Albany NY : Around The World In 80 Days – Days 74

Day 74 – Saturday, June 1^st Burlington VT to Albany NY, via Queensbury NY

An hour or so to the north of Burlington VT lies Montreal, Canada, but that’s not part of our New England trip. Technically, New York State is not either.

Today we headed south to Albany NY, the New York State capital. Dr. Stan and Hector would not deny that having visited Albany OR on our previous Bier Trip, there was added motivation to do another one.

There had to be a lunch stop, and that had to include Bier. The Hector was charged with choosing the locus, Northway Brewing Company, Queensbury NY, surrounded on three sides by Glen Falls, it’s complicated, appeared to have what we sought. Just over a two hour drive, with Maggie at the wheel, firstly on US-7 S then VT-22A S. Being a Saturday, options were many, Northway should be open, and stocked NEIPA.

The scenery on the drive south was more open, less forestry, nothing dramatic. The alert and vigilant navigator got us to Queensbury NY in good time, hampered only by an ongoing sinus problem, one side blocked, the other streaming. As long as the taste-buds were not being interfered with.

Northway Brewing turned out to be an excellent choice, spacious, five NEIPAs from which to choose, and food.

As is too often the case the house t-shirts were not worth bothering about. Can nobody in the USA embroider?

Avenue of the Pines at 7.2%, a NEIPA of course, was yellow but way less hazy than hoped for. Suitably Dry tasting, the hops were right there. Just the six hops featured: Galaxy, Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo, Simcoe and Idaho 7, and these had not just been waved over the glass. Avenue of The Pines may not have looked the part, it did the job.

No doubt, Dr. Stan had something different, but it’s hard enough keeping my own database in order.

The ladies, were inside, then they were outside. Maggie asked if we could just stay here all day.

Mango Milkshake IPA at 7.5% again did not have the expected haze. Fruity, juicy with a slight sweetness, the body was big. This was a Bier to behold, Citra, Mosaic, Waimea and Kohata hops, all playing their part. It was Hector’s turn to consider staying longer, but no.

Even The Fun Spot located on the edge of the Northway car park didn’t entice the children to stay longer. Northway Brewing, an unexpected bonus, but then is that not what our journey of exploration is about?

Fairfield Inn & Suites Albany Downtown was to be our place of nocturnal repose for the next two nights. With Marg at the wheel, we headed south on Interstate 87 then 787, an hour’s drive to Albany NY. The final loop around Broadway was completed with comparative ease. On pulling up at the hotel, there was a loading zone. I jumped out to get things sorted.

Convinced we had valet parking here also, the chap on duty at reception soon put me right. That we could park anywhere was immediately doubted. But being late Saturday afternoon, there were fewer restrictions, we should be OK on the street until early Monday morning.

The chap was full of himself, an arsehole might begin to describe him. Marg and I reached our room on a high floor. Wondering about the noise, we looked out the window to establish the source.

The cooling system was metres away, right above us. A change of room please. Clive and Maggie were given a room with no window, had they paid for one? Dr. Stan had the best of the three.

Whilst the rest waited, Marg and I took The Beast for a short drive to find a secure and free parking spot. Luckily we found a space a few doors down State Street.

The southeastern end of State Street meets Broadway at the SUNY System Administration Building. an unusual name for the former Delaware & Hudson Railroad Company Building, now also known as the – Castle.

From here, the breweries lie to the north on the west bank of the Hudson River.

Fidens Brewing Company, the first of a cluster of four, was the prime objective. Fidens turned out to be a Bier Paradise.

En route we passed some points of interest including a building (below) that could easily have been found in Brugge (Belgium), some colonial architecture has survived.

Still busy with family groups, we secured a table way through to the rear. The atmosphere soon improved, a wean curfew? There were more NEIPAs than a Hector could dream of, and each one turned out to have the full – milkshake haze. Clive had to inform us that he had enjoyed Fidens at The Ghost Whale, Putney (London), the week before the trip.

Who cared, we were about to have it at source.

Lily (formerly Socratic Questioning) at 8.2% was the starter, no holding back. No idea what the hops are, had I stuck with this, I would have had no idea about anything. This had the body, the flavours, glorious.

If 8.2% wasn’t holding back, my next two were 8.5%! We’re here, savour the moment.

The Butcher, a NEDIPA again had everything, and with Mosaic, Galaxy and Nelson hops, no wonder. Had I stuck with Lily, I wouldn’t have had The Butcher and maybe not Accelerant.

Again, 8.5%, Accelerant had Nelson, Motueka, Citra and Rakau hops, I didn’t get this weeks back in New Zealand. Juicy, fruity, the big hop hit, so smooth on the palate, dangerous.

There was a major dilemma looming. Fidens would close at 23.00 or thereabouts, this Saturday evening. Stay here to the bitter end then call it a night, or walk back to the city centre and go clubbing? Well, not quite.

The City Beer Hall, a couple of blocks up from our hotel, was reportedly open until 02.00, that should suffice. A walk would do us good, though Clive and Maggie followed by Uber. At least we got to see some of Downtown Albany NY by night.

