Happy Hour Just Got a lot Closer! It’s American Craft Beer Week and we’re celebrating! We’re proud to team up with local craft brewers in each of our Northeast states, bringing some of the best regional tastes to our stores.  Thanks to their continuous hard work and brewing efforts, this exciting week can be celebrated the right way: at home in the Northeast. Happy Hour just got a lot closer! Check out some of our featured local brewers below.   Genesee Brewery, Rochester NY  We’ve been teaming up with the folks at the Genesee Brewery for over 40 years! Located in Rochester, NY, Genesee Brewery was founded in 1878 and has since become one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in the country. Genesee Beer is brewed with six-row barley, malt, corn grits, and hops from the Yakima Valley. They offer classic varieties such as Genesee Cream Ale, Genesee Light, and the newly introduced Genesee Ruby Red Kolsch.   Susquehanna Brewing Company, Pittston PA Located in Pittston, PA, at Susquehanna they live and work by the slogan “Brewed Right,” pointing out their drive to make delicious beer, the correct way for their Northeast Pennsylvania customers. If you’re ever in the Scranton area, pull up a seat at the brew house tasting room to sip some Pennsylvania beer while it’s being brewed in front of you!   Woodstock Inn Brewery, North Woodstock NH North Woodstock, NH is home to one of the premier breweries in the state: The Woodstock Inn Brewery. Woodstock Inn was the third brewery to open in New Hampshire, and since then has grown into a 37-barrel production facility, home to two dozen year-round and seasonal brews.  Raspberry Weasel Wheat Ale and Last Chair Ale are just a couple of the many delicious options that Woodstock has available for the season.   Two Roads Brewing Company, Stratford CT Two Roads was created by four friends who made it their goal to start a craft brewery. Located in Stratford, CT, Two Roads focuses on putting unique spins on classic beer styles, striving to make each taste their very own. Paste Magazine named the brewery one of the ten best in America. Not to mention, their beer has won many awards of its own, including their Belgian Style Lambic Ale at the 2016 Great American Beer Festival!   Druthers Brewing Company, Saratoga Springs NY   Druthers Brewery was assembled in 2012 and has quickly become a popular destination in Saratoga Springs, NY. The brewery contains a 10 barrel brewing system that supplies the beer. Druthers offers an ever-changing and updating beer menu, however, their seasonal brews are always a hit. For this time of year, try Brevity Wit, a Belgian-style wheat beer spiced with sweet orange peel and coriander. Made with 40% wheat, the flavor is fruity, light, and refreshing for thewarm weather.   Berkshire Brewing Company, South Deerfield MA Berkshire Brewing Company was founded in 1994 in South Deerfield, MA. Their goal was to continue the tradition of high quality craft beer in the region, something they have definitely accomplished. See for yourself by trying their classic beers like Drayman’s Porter, a sweet, dark-ruby brown ale with hints of chocolate malt and mocha, topped off by a hop bitterness. Or drink for the season with a Gold Spike Ale, a pale golden ale with a crisp, clean malt flavor, perfect for the transition from spring to summer.   von Trapp Brewery, Stowe VT Inspired by brews from the Austrian countryside, von Trapp Brewery in Stowe, VT, puts an American twist on these mouth-watering tastes. Opened in the spring of 2010, von Trapp now brews approximately 50,000 gallons of beer each year, available year round and seasonally. Bohemian Pilsner, a two-time award winning beverage, has a spicy citrus flavor, combined with a dry, peppery finish. Also available, Kolsch Style, an ideal summer ale that experiments with German hops to create an enjoyable, hoppy adventure.   Enjoy American Craft Beer Week and celebrate our local brewers with us! We love bringing these tastes to our stores and hope to continue working with these partners for the long haul. In the meantime, remember to enjoy responsibly. Cheers!   We had fun following the Genesee Brewery beer tanks as they traveled along the Erie Canal, passing through our canal town stores in New York! Teammates from our Main Office watched the tanks leave lock 8 in Rotterdam to kick off our tracking, and then Amsterdam, Palatine Bridge, Little Falls, North Utica, Rome and Clay store teammates visited their local lock to #toastthetanks as they headed towards their Rochester destination.  Folks in canal-side communities from Albany to Rochester have flocked to their nearby lock to toast the massive tanks, snapping photos with Genny brew in hand and celebrating one of New York State’s most historic transportation systems. Drone users joined in on the action too: check out this cool video of the tanks floating through Fort Hunter, shared with us by Doug J. who shops at our Amsterdam store! After a long journey across the state traveling at about 5 miles per hour, the barges will finally reach their permanent home at the Genesee Brewery this week. It’s been an exciting journey to follow! Cheers to our friends at Genesee, New York’s oldest brewery, and the Erie Canal, which first opened almost 200 years ago in 1825! To take a look back at some of the action, follow us on Instagram @pricechopper.       As winter has come to an end, and we are finally able to escape our homes and hideouts for some sunshine and fun, Price Chopper would like to kick off the warm weather by inviting you to join us at the Growler station. There’s lots of fun to be had this time of year, why not let your taste buds in on it too? Join us for a tasting of the following beers to bring home with you this spring!   May 12th  & May 13th Far from your average IPA, Big Hundo is an Imperial IPA filled with hops for the ultimate taste of bitterness! Topped off with a heady aroma and dark golden body Big Hundo is the perfect way to hop into your weekend! Sample and enjoy this beer at our Growler Stations the following days:

