Founders Phineas DeMink and Allen “Skip” Yahn started the brewery with the vision of reviving the practice of small batch brewing to a region rich in brewing tradition. In 2002, with equipment gained from the purchase of the Old Saddleback Brewing Co. in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the Southern Tier Brewing Company began just outside of Lakewood, New York. By 2003, select varieties of small batch ales were locally distributed, and by 2005, sales covered the majority of New York State and Pennsylvania.
Southern Tier immediately garnered regional attention and demand for the product quickly outgrew what their modest facility could handle. In 2009 a new 20,000 square foot building was built for the purpose of brewing innovative, high-quality beer to accommodate an expanding customer base. In this new facility, the small brewery was able to grow and offer the product both nationally and internationally, while still satisfying its loyal fans.
In 2012 a new brewhouse installation began and wrapped up in early 2013. The first liquid began flowing through the 110 barrel Steinecker brewhouse in March of 2013. Built in Germany, the building was assembled around the new brewhouse. Overlooking the new brewhouse is a tasting room with 14 fresh draught lines.
The autumn of 2013 has seen more construction on their expanding campus. A 45,000 sq. ft. warehouse and distribution center is rapidly being built as well as a wastewater treatment facility.
Settle in with smooth, roasty cold brew coffee combined with pumpkin pie spice. Each sip provides a sense of comfort like a morning’s first brewed batch of perfectly roasted coffee.