belgian Saison that we have on tap currently at the pub.

Another exciting thing that recently happened was winning some great awards at the Saratoga Battle of the Brews, a benefit for the New York Red Cross. The brewery won 2nd best in show for our Hefewiezen and 4th for our IPA. The Bear Naked Ale also won 2nd place people’s choice. Check back soon for more updates on the happenings at the Adirondack Brewery!