American Craft Beer Museum And Innovation Center Coming To Utica

Recently at Oneida County’s annual State of the County address, County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. shared a vision of turning Oneida County into a tourist destination. Part of his plan included an American Craft Beer museum (called The American Craft Beer Museum And Innovation Center) right in downtown Utica.

The museum’s focus would be on New York’s, and America’s, rich history of craft beer.

The first beer served after prohibition was lifted, was in Utica – by the West End Brewing Company, founded by F.X. Matt. The Matts were part of the craft brewery revolution when they created their Saranac line.

Picente said:

“The American Craft Beer Museum and Innovation Center will tell the distinct story of American Beer: A cornerstone of culture, craft and commerce.”

When completed, the center would include an area for events, hands-on activities, an artisan marketplace, garden space featuring harvest items used in production, a dynamic beer garden, and an incubator area.

The incubator area would include a lab, demonstration kitchen and local partnerships for educational programs.