• Friday, May 12
  • Shopper’s World Market 32 (#112): 4-6 p.m.

  Founders Rübæus is a Fruit/Vegetable beer known for its unique raspberry taste guaranteed to bring flavor! The use of fresh raspberries at all stages of the brewing process make this beer a necessity for the upcoming spring months! Sample and enjoy this beer at our Growler Stations the following days:

• Friday, May 12
  • Saratoga Springs (#158): 12-2 p.m.
  • Wilton (#39): 3-5 p.m.
  • Malta (#184):  6-8 p.m.
• Saturday, May 13
  • Shopper’s World Market 32 (#112): 12-2 p.m.
  • Market Bistro (#138): 3-5 p.m.
  • Malta (#184): 6-8 p.m.

  May 19th & May 20th Paradox Beaver Bite IPA brings the perfect blend of malt and hops creating this tasty Northeast Style IPA. Brewed by Paradox Brewing Company in Schroon Lake, NY Beaver Bite provides a close to home option with a bit of pine character. Sample and enjoy this beer at our Growler Stations the following days:

• Friday, May 19
  • Wilton (#39): 12-2 p.m.
  • Saratoga Springs (#158): 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
  • Malta (#184): 5-7 p.m.

• Saturday, May 20
  • Shopper’s World Market 32 (#112): 12-2 p.m.
  • Market Bistro (#138): 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
  • Bethlehem (#159): 5-7 p.m.

  May 26th & May 27th Effortless Grapefruit IPA, appropriately named for the drinking experience it provides, comes from the Saint Lawrence Brewing Company. Effortless Grapefruit IPA is a smooth, hoppy beer combined with a natural grapefruit taste making it the ideal spring time refreshment! Come and sample this beer on the following days at our Growler Stations:

• Friday, May 26
  • Wilton (#39): 5-7 p.m.
  • Saratoga Springs(#158): 5-7 p.m.
  • Malta (#184): 5-7 p.m.

• Saturday, May 27
  • Clifton Park Shopper’s World (#112): 11:30-1:30 p.m.
  • Market Bistro (#138): 2-4 p.m.
  • Bethlehem (#159): 4:30-6:30 p.m.

