Dear Friends,

There is a phenomenon that has been “brewing” for some time throughout Chenango County, and it’s continued to burst from the most unexpected places.

What am I talking about? The skill and art of craft brewing and the pockets of success we find throughout Chenango County!

Along with my Director of Communications & Tourism, Audrey Robinson, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mike and Wendy Andres, owners of Forged Brewing Company in Bainbridge. They are nestled off route 41 between Coventry and Afton, and as you travel up the long driveway to their home/tasting room you just know you have stumbled onto something truly amazing.

Their story is a unique one, that actually started pre-pandemic.

I am surprised how often I say that nowadays. “Before the pandemic” or “after the pandemic”. Like I feel it’s important to note the pandemic and its impact on what I am talking about. The last time I used this so often was after 9/11. I imagine that this is what it was like after worldwide events like WWI, WWII and Vietnam. Life totally altered by a major event or tragedy that totally changed the way you look at the world. I had hoped that 9/11 was the last time that I would feel this cataclysmic shift of reality, but here we are, twenty years later, and we are once again faced with this ripple in our timeline.

Anyway in 2019 Mike took his love of craft brews and began tinkering with his own ideas and recipes. They took a leap and built a small tasting room off their home and began building a reputation for really great brews and a feeling that when you visited them, you were among friends.

That afternoon, as Mike and Wendy shared their story with us, I could see the passion for what they do, and how much they believe in their product. From the unique handmade tasting counter, with phrases and designs hand burned into the wood by Wendy, to the outdoor sitting area with a fire pit and lawn chairs, Forged Brewing Company has created a world of relaxation, home and yes, delicious brews!

Towards the end of our meeting, Mike asked me to describe my feeling about their place. “What would you compare this setting to?” he asked me. I thought for a minute, and I said “I feel like I am at a friend’s house for a barbecue or bonfire. Very relaxed and welcoming.” Mike smiled and said, “That’s exactly what we were going for.” Don’t take my word for it though, you should definitely check them out and try one of their many, many home brews!

I just love the story of Forged Brewing and as I said earlier, this is a not so new phenomenon that Chenango County has been tapping into.

We have other breweries with similar origins such as Bullthistle Brewing Company in Sherburne, owned by Charlie Anderson. Located on Route 12 in Sherburne, Bullthistle has survived and thrived, despite the pandemic. Not only with their own line of craft brews, but also delicious food, trivia, live music and much more!

On a recent trip to visit businesses in Sherburne, my Director of Membership & Programs, Mary Miner and I stopped at Bullthistle for lunch. We settled ourselves at a table inside, thankful for the air conditioning, and enjoyed a glass of their craft brew and a delicious lunch. I had my very first lobster roll and was delighted with how amazing it was. Paired with their Cit-Ur-Ass-Down Summer Ale, it was the perfect combination!

Bullthistle has become a staple in Sherburne and has teamed up with our friends at Gilligan’s Ice Cream on their very first golf tournament on September 5th. Proceeds will go toward the Sherburne school backpack program. It’s partnerships like this that truly show a community spirit and what can happen when businesses collaborate and work together. Last I heard their teams were sold out, but they are still looking for sponsorships and raffle prizes if you would like to help out their cause.

Finally, I want to highlight another Chenango County business that has become part of our craft brewery success stories: Mark and Krista Moore, owners of Hidden Springs Brewhouse, located on Route 31, near Chenango Lake.

This dynamic duo just celebrated their two-year anniversary and were winners of Commerce Chenango’s “New Business” award in 2020. Hidden Springs not only features their very own craft brews, but you can catch a variety of food trucks, live music and events in their outdoor covered space. Throughout the pandemic, Hidden Springs did all they could to offer a safe environment for people looking to get out and socialize. They worked hard to follow state guidelines and still be able to operate. Like others in their predicament, they pivoted, survived and are still here to share their success.

In just a few weeks, Commerce Chenango will hold their Annual Membership Luncheon at Hidden Springs, in their outdoor tented area. We look forward to celebrating our award winners, our members and our friends at Hidden Springs that emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever.

These are just a few examples of how craft brewing in Chenango County has continued to grow! There are many stories like those of Forged Brewing, Bullthistle Brewing and Hidden Springs and you can find others on the Southern Tier Beverage Trail. For more information, go to: https://taste.ny.gov/location/southern-tier-craft-beverage-trail

Chenango County is a special place, and all of us at Commerce Chenango are happy to offer help and support as these businesses continue to find a home with us and are looking for ways to grow. And remember, if you are looking for a taste tester, my staff and I are always more than willing to come visit with you! It’s a tough job, but someone needs to do it!

Be well, Chenango.

~ Kerri