Beerjanglin' Presents: Beer Nuggets

As long as we're on the subject of the sad demise of regional macros...

We visited Saratoga Spa State Park today for a bit of bike riding. It has been a very pleasant, if not overly warm, day, and we had a fine time. Afterward, we were able to sneak in a couple of pints at Olde Saratoga while faithful companion hit the mall. They put on a fresh keg of White Hawk IPA while we were there, and it was truly fantastic. The piney smell of the hops was very present, and it just seemed to explode with a pleasing bitterness on the tongue. Whoo! We'll say it again: this is one of the most underrated beers out there.

Anyway, while in the tasting room, we happened to strike up a conversation with someone who'll we will call an industry insider with a strong knowledge of New York State beers. Here is some of what we learned and/or discussed:

• Genny Cream is an underrated beer, and the Genny "screamers" myth has been scientifically disproven. And that is a scientific fact! It is very similar in composition to the long lamented Genesee 12 Horse Ale and is thought of by some in the know as "the micro of the macros". Look no further than Clark's Ale House for proof of this. We make a solemn vow, here and now, to drink more Genny Cream.

• Corona is a terrible beer.

• High Falls does a ton of contract brewing for Sam Adams, as in almost a third of all Sam Adams' beer. At least for now.

• Genesee Red and it's first cousin, Michael O'Shea's Irish Amber have, sadly, been discontinued due to lack of strong sales. Which were, in turn, probably due to lack of strong marketing.

• High Falls is the second largest brewer in NYS, while Saranac is third. The gap between them, however, is cavernous. Saranac does barely half the volume that High Falls does.

• The J. W. Dundee line is pretty solid and should sell better than it does. With the exception, perhaps, of Honey Brown.

• There is no good reason for the state of the Greater Capital Region beer scene. The bar scene is quite healthy, thanks. Now, how 'bout some better beer in those bars, people?