Middle Ages Brewery (Syracuse, NY)

Location: 120 Wilkinson Street, Syracuse, NY 13204



Middle Ages is definitely my favorite brewery in Syracuse.  Mind you, their competition is only two other breweries, who I classified anyways as brewpubs, and one of them is Syracuse Suds, which really isn't that much of a competition.

First off, Middle Ages creates some really fantastic beer.  They're always willing to push themselves to try out new styles.  As a beer lover, I highly encourage breweries to try out new styles and create new beers because it always keeps people coming back for more.  Every year Middle Ages puts out an anniversary ale.  This is a great way for them to test out a new beer and get feedback from their followers.  Some of the anniversary beers that have been outstanding, such as the 10th anniversary Double IPA and the Double Wailing Wench continue to sell past their anniversary year, because they are so good.

If you get the chance, you have to get down to their tap room.  They have one of the best tap rooms I've ever been to (and no, it's not just about the cats...).  Oh, did I mention they have cats?!  You'll notice when you visit Middle Ages that they have some kitties roaming around freely.  This is their way of keeping the mice under control without using pesticides.  It's pretty awesome.  Nothing like tasting free beer and petting cats.

RIP Bubbles...

When you go to the Middle Ages tap room, you're allowed to sample each of the beers they have on tap.  After getting oh-so-slightly liquored up, you have the opportunity to fill your growler or buy bottles of beer along with other merchandise.  I feel as though this is a fantastic way for Middle Ages to attract a crowd and get people to buy their stuff.  If you ever go to their tap room too, you'll notice that it attracts a pretty large crowd of people, so it's definitely working.

Everyone that works at Middle Ages is extremely nice and enthusiastic about their establishment.  I've had the chance to meet the owner & head brewer, Marc Rubenstein, a few times and he is a really down-to-earth guy who will talk beer with you.  I love going to Middle Ages because I love the atmosphere and I feel as though they are doing a fantastic time pioneering the microbrewery business in Syracuse.  If you ever get the chance, you definitely need to hit up their anniversary party over the summer when they unveil their newest beer creation and host a drink, music and food fest in the park outside the brewery.

My only suggestion for Middle Ages is that I feel like they would be super successful in opening up their own brewpub.  Since their beers stay true to the "middle ages" theme, they should definitely keep that the same with the atmosphere and food that they offer at this supposed brewpub.  They already have somewhat of a cult following and that would only flourish in a brewpub setting.

Written by: Krysten