Belgium Comes to Cooperstown

I was heading into work, the kids were at school, and Jenn had to run errands.  That’s how we started the day.  Instead, I decided to take Jenn out on a date, to spend some time together, get some food, and to see if there were any new beers to try.  So we drove over to Cooperstown, seeing the leaves turn color and moving through rain showers. I had hoped to explore Cooperstown this year, and was excited when Jenn agreed to go.

Our first stop was Cooperstown brewing, a small brewery with a tasting room that is located in Milford.  The server was nice, and offered tastings of all their beers (for a modest fee, of course).  They had only three on tap, but I did enjoy their Pride of Milford Old Ale, and Jenn liked their World Series Root Beer.  I wished they brewed more seasonal or specialty brews, but they were just bought by Butternuts (another local brewery that I need to visit) so maybe that will change. 

We headed up to Ommegang, and were impressed with all the changes that they put into place.  First off, there is now a decent gift shop and restaurant.  They have their beers, plus a lot of Belgians since they were bought out by Duvel.  I got the mussels and frites, which were very good, to go with a Duvel Golden ale and this year’s version of their Chocolate Indulgence. Jenn got a crepe, with pizza sauce and smoked gouda, which was delicious.  It was fun just to sit back and talk.  I’ve got to remember the rules, Jenn loves the beer spots I take her to as long as the food is good.  And this was no exception. 

Finally, we stopped by a neat craft area at the Fly Creek Cider Mill.  They had hard cider, but it was sundaes, cheese and dips that were tasty.  I love these stores since Jenn can play pick up/put down, and I can keep snacking.  Their apple raspberry cider was good, but I really enjoyed watching the tufted ducks and hitting the road with a cider slushie. 

 
We had a fun day, and made it back in time to pick up the kids.  Time away is always valuable, and if you are able to do it with the one you love, and get some good food and great beer, it’s all the better. - 5835/11504

"It was as natural as eating and, to me, as necessary. I would not have thought of eating a meal without drinking a beer." - Ernest Hemingway