Brewer Chris Watson spends a quiet Friday morning brewing a batch of IPA at Skaneateles Brewery. A former musician and medical professional, Watson joined the brewery four weeks ago, taking the next step in turning his passion for beer into a profession that blends science, creativity, and a little bit of danger.
Tucked along Skaneateles Creek, the historic 1830 mill building ties the brewery to the village’s earliest roots. Once a cornerstone in local manufacturing, the building now carries a legacy of craft beer made from the same water that fueled the village’s growth, Skaneateles Lake.
Skaneateles residents gather at the brewery to escape the bustle of Main Street and local tourism. For local regulars, the historic mill offers privacy, positive vibes, and a sense of community built by the owners and staff. “Sometimes it’s nice to not be in the middle of town. If you want to go out with your friends you don’t always want to be heard by everyone,” says one Skaneattles school teacher visiting the brewery.
Having worked at the massive Anheuser-Busch brewery in Baldwinsville, where six million barrels are made yearly, Watson values the intimacy that their small-batch brewing allows. Here, he touches every ingredient, shaping each beer by hand, taking part in a business that prioritizes passion, consistency, and pride in the craft. “The pride that comes from turning out a product that people keep coming back to drink more and more of is a big driver for me.”
Since the age of 14, owner John Meneapace has worked in historic factory buildings, developing a deep love and respect for the craftsmanship that existed before mass production. Staying true to this, Meneapace has preserved the building's original bricks and wood flooring, allowing the contemporary community to experience and feel the history embedded in the building.
Committed to the local community, Skaneateles Brewery reduces waste and water usage wherever possible. Leftover malted grains from the mashing process account for 85% of the solid waste produced by brewing. By partnering with a local wheat farm, the spent grain is turned into fertile soil that helps feed the community.
Staying true to the original purpose of a brewhouse, Skaneateles Brewery serves as a modern-day public house. Locals gather to celebrate milestones, enjoy a post-work drink, enjoy food from local restaurants, and share a space with new and old friends, “I think the future of craft beer is really little places like this in small towns,” says Watson.
Brewed with some of the purest water in the nation, each time the 15 beer barrel (approximately 465 gallons) brewing system is used, it comes with the responsibility of protecting the source it comes from, Skaneateles Lake. Through a water recycling program and lake cleaning efforts initiated by Menepeace, the brewery helps reduce and protect the water source that makes “a Skaneateles beer unique.”
ollowing traditional German recipes orally passed down in the beer making community, the brewery’s “Lightning Lager” honors the mill’s past as a 1938 Lightning sailboat factory. By blending local history with traditional brewing methods, the team preserves the mill's legacy while creating something new for the community.
Skaneateles Brewery’s mission isn’t to become a world-leading brewhouse or stock store shelves. Instead, its team focuses on creating a welcoming space where guests can enjoy a beer they love. “I find that the group of people behind the scenes of beer are really passionate about it. They're doing it because they like to be involved and because beer is a lot of fun,” says Watson.