  Cheers. As always, please enjoy responsibly! — Written by Jon Waiksnoris, Marketing Intern This upcoming Sunday, enjoy some of the best party-ready recipes out there! Beer is always a fan favorite, no matter what team you’re rooting for!  In addition to the familiar brand name beers, craft beers have become increasingly popular, and are certainly delicious! Here are some tips to match with the food being served at your party. Principles of Matching Beer with Food

• Strongly-flavored foods demand assertive beers. With beer, flavor intensity involves a variety of qualities such as alcoholic strength, malt character, hop bitterness, sweetness, richness and roast flavors.
• Combinations often work best when food and beverage share some common flavor or aroma elements. The nutty flavor of English-style brown ale and a handmade cheddar cheese are always a go-to combination!
• Consider sweetness, bitterness, carbonation, heat (spice) and richness. Specific characteristics of food and beer interact with each other in predictable ways. Taking advantage of these interactions ensures that the food and beer will balance each other, creating a desire for a taste of the other.

Serving Suggestions and Beer Pairings

• Chicken Wings:  Wings come in many flavors and styles.
  • Traditional Hot Wings are spicy and hot.  An American Pale Ale or an IPA (India Pale Ale) will work nicely to cut through the spicy heat.  Try  Sierra Nevada Pale Ale for a great taste!
• Pizza:  Classic for all parties, especially when there is a big game involved!
  • American Amber Lager with pizza, go with a Brooklyn Lager.
  • American Amber Ale….try Long Trail Ale or rapidly growing in popularity, Adirondack Bear Naked Ale.

• Chili:  Perfect for warming up fans during the big game.  Chili tends to be a football recipe staple and for good reason – it’s quick to make, a safe bet when you’re having a crowd over and you can drink great beer right alongside.  Because Chili offers such an array of flavors (beef, chicken/turkey or pork, beans, and spices), almost any beer will pair well with it.
  • For Stout, try a local favorite such as Brown’s Oatmeal Stout.
  • For an Abbey Ale it’s a no-brainer.  Check out an Ommegang Abbey Ale brewed in nearby Cooperstown, NY

  By Morgan Valachovic & Sarah Palmer As December’s craziness begins to trickle down, we gather with family, friends and pets to remain warm, as we get “snowed in” with abundances of food & drink! With just a couple weekends left in 2016, we invite you to close the year with us at the Growler station. After all, our hearts are filled to the brim, why shouldn’t our glasses be? Join us for a tasting of the following beers to bring home with you this holiday season! Oh and check out this week’s ad for a $5 OFF coupon, good for any New or Refill at the Growler Station. December 22^nd & December 23^rd  Ommegang Rare Vos is a Belgian style Amber Ale that is brewed with sweet orange peel and grains of paradise to give you a mellow and spicy taste! Ommegang Brewery is based out of Cooperstown NY, not far from one our Price Chopper locations! Sample and enjoy this beer at our Growler Stations the following days:

• December 22^nd 
  • Loudonville Store (#138): 2-4 p.m.
  • Bethlehem Store (#159): 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• December 23^rd
  • Clifton Park Shopper’s World (#112): 4-6 p.m.
  • Malta (#184): 4-6 p.m.
  • Saratoga Springs (#158): 1:30-3:30 p.m.
  • Wilton (#39): 4-6 p.m.

December 29^th & December 30^th Genesee Brewhouse Black IPA  is noted for its notes of caramel with a combination of roasted and black malts. Its bitterness is balanced with hops from East Kent. With its dessert notes, it is guaranteed to add some warmth to a cold winter evening! Come and sample this beer on the following days at our Growler Stations:

• December 29^th
  • Loudonville Store (#138): 4-6 p.m.
  • Bethlehem Store (#159): 4-6 p.m.
  • Malta (#184): 4-6 p.m.
• December 30^th
  • Wilton (#39): 4-6 p.m.
  • Clifton Park Shopper’s World (#112): 4-6 p.m.
  • Saratoga Springs (#158): 4-6 p.m.

