LOCALadk Magazine

Fall 2015 LOCALadk Magazine 49 LOCALadk With the rise of craft breweries in New York, the variety of flavorful local beers has started to become overwhelming in a wonderful way. In the Lake George area of the Adirondacks, the Hoppy Trails Brew Bus has established a unique way to experience the craft beverage establish- ments - as well as the plentiful wineries and distilleries - in the Warren, Washington, Saratoga counties and beyond. The Hoppy Trails Brew Bus provides an experience similar to a Finger Lakes wine tour; offering tour customization, knowledgeable guides, and transportation to each brewery. The overall concept is simple: Hoppy Trails founders Gabe and Olivia Sutton completely revamped a small bus that they use to tour beer enthu- siasts around the Glens Falls/Lake George area, stopping at 3 or 4 breweries along the way (or even distilleries and wineries depending on the tour chosen). Time spent on the bus is filled with stories from the tour guides - historical and entertaining - and time spent at the breweries is filled with tastings of the beers on tap and brewery process tours. The bus in and of itself is a piece of art - including plush and comfortable seats, an awesome chalkboard that lays out the day's tour, a local craft brewery map painted on the ceiling, and plenty of room for stashing bags and growlers. Each location that the tour can visit is unique in its own right and the tour-goers learn something new with every stop. While there are many available options for the tours, four excellent stops are highlighted below: Adirondack Brewery The Adirondack Brewery is an award-winning brewery located in the town of Lake George. With over 25 all-natural, non-pasteurized craft ales each brewed and bottled on premise, the Adirondack Brew- ery houses both a brewing facility and a pub that offers brews and delicious food. John Carr, the man behind the brews, gives Hoppy Trails guests some unique insight into the brewing process and what separates the Adirondack Brewery from other breweries in New York State. Determined to source as much of the material required for brewing, bottling, and packaging from local businesses and farm- ers, John utilizes New York products throughout the process, from cardboard to hops. Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery Another fine stop on the tour is the Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, nestled within the Foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Located in a pastoral 200-acre setting, the distillery is housed in a renovated horse barn, chock full of beautiful timber and glistening copper stills. Tour-goers are often treated to guitar music, specialty cocktail bars, sunshine, and behind-the-scenes tours of the opera- tion. Like the Adirondack Brewery, the distillery sources much of their material locally; using 75% NY State grains and growing their own fruits, which are infused in the products. From vodka to gin to limoncello, the small batch spirits are full-bodied and rich in flavor.

• Cover