Washington County’s vibrant brewery scene gives travelers another reason to take the scenic route. Spread across small towns, historic villages and working farmland between Albany, Lake George and Vermont, these five Upstate New York breweries pair locally made beer with the character and scenery of the communities they call home.
Choose two or three for an afternoon, add a taproom to a day trip or build several stops into a weekend drive through the countryside! Of course, Washington County’s breweries are also part of a larger Craft Beverage Trail featuring local wineries, cideries and distilleries – all made with locally-grown ingredients.
National Beer Lovers Day in September may have inspired this guide, but the region’s small-town taprooms offer plenty to explore throughout the year.
Explore 5 Upstate New York Breweries in Washington County
Argyle Brewing Company in Greenwich, NY
Located on Main Street in Greenwich, Argyle Brewing Company operates a welcoming taproom and beer garden in the heart of southern Washington County. As Washington County’s first New York farm brewery, it helped establish the county’s modern craft beer scene and continues to produce an evolving selection using traditional methods and local ingredients.
Its walkable village location makes it easy to pair a tasting with Greenwich’s shops, restaurants and surrounding Battenkill Valley scenery.
Slickfin Brewing Company in Fort Edward, NY
Marine Corps veteran-owned Slickfin Brewing Company creates small-batch ales and lagers at its Broadway taproom in Fort Edward. The brewery maintains a varied tap list, giving visitors opportunities to sample different styles or fill a crowler to take home.
Slickfin does not operate a full kitchen, but visitors can bring food or arrange delivery from nearby restaurants. Its patio and beer garden also welcome well-behaved dogs. Learn more about what it’s like to visit.
Battle Hill Brewing Company in Fort Ann, NY
At Battle Hill Brewing Company, local history and craft beer share the menu. Located in Fort Ann near the site of the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Fort Anne, the brewery produces its own beers and serves a full food menu featuring burgers, sandwiches and other house-made favorites.
Battle Hill is approximately 20 minutes from Lake George, making it a convenient stop for visitors traveling between the lake, Glens Falls and northern Washington County.
Slate Town Brewing Company in Granville, NY
Granville’s slate heritage provides the setting for Slate Town Brewing Company, a New York State farm brewery producing small-batch beer with local and seasonal ingredients. Its Main Street taproom and brewery kitchen make it an easy place to settle in for a tasting and a meal.
While you’re in town, explore Granville’s historic Main Street and learn why the community is known as the “Colored Slate Capital of the World“.
Cigar Brothers Brewing in Whitehall, NY
Cigar Brothers Brewing brings locally brewed beer to historic Whitehall. Its beers are designed to appeal to both craft beer newcomers and visitors interested in unusual styles and flavor combinations, with names that frequently reference Whitehall’s local character.
The farm brewery offers indoor and outdoor seating, lawn games and a cigar humidor. Pair your visit with Whitehall’s waterfront, Skene Manor or the Skenesborough Museum for a fuller day trip.
Join the Fun During The Flannel Fall Crawl
Visiting in autumn? Washington County’s annual Flannel Fall Crawl brings local breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries together for seasonal releases, special experiences and a countywide tasting challenge. Several breweries in this guide participate each year, making it easy to turn these small-town taprooms into a fall craft beverage route!
Visit the event page for current dates, participating producers, featured pours, the official map and contest details. The lineup can change from year to year, so check the event page before planning your stops.
Plan Your Washington County Brewery Trip
Washington County is large and rural, so a little planning will help you enjoy the route without rushing between stops.
We recommend visitors:
- Choose two or three breweries in the same part of the county instead of attempting every location in one day.
- Check current taproom hours, menus and food availability directly with each brewery.
- Pair brewery visits with nearby Main Streets, historic sites, restaurants or outdoor attractions.
- Ask about seasonal releases, flights and nonalcoholic options when planning for a group.
- Designate a driver or arrange safe transportation in advance.
How Brewing Took Root in Upstate New York
Did you know? Beer has deep roots in eastern New York! Dutch and German brewing traditions helped Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley develop into major brewing centers, supported by locally grown wheat and hops. After the Erie Canal opened and a later railroad expansion, Albany brewers could distribute their ales to markets across the country.
The industry has changed considerably, but the relationship between agriculture, place and brewing continues throughout Upstate New York. Washington County’s independent producers carry that story forward through small-batch beers, local ingredients and taprooms that serve as community gathering places.
Learn more about Albany’s historic brewing industry.
Keep Tasting Your Way Through Washington County
Of course, beer is just one part of Washington County’s locally made beverage scene! Follow the complete Craft Beverage Trail to discover local wineries, cideries and distilleries, or use the Trip Builder to add nearby dining, shopping, attractions and lodging to your route.
Whether you’re celebrating National Beer Lovers Day or planning a brewery tour through Upstate New York, check current hours, travel safely and enjoy Washington County responsibly.
