Pioneering Keuka Lake brewery Abandon celebrates its 10th bday with a huge party

Yates County brewery resides in a 200-year-old barn and now provides a relaxing outlet and incredible view for visitors

AJ Noto never expected he would own a brewery. (Who does?) But as his brewery prepares for its 10^th anniversary this weekend, he can’t imagine anywhere else he’d rather be.

Noto, along with his wife, Sarah Struzzi-Noto, purchased Abandon Brewing, just outside of Penn Yan, Yates County, about five years ago. (The Notos bought the brewery from Sara’s stepfather, Garry Sperrick.) During that time, the Notos have experienced quite a bit together – COVID, numerous state-mandated starts and stops during the pandemic, and the uncertainty in the beer industry right now due to increased competition and shifting consumer tastes.

But you can’t talk to Noto and immediately not come away with the impression that he is so thankful and stoked to be in this position. That’s why Abandon, the brewery in the 200-year-old red barn with the otherworldly view of Keuka Lake, is pulling out all the stops for its birthday party Saturday.

Before there was a brewery, there was a 25-acre property with the abandoned barn and all the potential in the world. With that priceless view, the possibilities seemed endless. But the passage of the state’s farm brewery law in 2012 provided a direct pathway to opening a brewery.

“It has been unbelievable for us,” said Noto. “I think what separates Abandon from a lot of breweries is the quality of our beer, our brewmaster (Jeff Hillebrandt) is a genius. We love him. We can’t believe how the quality of beer he puts out every month. It’s just incredible.

“Abandon is a special place because of the scene we have there. Being up on the hill, that beautiful barn, all the space to spread out, it’s just a very relaxing place. We strive to provide the best service we can. It’s just the kind of place, to me, that’s really special, almost in an indescribable way.”

Hillebrandt, who came from Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, Otsego County, produces a wide range of styles, but has really developed a reputation for his use of New York state-produced ingredients and the Belgian-style beers he makes. The Notos installed a new wastewater system and have worked diligently to ensure Abandon doesn’t produce any waste. The brewery itself is powered by solar and thermal energy.

“We went to Jeff before we even went to the bank,” Noto said. “Abandon is not Abandon without Jeff. He has the freedom to make the best beer he can possibly make.”

The Notos installed a new wastewater system and have worked diligently to ensure Abandon doesn’t produce any waste. The brewery itself is powered by solar and thermal energy.

“If you have better water, you’re gonna have better beer,” Noto said.

So the Notos remain intent on preserving the history of the property, while also working to be environmentally responsible.

So why did the Notos buy a brewery?

“It’s because we’re stupid,” AJ responded with a huge cackle. “Her mother and stepfather built it. She was part of the brewery since the inception. She saw the potential that the brewery had. And when I visited, I saw the potential the brewery had. When it went up for sale, we had some hard conversations and we looked at my experience from bars and restaurants and my experience in sales and management and it just felt like a really good fit.”

While COVID was undeniably sad and horrific for so many, it also provided a unique opportunity for Abandon. Situated on acres upon acres of land, people could easily social distance when visiting. At the same time, people didn’t have to feel isolated because they could still see other people in a public setting.

“COVID sucked and people lost people that they loved,” Noto said. “Everything that happened, it was horrifying. It benefited us. That was our first full year of ownership. Our neighbors also benefited. When everything started to open up, people didn’t want to be in their homes but they also wanted to be outside. Six feet, you could be 600 yards from the closest person. You’re in the middle of nowhere. Getting people there the first time, for some reason, it’s tough. Once you go there, that’s it.”

Abandon doesn’t just offer a picturesque place to enjoy a beer. It also hosts numerous events, including weddings, in its event space and then provides great food from its catering kitchen. (The event space has a separate auxiliary bar.) There is also a 200-year-old remodeled home on the property that’s available for stays, especially for newly married couples. Noto swears by the wood-fired pizzas and wings.

The anniversary party runs from noon to 7 p.m. Noto’s band String Theory will play from noon to 2 p.m. and will be followed at 3 by the Matt Sauer Band. Sauer plays guitar in String Theory and also the ubiquitous Zac Brown Tribute Band. Sauer has recruited a cast of Rochester all-stars to play with him Saturday, Noto said. There will also be a special anniversary beer release and food specials (a whole hog roast) all day long.

“We feel unbelievably blessed,” Noto said. “It has been so good, beyond our wildest dreams of how good it has been. It’s a struggle. It’s a battle every day. But we feel super, super blessed and lucky to have the support we get.”

Dublin Corners celebrates seventh anniversary

On Saturday, Dublin Corners Farm Brewery will celebrates its seventh birthday with its annual Boos and Brews Holiday Bash. It all kicks off at noon at the brewery’s original location at 1906 Main St., Linwood.

Started by Justin and Heather Grant, Dublin Corners became Livingston County’s first craft brewery when it opened. The Halloween party will feature food from Crave’n Curbside, a new beer release, a costume contest (for both humans and dogs), a pumpkin-hurtling trebuchet (because you can do that when you’re on a big farm), and live music all day. (All of the bands are listed in the flyer above.) The event is free.

The barn, which now houses the brewery, was constructed 20 years ago for the Grants’ wedding. Originally, the Grants were growing pumpkins and selling them at a road-side stand. That morphed into growing hops and eventually turned into a homebrewing hobby.

Dublin Corners opened a second taproom in 2019 in the village of Geneseo.