By David Diehl of FLX Words
It is always a welcome addition to the community when breweries expand into the Finger Lakes Region. WT Brews originated in Baldwinsville (Syracuse) six years ago, and just this past April moved into their second location in Seneca Falls—making them one of the only brewing companies to have two locations on the Erie Canal.
Being a licensed farm brewery, WT Brews is required to make each of their liquids with sixty percent or higher New York State ingredients.
“We are a farm brewery. Which is really a different license. It requires the brewery to use a certain amount of New York State hops and malts in each beer,” explains Bob Pinkowski, Manager of the Seneca Falls location. “You don’t necessarily have to be on a farm to be a farm brewery. It just has to be New York State ingredients. Every one of our beers exceeds the requirement. If we can get our ingredients locally, we will.”
Pinkowski also explained that being in the Finger Lakes will likely help the brewery utilize even more local resources.
“We are looking forward to exploring and linking up with some Finger Lakes farms,” he said. “We want to use local apples and honey—it’s important to us to highlight local ingredients.”
While perusing Finger Lakes craft brewery menus, it is easy to get dazzled by unique, and sometimes strange, combinations. But it is a true testament to quality brewers when they can master the classics. WT Brews has put dedication into doing those classics their justice. While they are skilled at providing all flavor profiles, with this menu, their Nut Brown Ale stands out.
“Our Nut Brown is an ale that is really one of the classics. The name does refer to the liquid’s color, and this rendition comes out very malty, slightly sweet, and very rich in flavor,” says Pinkowski. “There is a little nuttiness —but also chocolate, toffee, and coffee flavors. We use nine different malts in our very complex malt bill. Most breweries have a brown ale, but they sometimes go unnoticed. Hops are hot, sours are sexy—but there is a reason why brown ales have stood the test of time.”
Located right on the water in Seneca Falls, WT Brews can’t wait to throw events in the near future. But for now, you can check out their extensive beer list on location and order a pint of Nut Brown or take it to go in a custom glass growler.
WT Brews – Seneca Falls. 6 Ovid St, Seneca Falls. 13148. www.wtbrews.com/
It was always a goal for David Diehl to return to the Finger Lakes and make an imprint on the beer culture of the region. A Hobart & William Smith Colleges graduate, Diehl spent over a decade in Brooklyn and is excited to be back and taking on Finger Lakes craft beer reviews and commentaries for EdibleFingerLakes.com. He has also been published in Inked Magazine, YRB Magazine, Nerve.com, and The Finger Lakes Times. You can follow his work at FLXWORDS.com.
