As I have said before, I like my beer dark like motor oil. Not a lot of breweries are good at the darker beers and that is ok, they are not for everyone. Here are a few of my favorites that I have found in the Finger Lakes region. No, I haven’t been to every brewery and I’m not going to list every dark beer I have tried. These are just my favorites that I have discovered (so far).

Lucky Hare

Start at Lucky Hare Brewing. One of our favorite stops when we are here and probably my favorite beer on the route. They have a milk stout that I keep going back for (“Milk Milk”) that is a cross between chocolate and coffee. Very smooth and just a little sweet. This trip they had the Milk Milk Nitro on tap and it was every bit as good as I remembered. Sadly Nitro doesn’t transport in a growler so could only enjoy a pint during our visit. Highly recommended.

Wagner’s

Next stop, Wagers Vinyards. We got to try the “Sparrow Stout” which is a combination of coffee, molasses, dark chocolate, wine, brown sugar, and who knows what else. I liked it so much that we picked up a growler to take with us. Several years ago I fell in love with Wagner’s “Sugarhouse Maple Porter“ which was available in bottles. It’s maple syrup, vanilla, and molasses in a well balanced beer that might be too sweet for some but my parents used to make maple products so I think this one is in my blood. I quickly snagged a case of those to bring home to share with friends.

Three Brothers

Head north to Three Brothers Warhorse. They have several dark beers that I have enjoyed. This trip was “Breakfast with Churchill Oatmeal Coffee Stout Nitro”. The name says it all and it is a great beer to try if you get the chance. They also had “S’mores With Churchill” (again fairly self explanatory) which was worthy to fill a growler to enjoy after got back to the RV. A little too sweet for some and Karen says this is more of a dessert and should probably be served over ice cream. 

Bottomless

Next drive a very short distance to Bottomless Brewery. They had a Baltic Porter which is my go-to beer style . Very drinkable, rich but not sweet like some and very well balanced. When you are here you have to check out the unique bathrooms. A nice place to stop and great atmosphere. 

Now it’s time to go to the other side of Senaca Lake…

WeBe

Cross over through Geneva and visit WeBe Brewing Company. They have to have one of the coolest logo’s ever. It incorporates hops, Finger Lakes, a bottle cap… nicely done. They have one called “Hands in the Cookie Jar” which is a creamy milk stout that is a little on the sweet side but very tasty. This one is made with Oreo Cookies! The warmer it gets the better it tastes. 

Starkey’s

After that head down the west side of the lake. My last stop on my tour would be Starkey’s Overlook. They have a “Vanilla Porter” that is delicious, very vanilla with coffee overtones. This would be my second favorite beer on the list and the view is one of the best. Grab a seat on the deck and relax because you probably will not want to leave before closing.

And before I forget, all of these are dog friendly! Luxie was welcome in every place we went. Wagner’s was the only one where she couldn’t go inside due to some food preparation restrictions. Let me know if you get a chance to try any of these!

by Dennis
1 Comment