Florida State Seminoles Opponent Beer Scouting Report: Syracuse

This is the tenth installment highlighting the craft beer scene of Florida State's opponent. The format will feature a local brewery that best represents the Noles' weekly opponent. We will then go on to highlight a brewery that we feel you should definitely give a look if you happen to ever be passing through or are supporting the Seminoles on the road. New York has their fare share of excellent breweries but most of the well known brewers are located in the Big Apple. Without further delay we present to you craft beer in South Canada.

As of about a year ago there was only a handful of breweries in Onongada County but that number nearly doubled within the last year with seven breweries that were scheduled to open. Having never been to Syracuse we will refer to our opponents article from last year that “ranked” the craft beer scene throughout the ACC. So if you are traveling and you don’t like the beer up there don’t blame us.

2. Syracuse

In the case of Syracuse, you can really stay right within the city to enjoy its best offerings -- even if that means leaving the cozy confines of the Hill and venturing downtown a bit. While the Syracuse Pale Ale is a go-to for local and visiting fans alike -- and why not? -- maybe go for something a little more daring the next time you stop by the brewpub. Middle Ages Brewing Co. also makes several more aggressive beers, including Dragonslayer, a Russian Imperial Stout that hangs out at 9.5 percent ABV. If you've tried out all of their varieties, Empire Brewing Co. can also take care of you just fine.

I am fairly confident in saying that no breweries out of Syracuse make their way into distribution down south. But, well known beers from the likes of Brooklyn Brewery, Southern Tier and Ommegang are readily available just about anywhere. IPAs, Cream and Red Ales, Porters and Stouts are all at your fingertips from Brooklyn’s Sixpoint Brewery and they have been making quality beer for a long time.

A brewery like no other recently started distribution in Florida and we are lucky to have them...

Grimm Artisanal Ales is a Brooklyn-based nomadic brewery founded in 2013 by Joe and Lauren Grimm after nearly a decade of tinkering with fermentation. The couple develops each recipe in the kitchen of their Gowanus apartment and travels to existing breweries near and far to craft their beers. Grimm specializes in concise, elegant ales epitomizing the creative, experimental spirit of the American artisanal beer revolution. Each one is a single-batch, limited-edition release that may never come around again.

Dedicated to sourcing the best ingredients, the Grimms make their beer using locally produced honey, specialty heirloom grains, and fruits as well as the best hops and grain from New York, the West Coast, and Europe. By always bringing their creativity and ingenuity to the brewing process, they seek to push the boundaries of beer styles in order to create beers with the utmost depth and complexity.

I have had a sour, saison and IPA from them and was not disappointed...if you come across a bottle, buy it and enjoy.

Unable to get your hands on any these brews? That’s okay, tell us what you will be enjoying this weekend as the Noles try to cover the spread.

Cheers