Join us at our Malta location as we highlight Chatham Brewing!
Made on Main Street
Chatham Brewing has been a favorite gathering place in Columbia County for over 15 years, starting as a microbrewery with roots in a truly diverse community.
Loved by longtime residents, employing many local folks, discovered by weekenders, sought out by “beer guys” searching for the latest taste sensation, Chatham Brewing is the place to go for award-winning fresh beer, good food and a warm welcome. It’s the place where everybody knows your name. And you can bring your family!
The story of Chatham Brewing started more than a decade ago, when Tom Crowell and Jake Cunningham first met, introduced by their wives who knew the two shared a love for beer. As luck would have it, 3.5 barrel brewing system was available. The two moved quickly. Chatham Brewing was born.
They first set up shop in a small garage in a back alley off Main Street. Just three months after their first batch, they went to TAP New York and won a bronze medal for their porter. For several years they alternated brewing duties, trying to keep up with their ever-growing following. Then, in 2008, Matt Perry, a local home brewer (now head brewer and partner) joined them. With an unstoppable work ethic, he ready to handle a larger scale system.
After adding fermenters in 2012, the trio returned from TAPNY with the coveted Mathew Vassar Cup for Best Craft Brewery in the Hudson Valley. Encouraged by the accolades, they were ready to expand.
On Christmas Eve of 2013, they moved their tanks down to 59 Main Street—with the help of a flotilla of friends and loyal customers–and into their new space. The following year, they received a Farm Brewery license and they were able to pour and sell individual beers directly to the customers.
Chatham Brewing has since become an important anchor business in town. Through series of build-outs and equipment acquisitions, the 6000 sq. ft. location at 59 Main Street operates a 20 barrel system that cans up to 300 cases a week. It’s a full production brewery, a restaurant, and a community meeting place. Regulars—known on Main Street as the OG–still swear by Farmer’s Daughter and Czech’rd Past, the flagship brews.
“A lot of our customers are like family. Or they really are family” says Matt. And after a long day, multitasking and blasting Phish, endlessly cleaning, he’s out front at the bar, making people feel at home.
Tom is usually there. If he doesn’t already know your name, he’ll ask, and remember it.