Druthers Brewing Company

Druthers Brewing Company. Located in Albany, New York, Druthers Brewing Company was founded by George De Piro and Chris Martell, with the goal of creating a unique brewpub experience, similar to those found in Portland, Oregon and Boulder, Colorado. The company's name is derived from the phrase "I'd rather," which reflects the owners' desire to create a space where customers can enjoy high-quality craft beer and farm-to-table cuisine, reminiscent of establishments like The Alchemist and Russian River Brewing Company. Druthers Brewing Company has become a staple in the Capital District of New York, attracting visitors from nearby Saratoga Springs and Troy, New York.

● History

Druthers Brewing Company was established in 2012, with the help of investors from Schenectady, New York and Rensselaer, New York. The company's founders were inspired by the craft beer movement, which was gaining popularity in the United States, with breweries like Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and New Belgium Brewing Company leading the way. Druthers Brewing Company's early success was fueled by its unique approach to brewing, which emphasized the use of local ingredients and innovative techniques, similar to those employed by Dogfish Head Brewery and Stone Brewing. As the company grew, it expanded its operations to include a brewpub and restaurant, offering a menu of farm-to-table cuisine, including dishes inspired by The Culinary Institute of America and The Food Network.

● Brewery

The Druthers Brewing Company brewery is equipped with a state-of-the-art brewhouse, designed by Portland Kettle Works and Newlands Systems, and a cellar for aging and conditioning beers, similar to those used by Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Oskar Blues Brewery. The brewery's equipment is similar to that used by other craft breweries, such as Lagunitas Brewing Company and Ballast Point Brewing. Druthers Brewing Company's brewing team, led by Head Brewer Erik Matthews, has developed a range of beer styles, from IPAs to sour beers, using ingredients sourced from local farms and hops growers, including Hopunion and Yakima Chief Ranches. The brewery's proximity to Albany, New York and Saratoga Springs allows for easy access to a wide range of ingredients and inspiration from nearby breweries, such as Adirondack Brewery and Brown's Brewing Company.

● Beers

Druthers Brewing Company offers a diverse range of beers, including year-round and seasonal releases, such as Bock and Oktoberfest, inspired by traditional German beer styles and breweries like Weihenstephan and Paulaner Brewery. The company's beer portfolio includes IPAs, pale ales, and stouts, brewed with ingredients sourced from local farms and hops growers, similar to those used by Founders Brewing Co. and Bell's Brewery. Druthers Brewing Company has also experimented with sour beers and wild ales, using techniques inspired by Russian River Brewing Company and Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales. The company's beers are available on draft and in cans and bottles, and can be found in bars and restaurants throughout the Capital District, including The City Beer Hall and Olde English Pub.

● Awards

Druthers Brewing Company has received numerous awards and accolades for its beers, including medals at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup, where it has competed against other notable breweries like Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Pike Brewing Company. The company's beers have also been recognized by beer critics and reviewers, including Beer Advocate and RateBeer, which have praised the brewery's innovative approach to brewing and commitment to using local ingredients, similar to that of The Bruery and Cigar City Brewing. Druthers Brewing Company has been named one of the best breweries in New York by NYC Beer Scene and Albany Times Union, and has been featured in publications like Imbibe Magazine and Draft Magazine.

● Locations

Druthers Brewing Company has two locations in Albany, New York, including a brewpub and restaurant in the downtown area, and a tasting room and retail shop in the Delaware Avenue neighborhood, near SUNY Albany and The College of Saint Rose. The company's locations offer a unique experience for visitors, with a focus on local food and craft beer, similar to that found at The Farmhouse Tap & Grill and The Gingerman. Druthers Brewing Company has become a popular destination for beer enthusiasts and foodies from throughout the Capital District, including Saratoga Springs and Troy, New York, and has been recognized as one of the best breweries in the region by Yelp and TripAdvisor. Category:Breweries in New York