It’s not unusual in the beer scene to see people drive for
hours and stand in line to treat can releases like they were a sneaker drop or
Tickle Me Elmos around Christmas circa ’96. They
spend serious coin and come home with armfuls of brewed gold. Why go to such
extremes for beer? Because it’s worth it. Other Half Brewing in Brooklyn had
been hosting mobile can releases in Rochester for a couple years before recently
putting down roots in upstate New York and opening their much-hyped new taproom
and brewery in Bloomfield.
Located just
outside Rochester, the former Nedloh Brewing venue
has a farmhouse whereabouts with a Brooklyn vibe. Inside the taproom, offerings
skew toward the hazy and hoppy, with off-the wall names including “Dollar Slice
with Extra Cheddar” and “Countless Beautiful Arrangements.” Visitors can expect
the experience to be juxtaposed inside and out, from hip-hop playing while you
order your drinks at the bar to incredible views of the Finger Lakes region while
you hang outside at a picnic table or play yard games.
Current
offerings are being brewed at Other Half’s Brooklyn shop and shipped here until
the newly-opened Rochester location gets their brewing operation up and running. Other Half will have
occasional food offerings such as food trucks and pop-up catered meals and
encourage visitors to bring their own food if they desire.
There’s
definitely a buzz about this one. Don’t be surprised if the place is packed
when you get there: You’re not the only one who will be blowing off work and
trekking to Bloomfield for afternoon beers. It’s totally worth it.
This article appears in May 29 – Jun 4, 2019.
