It sure seems like pumpkin ales are the cream of the crop when it comes to fall craft beer in the Finger Lakes, at least as judged by the beer bracketologists taking part in the Democrat and Chronicle Fall Beer Bracket Challenge.
One of the finalists boasting a fine pumpkin ale has been determined, and in a big way.
Knucklehead Craft Brewing Co. is the Monroe County regional champ, knocking off Spotted Octopus Brewing Co. of Rochester.
With well-earned bragging rights comes a a well-deserved bye week for the Webster-based craft brewer, watching and waiting to see which operation emerges from a competitive field in the Finger Lakes.
No BS Brewing Co., which has locations in Livonia and Victor, ended a Cinderella season for Newark-based Runaway Blue Brewing Co., which knocked off a few heavy hitters in the Finger Lakes/Region North to get this far.
And in the Finger Lakes/South Region, Keuka Brewing Co. from Hammondsport took care of Watershed Brewing Co. from Geneva.
The winner of the No BS Brewing Co. vs. Keuka Brewing Co. not only can claim Finger Lakes bragging rights and determine who has the tastier pumpkin ale, but will also go onto face Knucklehead Craft Brewing Co. in the finale.
Fall beers of the Finger Lakes
The New York State Brewers Association’s Think NY, Drink NY 2025 New York Fall Beer Guide offered ideas for the brackets, and we’ve included some of them and their descriptions, as well as added a few of our own. Breweries from eight counties were represented.
If you don’t see your favorite in the brackets, let us know (mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com). We’ve already heard from fans of Birdhouse Brewing Co. in Honeoye, Frequentem Brewing Co. in Canandaigua, Other Half Brewing in East Bloomfield and Canandaigua, and Crafty Ales and Lagers in Phelps. We’ll acknowledge the top write-ins.
Here are the brackets:
Finger Lakes/Region North vs Finger Lakes/Region South
No BS Brewing Co. vs Keuka Brewing Co.
No BS Brewing Co.’s fall offering is one for the name hall of fame: When Pumpkins Attack, which is a light ale infused with pumpkin spice. 3474 Bronson Hill Road, Livonia, Livingston County.
Keuka Brewing’s Pumpkin Cream Ale is brewed with real pumpkin, tasty fall spices and vanilla, which the makers describe as pumpkin pie in a glass. 8572 Briglin Road, Hammondsport, Steuben County.
Monroe County champion
Knucklehead Craft Brewing
Orange you glad it’s pumpkin season? Knucklehead Craft Brewing is and has Pumpkin Ale to show it. 426 Ridge Road, Webster.
What to know
Voting begins Thursday, Oct. 30, and ends at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4.
You may vote once per matchup per hour.
The final round of voting will begin Thursday, Nov. 6, featuring the Finger Lakes winners versus Knucklehead Craft Brewing, the winner from the Monroe County bracket.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Vote for the best fall beer: Finger Lakes title battle, Monroe County champ crowned
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Canandaigua Daily Messenger / MPNnow
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