From the pioneers of the Leatherstocking era to the outdoor enthusiasts of the modern Adirondacks, upstate New York has a great tradition of adventure.

The craft beverage renaissance happening in Central New York celebrates its own traditions, namely its roots in agriculture and experimentation.

Woodland Farm Brewery just outside of Utica taps into all of the above, embracing experimentation with its primarily New York State grown beers.

Co-founders Keith Redhead and Nick Natishak wanted to combine their passion for beer with an appreciation of Central New York’s brewing history. They established Woodland and captured the essence of Brew Central, America’s Craft Brew Destination. As a brewer, Redhead strives to create new vibrant and tasty beers regularly. Barrel aged beers and cask ales are two of the main focuses at Woodland. With two beer engines, there are always two cask offerings at any time! Their casks rotate regularly and offer variations and concoctions of what’s on tap; each with a little twist like more hops in the cask, local coffee or even cocoa.

But rest assured, Woodland brewers aren’t afraid to throw in something a little more daring like hot peppers, peanut butter, or fruit from time to time. Their barrel aging program includes locally sourced new oak barrels from Adirondack Barrel Cooperage in Remsen, NYS bourbon, cider, and wine barrels, and whatever else they can get their hands on!

So stop by Woodland, enjoy some good company, food, and tunes, all while drinking either some ridiculously fresh ales fermented with locally grown ingredients OR a well-aged Big ‘Ol Beer. There’s something new almost every week to try and multiple rotating offerings on Cask.

It’s paying off, as you’ll often find the sun-soaked patio at Woodland’s tasting room full of craft community members of all ages from near and far. In the spring of 2018, Woodland introduced a small but delicious food menu which includes sandwiches, wraps, and paninis utilizing local breads, produce, and meats. As you sit down to enjoy a pint, jam to some local live music or enjoy an open mic night on Tuesdays.

As part of the just-launched Heart of New York Craft Beverage Trail, Woodland plans to eventually offer tours of its hop yard and brewery so they can walk patrons through the entire handcrafted process the owners love so much.

You can visit the traveler and dog friendly tasting room from 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.