Beer is a Four Letter Word- Shmaltz 4th Anniversary

EDIT: Shmaltz is no longer at this location and therefore, no longer holds this event

I not only love beer but I love local beer. There’s something about beer produced in the area that tastes just a little better than beer from out of the area. That’s what makes Shmaltz annual anniversary party something I never want to miss!

On Saturday, June 24th, I had so much fun going around to the different booths having a chance to try all of the local (and not quite local) breweries under one tent. When you arrive, you spend $25 and get a free tasting glass and 6 wooden tokens, each for one taste of beer. There are about 12-15 different breweries, each offering about 3-4 different beers so you have to make a choice. If you do want to try more than the 6 tastings you’re allowed, you can purchase more tokens for $2 a piece.

My first beer came from R.S. Taylor and Sons (Salem, NY) and I had the Foo King A, an Irish red brewed with NY state hops and malt. I really enjoyed it, it was a nice somewhat hearty beer to get me started. Second, I had to get a beer from Shmaltz Brewing (Clifton Park, NY) to celebrate their anniversary so I decided on the Funky Jewbelation, a barrel aged sour made of a blend of 8 ales and lagers aged in bourbon barrels and rye whiskey barrels. That, was delicious. Third, I went with something familiar, Cherry Razz from Brown’s Brewing Co. (Troy, NY). It reminds me of a tastier, less sugary Cherry Coke and I feel like that beer only gets better each time I try it. Fourth, Wheels of Soul Wit from Artisanal Brew Works (Saratoga, NY), with notes of coriander and orange peel, $1 for each purchase of this beer goes to donating instruments to underprivileged children. Fifth, I tried Empire Brewing Company (Syracuse, NY) Skinny Atlas Light, the flavor of a German pilsner with the crispness of an American ale. Last but not least, I went sweeter with some 1911 Cider (LaFayette, NY). It’s a dry cider and I couldn’t wait to try Grapefruit- so good!

Pair all of that with a delicious doughboy from Esperanto (Saratoga, NY) and BBQ chicken and hash browns from O’Brien’s Public House (Troy, NY) and it was a great day! Brewery tours are offered along with outside games and great music and it really is a great afternoon out drinking some great local beers. Can’t wait for next year already!