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Cheers. As always, please enjoy responsibly!         Written by Sara Lilkas, Marketing Intern  I cannot believe that it is already July! The year has been flying by and it’s already time to make plans for the 4th! (Check out our community calendar to find fireworks shows near you!) No matter how grand your 4th of July celebration may be, there’s plenty of time to have backyard barbeques and enjoy the summer weather. So you don’t have to stress about the drink menu at your backyard bash, we have an awesome line up of craft beers being featured at the Growler Station! Make sure to check the weekly flyer on July 3rd for exclusive savings on your growler refill!¹ First up from the Adirondack Brewery is their Tangerine Dream. The Tangerine Dream is brewed with tangerine peel and wheat for body, it is a fruity pale ale that is perfect for hot summer days! Try Adirondack Brewery Tangerine Dream: Thursday June 30th  

• 4-6pm Market 32 in Wilton, NY and Price Choppers on Route 50 in Saratoga Springs and Bethlehem, NY

  Friday July 1st  

• 4-6pm Market Bistro in Latham, NY, Market 32 in Clifton Park, NY and Price Chopper in Malta, NY

  To help kick off your 4th of July celebration Samuel Adams is back on tap with their Summer Ale. A popular American Wheat ale, the Samuel Adams Summer Ale is light, refreshing, and features hints of lemon. Try Samuel Adams Summer Ale: Saturday July 2nd  

• 12-2pm Market 32 in Wilton, NY and Market Bistro in Latham, NY

 

• 2:30-4:30pm Price Choppers on Route 50 in Saratoga Springs and Bethlehem, NY

Sunday July 3rd

• 12-2pm Price Chopper in Malta, NY
• 2:30-4:30pm Market 32 in Clifton Park, NY

Next on the list is Shmaltz Brewing Company. If you enjoy hoppy beers the Shmaltz Wishbone tasting is for you. Wishbone is a Session Double IPA, brewed specifically to feature the hops citrusy and tropical tones, it also is 8% alc. by vol. Try Shamltz Wishbone Session Double IPA: Friday July 7th

• 4-6pm Market 32 In Clifton Park, NY, Market Bistro in Latham, NY, and Price Chopper on Route 50 in Saratoga Springs, NY
• 5-7pm Price Chopper in Bethlehem, NY

Saturday July 8th

• 12-2pm Price Chopper in Malta, NY
• 3-5pm Market 32 in Wilton, NY

Brown’s Brewing Company is the next brewery to be featured at the Growler Station and they are featuring one of my personal favorites, their Hefeweizen. A hearty wheat beer, with a hazy golden color, this refreshing beer is true to its Bavarian roots. Try Browns’ Hefeweizen: Friday July 14th  

• 4-6pm Market Bistro in Latham, NY and Price Chopper in Bethlehem, NY

  Saturday July 15th  

• 12-2pm Market 32s in Clifton Park and Wilton, NY

• 3-5pm Price Chopper In Malta and on Route 50 in Saratoga Springs, NY

  Next from Ommegang Brewery is their Hopstate NY. Hopstate NY is an American Pale Ale brewed exclusively with hops grown in New York State. The Hopstate NY features citrusy undertones and has a moderate bitterness. Try Ommegang’s Hopstate NY: Friday July 22nd  

• 5-7pm Market 32 in Clifton Park, NY and Price Chopper in Malta, NY

  Saturday July 23rd  

• 1-3:30pm Price Chopper in Bethlehem, NY

• 2-4pm Price Chopper on Route 50 in Saratoga Springs, NY

• 4-6pm Market Bistro in Latham, NY

• 4:30-6:30 Market 32 in Wilton, NY

  The final tasting of July features the Brooklyn Lager from Brooklyn Brewery. The Brooklyn Lager uses  a “Vienna” style, but also features dry hopping, a technique that is most widely used in Britain, for a uniquely American style lager. Try Brooklyn Lager: Friday July 29th

• 3-5pm Price Chopper in Bethlehem, NY
• 4:30-6:30 Price Chopper on Route 50 in Saratoga Springs, NY

Saturday July 30th

• 12-2pm Market 32 in Wilton, NY and Market Bistro in Latham, NY
• 2:30-4:30 Price Chopper in Malta, NY and Market 32 in Clifton Park, NY

Everyone have a safe and happy 4th of July! Please enjoy responsibly.

1. Offer available at locations with Growler Stations (Price Choppers in Malta, Bethlehem, and Route 50 in Saratoga Springs, NY, Market 32s in Clifton Park and Wilton, NY and Market Bistro in Latham, NY.