With the large assortment of imported beers and the ever growing list of outstanding micro brews available, why pray tell would I be profiling the 5th largest brewer in the United States.

What if I were to start again and say I was profiling the High Falls Brewing Company of Rochester N. Y.

Pitched at the top of Rochester's highest of three water falls, the High Falls brewery produces beers under the Michael Shea and JW Dundee names and is a contract brewer for the most respected Boston Brewing Company.

Perception. Whether you call it Genesee Brewing or High Falls brewing, the two names represent only one brewer.

With the exception of the prohibition years, Genesee has been brewing beer since 1878 and is probably best known for its award winning cream ale, Genny Cream which was introduced in 1960.

Until recently, most large American brewers have restricted their output to lager beer. Genesee, being a family owned business for most of its life, has long been a producer of lagers and ales.

In the early 1990's, Given Genesee's long associated with the low priced beer market, Genesee avoided perception problems by quietly selling its new products under the High Falls name.

Judge the results for yourself.
I'm a particular fan of Michael Shea's Irish Amber's rich caramel flavor. It's moderately priced but would still be a steal at twice the price.

In August of 2000 a management group from within Genesee Brewing purchased the company, saving the company from a merger with Pabst that may well have brought a close to the brewery.

Andy's currently sells Genny Cream Ale, Michael Shea's Irish Amber and JW Dundee's Honey Brown.

January 17, 2001 profile #6