Fort Orange was the name of the first permanent Dutch settlement in New Netherland. In 1624, where the present day city of Albany, NY exists, the Dutch built a new fort. After some shenanigans between the Van Rensselaers and the New Netherlanders, Fort Orange/Albany was given somewhat of an indie status.

If you know Albany, weird politics and going your own way totally scans.

Going your own way and making your own beer is somewhat of an Albany thing too. There were six breweries in Fort Orange in the 1660s and Albany was the hub of brewing in the United States for a very long time.

Opening a brewery and tasting room in the Warehouse District is a GYOW power move. Making some great beer? Well, that's what Fort Orange does. On our most recent visit, they had a wide variety of beers and ales. The Passion Fruit Mango Sour was tasty and thirst quenching on a summer day! In addition, there were cans of vodka cocktails from ALB Distilling and cider from Nine Pin. There were not a lot of non-alcoholic options.

There is a nice industrial vibe to the tasting room but not a sterile one. It feels lived in in the best way that these spaces can. It is a place to spend the afternoon or have a gathering. Outside, there are limited tables but in the later afternoon, the sun is just right. It is perfect.

Is this a place for dirtbags? YES! Not only do they offer yoga in the tasting room but they are a great hangout after one the many races that take place in Albany, with the brewery making a delightful IPA named for the Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon. (It's my favorite beer of theirs.) One of the owners, Jim, is a big runner himself. You will know who it is.

There are food truck providing a variety of goodness. Check the website or Instagram to see who is going to be there. There is a parking lot with very specific rules and street parking available.

Yes, it is kid and dog friendly.

-EWA

Fort Orange Brewing