February Beers of the Month

Southern Tier Brewing Company of Lakewood, New York, has been in operation since 2002 and currently produces over 18,000 barrels annually, equivalent to over 8 million 12-ounce bottles of beer! Beer drinkers in more than half the United States and parts of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Japan, Philippines and Singapore are now enjoying handcrafted ales brewed in a modest facility in rural western New York State.  

Founders Phineas DeMink and Allen (”Skip”) Yahn started the brewery with the vision of bringing small batch brewing back to a region rich in brewing tradition. In 2002 Skip and Phin purchased the defunct Old Saddleback Brewing Co. in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. All the equipment was removed, brought back to Lakewood, and set up at its new home located within the Stoneman Business Park. The Brewery began distributing regionally in February 2003. By 2005, sales covered the majority of New York State and the eastern half of Pennsylvania.

Beer Advocate magazine has listed the brewery in the top 50 American Breweries in their June 2007 issue. Of nearly 1400 breweries and brewpubs in the US, being named the top 2.5% (35th) is quite an achievement for the young company. This listing came on the heels of the May/June 2007 issue of The New Brewer Journal of the Brewers Association, which listed the brewery as the 39th largest in America in 2006, noting an increase in volume of 140% since 2005.

Southern Tier Hoppe Imperial Extra Pale Ale

The simplicity of Hoppe tests the skill and ability of the brewer to create something truly majestic. Hoppe is spawned of these few essentials: barley, wheat, hops, yeast and water. This limited palette is an exercise in minimalism, with refined elements, which are deliberately selected. This simple combination creates a golden shimmering brew infused with delicate aromas. The artful nature of this beer is exposed with the first taste. As the malt and hops create a composition of flavors, an elegant finish leaves an impression that your tastes will not soon forget.  8.0% abv.

Notes: An amber color, with aromas of hops and orange, saffron, and chamomile, there is a slight bitterness on the palate with a nutty aftertaste reminiscent of chestnut

Southern Tier Oatmeal Stout

This beer begins in spring when oat seeds are sown as soon as the soil can be worked. Meanwhile, select types of barley are planted with hopes that Mother Nature will be kind. Brewers wait patiently until the legumes are mature and ready for the scythe. Upon delivery to the brewery, these ingredients are mixed together in the mash tun where they steep, creating a rich molasses-like liquid. Spicy hops are boiled with the thick brew, giving balance and complexity. Brewer’s yeast feasts upon the rich sugars, concluding its transformation into oatmeal stout. Pour Oat into a snifter; allow its thick tan head to slowly rise, releasing unbridled aromas.  9.6% abv.

Notes: aromas of tootsie roll, caramel, black cherry and well…oatmeal with bitter chocolate and vanilla on the nose, a nice long finish