The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Craft Brew Guide
Meier’s Creek Brewing Company flaunts large space with endless possibility
Cazenovia, N.Y. — Opening in the middle of the pandemic and soon to be expanding, Meier’s Creek Brewing Company has the elements to thrive despite the odds. The magic is in its ample space, opportunities for connection, and brews that keep patrons coming back for more.
The family-owned and operated brewery opened its doors in August of 2020 after acquiring the property in Nov. 2019 from what was previously Empire Brewing Co. COVID slowed down renovations to transform the facility into the markings of Meier’s. Once its doors opened, not much has slowed since. The bones of the property are still the same, encompassing a large wooden structure with windows showcasing the brewing mechanisms within. The property is tucked away off Route 13, surrounded by open space and fresh air.
The experience at the brewery has been enhanced in a few ways.
Inside, guests are welcomed by a host and offered sit-down food service at a selection of tables and booths. There’s a patio just off the back, followed by several fire pits and chairs perfect for enjoying a pint and the view of the trees and rolling hills. Below, there’s another patio with more fire pits and seating areas. This recent addition is off the lower half of the building, connected to what is known as “The Cellar,” a speakeasy-style space, separate from the main tap-room, designed for intimate private gatherings and special events.
The layout of Meier’s Creek enabled continued patronage even in the midst of restricting pandemic guidelines. Open space is key, and there’s a lot of it, with amenities to carry the space out into different seasons.
What brings people back, of course, is the beer, said Nate Hickey, general manager. The brew staff boasts creating new beers on tap each week as part of the brewery’s pilot program. 6 barrels of an experimental brew is available until it’s gone, allowing the team to frequently try something new, he explained. If something really lands with visitors, it has the potential to become more. Like “Choccy Milk,” a chocolate bourbon vanilla porter released last week that was originally a short-lived pilot months ago.
The release features a partnership with Nostalgia Chocolate, a small business offering artisan chocolate, which can be found at many local farmer’s markets. Choccy Milk can be found in cans at Wegmans.
“We have a wide offering of beer which definitely satisfies most people’s thirst,” Hickey said.
Meier’s Creek has 15 beers on tap at any time and one hard cider. Staples found on the menu include IPAS and sours. Other brews like brown, blonde, and amber ales, stouts, and more can also be found. Following industry trends, the company has also dabbled with its own hard seltzer. Over 100 different brews have been released since Meier’s Creek first began.
The venue suits a diverse range of activities: celebrations, a casual night out, private events, live music, trivia, weddings, networking events, and much more. It’s also nestled within 14 miles of surrounding trails.
The success of its activity and brews is so great, that it will soon be expanding into a second location in downtown Syracuse. The opening date is expected sometime this winter. A food menu is still being developed, but will at least feature pizza and wings, Hickey said.
The kitchen in Cazenovia makes from-scratch eats including pizza, wings, and sandwiches. Options change seasonally. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are also available. Hickey recommends the fried chicken sandwich: pickle brine thigh, cilantro scallion slaw, hot honey mayo, house-made hot sauce, served with fries.
The brewery is open Wednesday Sunday. Visit Meier’s Creek online for more details.