The – colonial building – proved to be a thriving bar/restaurant, befitting its appearance. That I took the photos by day and night might suggest I was missing Europe, or was just surprised at seeing something like this at all in the USA.

The City Beer Hall, housed in another vintage, well for the USA, and impressive building.

If I ever return to New York NY, then Brooklyn is probably where I would stay. Marg and I had a good day there back in 2013, despite ending up in the bowling alley adjacent to the Brooklyn Brewery. Both my choices at The City Beer Hall were from Brooklyn breweries.

Time to come off the mountain. Rabe (Other Half, Brooklyn, NY) at a mere 5.0% was not a bad choice. Despite drinking at its abv, the hoped for hop flavours disitnctly present. Cashmere, Citra and Simcoe were the hops.

We waited for the others to arrive, meaning there was actually time for two of the next Bier and Marg hit the Baileys.

Inside Voice (Threes Brewing, Brooklyn, NY) at 8.0% saw a worthy continuation of the fun. A New Zealand Hazy DIPA, featuring Moutere, Peacharine, Nelson Sauvin and Motueka hops. With the full haze, body and hop hit, another sensation.

We were well and truly – in the zone.

At least, home was downhill.

Breweries and bar visited today:

Northway Brewing Co. – 1043 US-9, Queensbury, NY 12804, United States

Fidens Brewing Company : 897 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207, United States

The City Beer Hall : 42 Howard St, Albany, NY 12207, United States

Day 75 – Sunday, June 2^nd Albany NY

Yesterday was a good day, today was even better. Yesterday was all about the Bier, today had so much more. Little did I expect to find my third outstanding USA Curry House, and after I had basically stopped looking. Three breweries and an unexpected windfall also made the day not too shabby. But first, a bit of Albany NY tourism.

Marg had done a bit of a recce whilst out maintaining her morning fitness regime. Hence, or otherwise, we headed down, crossing under the Interstate, to the Hudson River. Seeing the stretch of water previously seen in NYC was one attraction, seeing the last US Navy destroyer afloat, the other.

OK, the USS Slater was modest in comparison to USS Missouri explored way back on Day 44 at Pearl Harbor. Nor did we take the time, or pay the money, to board.

Retracing our steps we encountered the local nutter, it has been a few days since the last one. Fortunately, he was happy to interact from across the street, and popping in to a souvenir shop saw the back of him. Cue the fridge magnet.

State Street, a good pace to stay, not that we fully appreciated this at the time of booking. The City Beer Hall was seen in daylight as were a couple more interesting sights, then we were upon the complex featuring, eventually, The State Capitol.

General Philip Henry Sheridan was a major player in the US Civil War.

The retired Geographer mentions Sheridan due to his involvement in the establishing of Yellowstone National Park. So much for John Muir, the Scotsman who played a key role in the establishment of US National Parks.

The Empire State Plaza afforded views back across the city and the challenge of securing a photo with vertical buildings and no stragglers invading.

After a few attempts, the Hector got what he wanted. The Egg had to be captured.

The Capitol Building itself, another fine piece of architecture, proved to be less significant than the – I Love NY – sign. So it goes.

Hector had yet to eat, Curry had been dismissed as online research to date revealed nowhere which looked better than Mainstream. There was the possibility of a Kebap shop if we continued in our north-westerly direction towards Washington Park. Marg pressed the panic button, coffee and cake was required – immediately.

Lark Street to the rescue, although my first suggestion – Daily Grind – proved to be unsatisfactory, serendipity, – Bitchin Donuts – turned out to be both satisfying and quirky.

Marg had her coffee & Cake, Hector an iced coffee only because suddenly Curry became a possibility.

Jewel of India on Lark had triggered a renewed interest in having at least Tandoori today. Bangladeshi, not my first choice. Then an address with two venues: Gandhi / Curry Leaf listing – Punjabi Korma – in the menu.

Hector was on a mission, but not before we were engaged in conversation with the adjacent couple in Bitchin Donuts. By the time we departed, they may have just about understood the makeup of the British Isles.

And it came to pass that Curry Leaf delivered the goods, another outstanding US Curry, and probably my last on this trip. But then I thought that would be the case at Shalimar of India (Burlington VT).

We had a 15.00 rendezvous at Fort Orange Brewing, a forty minute walk from Curry Leaf. Our route took us between Arbor Hill and Sheridan Hollow, a memorable walk. A residential area, populated by mostly African Americans, well they were the ones sitting on the steps outside the terraced houses which was reminiscent of a scene from many a movie. We crossed the road a couple of times to avoid engagement, two Caspar Milquetoasts at large.

As we reached Broadway once more, the sight that would certainly make Marg’s day, was encountered.

The World’s Largest Nipper, or so the statue sitting atop an industrial building is called. Crazy.

Dr. Stan was the lone drinker at Fort Orange, though another chap entered before I could purchase my Cider. Cider is the preferred tipple after Curry.

