Chatham Brewing in Chatham, New York

So, it was during the sidewalk sale in Chatham that I happened upon Chatham Brewing in Chatham, New York. I met Chris and Tom and Jake when they first opened (four years ago and then some?). I am an enthusiastic customer. But I work the Hudson Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, and the small, micro-brewery is usually only open between 11-2 on Saturdays. By the time I am finished unloading my wares from the market, the brewery is already closed.

They do not currently bottle their beer. So you will not find them in the grocery stores near town. However, their model is to sell kegs to restaurants and bars, and then offer growlers at the brewery itself. You can find their beers in numerous restaurants and bars in Hudson, Chatham, Valatie, Kinderhook, and numerous other places throughout Columbia county, and then some.

Or you can go down the alley just off Main Street in Chatham. There you will most likely find Matt. Matt is the man with the plan, the man who man’s the taps on Saturdays most often. He’s friendly and knowledgeable. He’s a brewin’ fool and a great guy.

On the day in question, I was shocked to find them all there, as well as Tom’s better half, Sarah. She’s great!

So I hunkered down with Matt and Tom and talked to them about their various ales. I was most entranced by the Scotch Ale and the Blonde Ale.

The Blonde Ale is a light colored ale with a touch of spice. It’s bright, clean, and refreshing. This is a tasty bright ale with lots of good flavor. Not too much hops. A really nice drinking beer for summer.

The Scotch Ale is a big, malty ale, with big, bold flavors up front, but with a bright, even finish that isn’t too heavy or overpowering. Like a brown ale but with more flavor up front. I'm a sucker for this style, and I was thrilled. So I walked away with a growler of the Scotch Ale. Great stuff going on at Chatham Brewing.

Chatham Brewing is part of the Hudson Berkshire Beverage Trail.