Plans Unveiled for New Broome County Farm Brewery
The site of the future Beer Tree Brew Co on December 6, 2016. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]
Binghamton-area beer fans can expect some new options in the coming year from a farm brewery that is now under construction.
Two local residents are partners in the business which is to be located in the Town of Fenton.
The site has been cleared for the planned farm brewery. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]
Partners Brendan Harder and Chris Rhoades are calling the venture Beer Tree Brew Co.
Preparation work at the site on Route 369 in Port Crane began recently.
Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Harder said plans call for the construction of a 3,000-square-foot building. The property is just north of Interstate 88.
A 1,800-square-foot timber-framed tasting room is to be built, along with a 1,200-square-foot brewing area.
After a relative opened a hop farm in Cortland County a couple of years ago, Harder and Rhoades started doing some home brewing. That collaboration led to the plan to establish a small farm brewery.
Harder said the planned operation is expected to start with a five-barrel brewing system. He said that would make it possible to brew eight to ten kegs a week.
A small shack on the site once was used for people to weigh and pay for strawberries that were grown on the property. That structure likely will remain in place.
With the onset of cold and snowy weather, construction at the site may not resume until spring. The partners are hoping Beer Tree Brew Co can open in the summer or early fall.
The small shack next to Route 369 is expected to remain when the farm brewery opens. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]
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