Common Roots Brewing Company – The Albany Outpost

I didn’t have a lot of time before my flight back to Los Angeles from Albany. But I really wanted to stop by Common Roots Brewing Company to see what all the fuss was about.

Behind the bar, Andrew was a gem of a human. We talked about my recent travels in Morocco and he admitted that his girlfriend was Moroccan. And – that he was planing or surprising her with a trip to Morocco the next year. I gave him some trip stop suggestions –  and he gave me a taste of some deliciously fun East Coast beers.

For suggestions, he said that I should definitely check out Foam Brewers in Burlington, Vermont. As I’d already mentioned that someone recommended The Alchemist Brewery in Stowe during dinner at The Tipsy Moose the previous night, Andrew suggested that I take a look at the Vermont Brewers Festival at Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont.

I had small tastes of a few beers – with QUIET WILD (6.5% ABV – IPA w/notes of fresh pineapple, grapefruit, and a hint of pine. Nectaron, Simcoe, and Cryopop hops) standing out.

For my official tasting, Andrew pour me four beers:

SPINNER (4.5% ABV – Belgian-style Witbier with coriander and orange zest)

BUSHEL AND BARREL: SMOKED APPLE (7% ABV – Wild Ale conditioned on smoked McIntyre and Granny Smith Apples in oak) This was my favorite beer. The tartness was absolutely delicious.

DOUBLE CUP (14% ABV – Imperia Stout infused with our own house-roasted coffee. Notes of tiramisu and chocolate mousse)

HYPER FLIGHT (8% ABV – DIPA brewed featuring Galaxy, Vic Secret, and Citra hops yielding layers of citrus and tropical punch)

All were fantastic – with Bushel And Barrel: Smoked Apple being my favorite.

Finishing up our conversation, Andrew also suggested that I visit the Tap New York Craft Brew Festival.

Overall, my time at Common Roots Brewing Company’s The Albany Outpost was full of chill vibes and great conversation about regional beers. And, a reminder that you never know who you’re talking to. So, never assume. Andrew would have never known that I’d just returned to the United States after A 10 Day Moroccan Adventure with Kim Larkin Adventures. And I wouldn’t have known that his girlfriend was Moroccan and that he was planning a trip for her to Marrakesh.

It’s so fun to see how life works out.

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