The Custom BrewCrafters Story
In mid 1995, Custom BrewCrafters owners Mike and Luanne Alcorn set out to make a change in the landscape of beer selection in the Western New York area. Mike, having lived in New England, Colorado, and California prior to moving to the Rochester area in 1991, had been exposed to a plethora of quality, premium beer products. This along with his business travel around the U.S. and Europe had created a "thirst" and love for a more diverse beer character than that offered by the traditional U.S. beer industry. This thirst was quenched by the new craft - or micro brewing movement.
Dissatisfied with the availability of craft beer throughout Rochester, New York, a business idea was born; Set up a brewery that would custom brew beer for the local restaurants and taverns! Essentially, be their offsite brewpub. This would quickly bring the area of Rochester in line with many other similarly sized cities.
Custom BrewCrafters was born -- conceptually!
Now For the WORK!
Many hours of planning and work ensued, and by mid 1997, financing and real estate had been secured, equipment had been purchased, a number of key initial accounts had signed contracts, and a head brewer had been hired. We began brewing the first of what was to be a myriad of quality ales by the end of July, as Custom BrewCrafters entered the market with its own line of "Private Stock" Ales; CB’s Golden Ale, and CB’s English Pale Ale in August of 1997. This was followed in September with the introduction of our first custom beers, Jeremiah’s Frog Grog and Hogans Park Ave Ale, both favorites in the market to this day!
Today, there are over 50 custom beers brewed by Custom BrewCrafters, and customer locations span from Oswego through Rochester, all the way to Buffalo. Along with this strong presence in the marketplace, a "growler processional" can be found at the Custom BrewCrafters brewery on the weekends and evenings during the week. A destination for many Western New York beer enthusiasts, the tasting room at the brewery allows a growing number of regular customers and new adventure seekers a chance to experience "a little" of the phenomenon as they visit. Located in the picturesque village of Honeoye Falls, just 20 minutes south of Rochester off Route 65, Custom BrewCrafters offers a little something for everyone.
Each weekend we select two custom beers for our guests to sample along side their favorite CB's brand ales: our ever popular CB's English Pale Ale and the CB's brand new 19th Hole Ale, as well as our seasonal selection. The custom beers selected will be those ales that have just been brewed for those customers. In addition to the five beer taps, we certainly don't want to forget our Iron Fireman Root Beer that proudly occupies tap six. This is also brewed right on the premises.
After rewarding your tastebuds with a sample of some of our special brews in the tasting room, tour our unique facility, peek inside our stainless steel kettles and learn about the brewing process. We'll even through in a little amusing folklore both you and the kids will enjoy! After your tour, browse around our retail shop in the tasting room. We have clothing items, glassware, gift certificates, and a bevy of unique beer-related gift items. Of course, let's not forget the ever-so-popular 1/2 gallon growlers for you to take home some of our unique brews to share with a friend -- or not!
We have free tours on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 PM. Private tours are available on weekdays by appointment.
Click button above for map to brewery.
We're looking forward to seeing you there!
