LOCALadk Magazine

Summer 2019 LOCALadk Magazine 49 LOCALadk I had the pleasure of talking with Dave Merriman, the Director of Sales for this rapidly growing brewer y and brewpub in Schroon Lake. The brewer y was founded by Paul Mrocka, a former Army pilot, who, while stationed in Germany, fell in love with beer. Upon returning to the States he took up brewing as a hobby, giving his product to friends and family. Eventually, a light bulb went off signaling a real business opportuni- ty. Paradox Brewer y, according to Dave, has been growing exponential- ly since its early days, with a 75% increase in sales in 2017, and another 45% growth in 2018. They are currently completing a significant expan- sion with a new brewer y opening in June or July of 2019. This operation will allow Paradox to increase production by 500%. The brewers, under Paul Mrocka's direction, are passionate about beer making and excited about the opportunity to create new styles of beer for both their brew- pub —that will feature 16 draft lines—as well as distribution inside and outside the Adirondack Park. The folks at Paradox are thrilled with the growth and popularity of quality craft beers, and mar vel at the changes that have taken place in New York State alone. Dave stated that in 1985 there were only five breweries left in New York State —now there are more than 400. He agreed with Chris Ericson of Big Slide Brewer y, "More and more craft brewers are creating transition beers to draw beer drinkers from the big box brands to craft varieties." Lagers and pilsners with lower alco- holic content are being added to many artisan producers repertoire as they work at increasing the craft brew market share from 17% nation- wide. Although the Adirondack Park benefits greatly from Paradox and their exceptional beers, Dave notes that as the brewer y expands they anticipate growing distribution into neighboring states. Dave has re- ser ved a bar stool for me after the new brewer y opens this summer. "Take an opportunity to sit on the deck with a Paradox brew and gaze at the Adirondack Mountains—what could be better? " Paradox Brewery—Schroon Lake, NY: Bobby Hues' farm in Keeseville, New York was a local source of great produce for nearly two decades. Now retired, Bobby continues to take care of his land, but has turned over the easily recognized red barn to Dan and Dylan Badger so that they could live their dream of brewing farmstead beer. The brother's degrees in agriculture and biochemistr y have certainly helped them to develop a reputation for brewing great beer. Dan worked for Long Trail Brewing in Vermont, while Dylan focused on learning how to grow hops. Long stor y short, in 2014 Ausable Brewing Company was founded in Keeseville. These two Adirondack transplants are now an integral part of the craft brewer's culture in the Ad- irondacks. Their local brewpub features 11 taps of seasonally changing beers from amber ales to double IPAs and German wheat beers to complex porters and stout. Local food trucks and featured Adirondack musicians balance out the Ausable beer experience. This is a must-stop destination on your Ad- irondack beer adventure. Ausable Brewing Company— Keeseville, NY Dan (L) and Dylan (R) Badger

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