The Root Beer Float That Will Rock Your Boat!

There’s a new beer this summer, which is literally flying off the shelves all over the east coast.

It’s “Not Your Dad’s Root Beer” and Sticks and Stones has come up with a delicious way to consume this throwback to your childhood.

We've tasted chocolate beer and pumpkin beer (no comment) – now there’s  Not Your Father’s Root Beer.

In just a few months, the childhood classic has been given a major adult makeover: from soft drink to alcoholic soda, and it's completely taking over this summer.

Stores can barely keep Not Your Father's Root Beer, in stock. But Schroon’s own Sticks and Stones, has secured a supply and are making delicious Root Beer Floats, just like you remember. (The floats will be around while supplies last!).

And If that’s not your thing, not to worry: S&S has 4 of our favorite Paradox Bews on tap as well.

For background on this phenomenon, we did some research. Surprisingly, it's being cranked out by the king of cheap beer: Pabst. The first batch of Not Your Father's was created back in 2013—when the brew masters at Chicago’s Small Town Brewery combined sassafras bark, vanilla, anise, wintergreen, and a couple other spices in a vat.

Now Pabst is making a nationwide push. Not Your Father's is so well loved that it has received glowing reviews, including one from Beer Advocate, where it was rated at 94 out of 100. And, if New York is any indication of the spiked root beer business, the hard soda will be selling out at liquor stores across the country in no time.

Getting Happy In Schroon Just Got Easier!

We are in awe of entrepreneurs who take a leap of faith and open new businesses here in Schroon. 

They work hard to realize a dream, take a huge gamble, and risk a fortune, all the while rolling the dice on its future success. Two recent examples are Sticks and Stones and Paradox Brewery. Both businesses recently celebrated their second anniversaries.

The latest business to join the club is Vine and Barley, the wine and beer tavern, located inside the Towne Store. You can read the history of how owners Patti and Bob Mehm realized their dream, here.

Serving wine and beer, (and lots of non-alcoholic drinks too!) and featuring an inviting menu to compliment the beverages, the tavern has received a warm welcome from locals and vacationers alike. 

And this week, Vine and Barley rolled out its first ever Happy Hour. From Sunday through Thursday, from 3pm to 5pm, there are buy one get one free drink specials.

The Story Behind Paradox Brewery’s Grace Peak Witch Water

Grace Hudowalski's boots in bronze. Schroon Laker Collection. Copyright 2015. All Rights Reserved.

Paradox Brewery’s Devon Hamilton and Jennifer Clark were featured on NCPR  recently, talking about the brew PDX made in honor of Grace Hudowalski  -- a long time Schroon Lake resident  -- who also happens to be the first woman to climb all 46 Adirondack High Peaks.

PDX  JUST SOLD OUT of  Grace Peak Witch Water, a Kolsch-style lager. NCPR’s Jason Swartz filed the report and here’s how he describes the brewery and head brewer Devon.

PARaDOX HEAD BREWER Devon Hamilton. SCHROON LAKER COLLECTION. COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

“Paradox Brewery in Schroon Lake looks super Adirondack-y: log cabin building, trail sign logo, and tree-branch beer taps. Even head brewer, Devon Hamilton, fits the part: shaggy beard, cargo shorts, and knife strapped to his side.”

Here is the link to listen to the full report which features the brewery's Jen Clark talking about the ADK legend surrounding the Witch Water name and how Devon came up with the recipe for Grace Peak Witch Water. Brewery owner Paul Mrocka says the beer will be back next year -- but you can still purchase the unique glass made for the occassion.

PARDOX BREWERY PARTNERS VAUGN AND JENNIFER  CLARK . SCHROON LAKER COLLECTION. COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Follow The Trail!!!

Fans of Paradox know the brewery’s motto by heart: Follow The Trial. Now, there’s an app for that.

The ACB TRAIL App, aka The Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail and Map, is a project produced by the Adirondack Craft Beverage Committee, a program of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. Their mission is to promote and enhance the craft beverage industry in the Warren, Washington, Northern Saratoga Counties of New York State and the North Country.

You can rate your experience and get a virtual badge for checking in at the various breweries.

The app makers say the launch of the Craft Beverage Trail App further extends the reach and benefits of the program. Got a beer App or any App to share? Let us know in comments.