Signature Cider (Nine Pin Cider Works, Albany NY) at 6.7% was available in a CAN only. Clear, dry, full on, it tasted of apples! I had a few Ciders in similar circumstances back in 2018, never had a bad one. They could teach the British a thing or two, keg Cider of course.

At this point I didn’t know that Nine Pin was around the corner.

The chap serving was most amenable, well he had few people to talk to, we were strangers. Clive and Maggie were en route, but they don’t move that quickly, so the Hector was finishing his Bier as they arrived.

I had to have a Bier at source, no point being here otherwise. Clouded Vision at 6.7% was a worthy NEIPA. With the full milkshake haze and a body matching the abv, not disappointing. Citra and Galaxy were the hops. OK, not as good as Fidens.

The next hour was particularity strange. Dr. Stan stayed on at Fort Orange to keep Clive and Magie company. Marg and Hector headed back towards Fidens, but Marg decided her book would be more interesting.

Marg took refuge at Nine Pin where she had a Fruit Cider, at source. Clive soon joined me at Fidens, Maggie decided it was time to have a ladies’ hour.

Maggie has declared two sub-missions on this trip: to visit a Walmart, scheduled for tomorrow, and go to a Diner. There was a Diner nearby, they didn’t did they? Where was Dr. Stan?

A Sunday afternoon, Fidens was way quieter than yesterday. Clive and Hector took the opperchancity to establish ourselves on stools at the bar.

Jasper w / Nelson at 7.9%, a DNEIPA, no holding back, was good and might even have been better. Despite a Curry and the Cider to follow, the bunged sinuses were back. Anyway, the full milkshake Haze, a big body, dry and giving off juicy-fruit, another winner. Citra and Nelson Sauvin hops, a welcome combination.

Established, we were. A local engaged us in conversation at the bar. The usual bits were got out of the way, then it all turned weird, frightening even. I am not sure if – red-neck – is an appropriate description, – Republican – and – delusional – certainly is. When asked what we thought about the candidates in the forthcoming US election – is that the only two people in your entire nation that you can find? – seemed like a fair response. I had used this previously, it worked, not today. We were advised that – Biden is the devil.

The corollary had Clive and Hector pick up our glasses and move to a safer seat. Apparently – god is on Trump’s side. What chance humanity?

We were five again. Food was called for by some, proof that Maggie had gone to a Diner?

The Hector was replete already, more Bier.

Necessary Means for a Necessary Means at a mere 8.4% was going to take some beating. Throughout this trip, I have resisted the temptation to drink DIPAs this early, being fair to Marg. To that end I know I have certainly missed out on some potentially wonderful Biers. However, the New England stretch is all about Bier, so be it. A DDH NEDIPA, an instant – wow! Every Fidens consumed has had the full milkshake Haze, appropriate body, but here the mouthfeel was simply glorious. Citra and Mosaic hops, blended to perfection. It was time to declare –The McVittie Arms. More of the same please.

To stay until 21.00 closing was tempting. However, Druthers Brewing Company had to be investigated, again a 21.00 closing time. This involved a walk back in the direction of Fort Orange, Marg decided to have a timeout, the book must be good. Marg walked back to the Fairfield Inn.

Druthers have a number brew-plants in the towns around Albany NY. This place was huge. Not just a brewery, so – at source – was not in doubt, there was a full bar menu and food on offer.

The only issue, how could their Bier follow Fidens? That my sensible choice was not on tap as advertised meant a CAN.

The invitingly named Citra Curious Nelson at 7.2% had to be sampled regardless. It had the milkshake Haze appearance but after Fidens, tasted sharp on the palate. Citra and Nelson Sauvin hops, where have I had that before, this Bier was not doing it for me.

We had chosen a table well away from the bar, there was a birthday party underway at the nearest table.

The ever amenable Hector burst into action. Why have group photos with the photographer missing? The father of the birthday-daughter engaged us thereafter. Touring New England just to visit breweries struck a chord.

I may have mentioned that this was Day 75 of RTW-80. As the birthday troupe departed so daddy came over to bid us farewell. He dropped a $50.00 note on our table –

Have a beer on me!

And so, on our return home, Druthers Brewing Company shall no doubt live long in the lore.

Time for a tap Bier. Double The Reason, an 8.0% IPA – DDH NEIPA – again had the full Haze and body. This time, the palate adjusted to the sharpness.

Walk back, and waste VDT? An Uber was summoned, back to the Fairfield. Marg was ready to come out to play, Clive and Maggie called it a night. Dr. Stan was still willing to sample another Bier.

The three of us headed up State Street, this time Albany War Room Tavern was the objective.

We were the first customers of the shift as we entered the basement bar at 21.40.

Fiddlehead IPA, enjoyed a few days ago at The Elephant and Castle (Boston MA), was the best Bier on offer.

The waitress was extraordinary. Movies often feature intellectuals doing bar work, this evening we were in that movie. The history of the bar was related, the dignitaries who have frequented these premises. We came for the Bier, the experience was certainly being enhanced. For once, the waitress earned her tip.