One of the newest breweries in the Finger Lakes is not new to New York. Big aLICe Brewing originally opened in Long Island City in 2013. But this year they added a new taproom and brewing spot in Geneva.
About the Brewery
When co-founders Kyle Hurst and Scott Berger first opened Big aLICe Brewing, they started on a 10-barrel system using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The brewery has grown a lot over the years, both in size, experience, and number of locations. The pair opened a barrel room in Brooklyn in 2019 before starting the new venture in the Finger Lakes. But as they continue to grow, the owners continue to be creative and experiment with small batches.
When Kyle and Scott were on the hunt for a third location, they anticipated that it would be somewhere close to New York City, likely in the Hudson Valley. But a fateful trip to the Finger Lakes presented an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. It took less than a week from the time they saw the property to make the decision to put in an offer. In May 2021, they opened the third location.
A New Location in Geneva
When the new spot opened, the owners set it up as a farm brewery, meaning that at least 60% of the hops and other ingredients must be sourced within New York State. With that denotation, they have been able to forge meaningful partnerships throughout the Finger Lakes as they find places to purchase the ingredients for their beers.
And while only some of Big aLICe’s beers will be brewed in Geneva (while others remain in production in LIC), they have all of their beers available. Whether for purchase to-go or to enjoy in the taproom, they don’t want the new location to miss out on varieties that are still brewed at the main location.
The head brewer in Geneva, Dominic Sims, started out as a beertender at the Long Island City location. While he was there, he was able to learn all the trade secrets from head brewer Jon Kielty. He’s brought his expertise to oversee the 15-barrel system in the FInger Lakes.
The Beers
Because Big aLICe’s ingredients are sourced locally, their beers are fresh and sometimes seasonal. For example, in the summer you’ll find Lemongrass Kolsch and Honey Wit, perfect for those hot days. But when the weather gets colder, it’s time for Autumn Rye or Sleep Now in the Fire.
The brewery has 16 draught lines, and coolers full of cans and bottles to go. When you visit, be sure to enjoy a bite to eat from one of the rotating food trucks and grab a seat by one of several fire pits in the biergarten.
Big aLICe Brewing Finger Lakes
4180 NY-14
Geneva, NY 14456
