Brewin’ In Tupper!
Tupper Lake is well known for its postcard-worthy moments in nature (or in today’s lingo, “selfie worthy”). Maybe it’s a photo of a couple paddling on the river, a family shot at the top of a mountain, or the iconic photo of yourself with the moose antlers at The Wild Center. But these days, in addition to all of the outdoorsy sort of fun, Tupper Lake is now brewing up a new scene to discover — the craft beer scene!
Two breweries, two times the fun!
Over the past few years, as the craft beer scene has taken off, Tupper Lake has also seen its fair share of growth with the addition of a new brewery. And there's another one slated to open soon!
Raquette River Brewing
Let's start in the Junction — also referred to as “downtown,” “the other downtown,” “the real Main Street,” and last, but certainly not least, “the portion of Tupper Lake formerly know as Faust.”
Are you lost yet? Feeling like you need a beer? Then you are in luck, because a great one is not hard to find!
Opened in 2014, Raquette River Brewing is quickly growing from that "cute little microbrewery" to a "must stop" when you're in the Adirondacks. Serving up an ever-changing menu of eight distinct beers, this brewery is sure to have something on tap for all types of beer connoisseur.
Currently on tap you will find everything from an IPA and Double IPA to a Double Stout, Mango Wheat, and even a Strawberry Cilantro. But I'm not going to go on and on about each beer and how great they are (which they are) because, after all, I am a local, and you will just think I'm biased because this is one of my hometown breweries. So I'm just going to tell you about the place and you can come judge the beer for yourself. That's the fun part, right?
Located on Balsam Street, Raquette River Brewing offerers a unique setup with a growing brewery, a covered outdoor beer garden, a resident food truck, and even a free library.
Raquette River Brewing offers drink-in and take-out options including sampling flights, beer by the pint, growlers, and more. If you have time to stay, make sure to coming hungry as the resident food truck, Arthur's On The Road, serves up some finger-licking good BBQ, or stick around for some live music in the beer garden on weekends.
Big Tupper Brewing
At the other end of town, or what we locals refer to as "uptown," you will find an exciting development in the world of beer as La La's at BTB is slated to open this Saturday at 4 p.m.!
Located on Cliff Avenue (or as Big Tupper Brewing says, "Just a sip off of the Park Street business district"), La La's at BTB is the restaurant and pub section of the new Big Tupper Brewing Brew Pub. The menu is still top secret; however, I've been told that it will feature Mexican inspired comfort food with a twist. I'm not 100 percent sure what that means, but it sounds delicious and I'm excited to give it a try!
This week I had the opportunity to take a quick tour of the place, and the bar and dining room are stunning! This fall, when the brewery side of the brew pub comes online, it will most certainly become another Adirondack "must-stop."
As for the beer, Big Tupper Brewing's beer has actually been on the shelves in stores and on tap in restaurants and pubs for about a year now. From the signature IPA "Eh" Ale to their seasonal Green Tea Ale, if the food at La La's is anything like the beer and the ambiance of the new brew pub, it is sure to be a hit!
Follow the trail
So with two great breweries now on separate "sides" of Tupper Lake, and a variety of other establishments in between serving up local brews, I'm starting to see a beer trail emerging. Combine that with the fact that the Waterfront Walkway and the new Junction Pass Recreation Trail conveniently make a nice connection between them, and I have to say I see a great new bike-and-brew opportunity coming to fruition.
But however you choose to sample and experience the new Tupper Lake brewing scene, we encourage you to have fun, drink responsibly, and share your opinions on the beer with us! And of course, take your time and explore the other things Tupper Lake has to offer. Try one of our many local restaurants, experience one of our many attractions, or bring the family for a weekend of fun!
- Cheers!
What's brewing in the 'dacks this week: