Dec 03

Palette & Pour

By Nolan

Ready to trade your to-do list for a paintbrush and maybe a pint? Join artist Joe Schaefer of Stylo Design Studio (out of Voorheesville, NY) for a night of laid-back creativity, unexpected laughs, and low-pressure painting at Common Roots Brewing’s Albany Outpost.

Whether you haven’t painted since the 3rd grade turkey-hand era or you’ve got a secret stash of brushes at home, this class is designed for every skill level—especially the “I can’t even draw a stick figure” crowd.

No experience needed. Really. Zero. Zip. Come as you are.

What Your $45 Ticket Gets You:

All art materials (canvas, paints, brushes, fun banter —everything but the Michelangelo confidence)
One drink included from Common Roots to keep the creative juices flowing
Step-by-step(ish) guidance from Joe—easy, encouraging, and actually fun
A judgment-free, laugh-heavy atmosphere where the only goal is to have a good time

You’ll leave with a finished painting you’ll be genuinely proud to hang… or at least proudly say, “Yes, I made this after one cocktail/mocktail.”

Bring a friend, bring your partner, bring your coworkers, or come solo and meet new people who also believe art is better with a drink of some kind in hand. Spots are limited (because tables are only so big and we refuse to stack people like art supplies), so grab your seat early!

Let’s sip, laugh, paint, and make a masterpiece—or at least a memory.🍻🎨

Get Tickets

Sep 12

Fall beer cans on a red chair in the biergarten featuring Cider and Pumpkin Ale

Beers of Fall

By Nolan Blog

Beers of Fall

Fall vibes are setting in for us here in Upstate New York. With the change of season comes a shift to fall beer cravings. Crushable summer sippers give way to roasty delights that pair with the crisp, cooler air. The brewery and coffee crews have been hard at work over the past months, bolstering our fall lineup for the harvest season.

Here is your guide to all things fall beer & refreshment at Common Roots:

Märzen Magic: Fritzi

Märzen is the classic German lager that built Oktoberfest traditions. Known for its smooth, malty backbone and toasty notes, it is an inherently celebratory beverage.

Our take, Fritzi, leans into that timeless character while carrying its own signature balance. The rich caramel, malty flavor is countered by a crisp finish, making it approachable for fall beer drinkers of all palettes. Named after the matriarch of the Weber family: Elfriede “Fritzi” Weber, this brew pays homage to the Weber’s German heritage. It’s the kind of beer that feels right at home alongside fall foliage, hearty meals, and the golden September sun.

Can of Fritzi infront of the Albany Outpost fallscape

Can of Pumpkin Ale infront of the Flagship Taproom

A Seasonal Classic: Pumpkin Ale

Pumpkin ales have quickly become a quintessential fall beer over the past decade, signaling the arrival of cooler nights, golden leaves, and cozy gatherings. Our Pumpkin Ale seamlessly blends smooth malt character with warming spices that capture the essence of the season. It strikes a perfect balance. Robust and aromatic, offering depth and nuance without tipping into overwhelming sweetness.

Expect a deep amber color with golden highlights on the pour, and inviting aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and subtle caramel. Notes of baked pumpkin and brown sugar are rounded out with just a hint of sweetness. The result is a beer that feels both familiar and inviting, ideal for pairing with your favorite autumn traditions.

Cider Delights

Few things hit the spot like a crisp hard cider when the air turns cool and the trees show their colors. Ours is made with a blend of fresh, locally sourced New York apples, resulting in a naturally bright, slightly tart sip. Common Roots Cider is light yet flavorful, striking the perfect balance between sweet and dry without ever feeling heavy. It’s a refreshing choice you can enjoy anytime throughout the season.

Craving something a little richer? Keep an eye out for Common Roots Cider Doughnut. Brewed with brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and lactose, this special release captures all the nostalgia of a cider donut in liquid form.

Whether you’re heading to the orchard, gathering friends around the fire, or planning a fall feast, our ciders fit right in. They’re also a favorite for anyone seeking a gluten-free option that still delivers full, vibrant character. Stock up for weekends, share with friends, and savor every fleeting moment of autumn.

cider donught can next to two cider donughts

Outdoorsy Refreshment: Public Lands Pale Ale

Public Lands Pale Ale is a crisp, hop-forward fall beer built for autumnal adventures. Bright citrus and pine notes lead the way, with a clean, snappy finish that offers a refreshing break from the richer, heavier brews of the season. It’s the ideal pale ale for fall, ready to enjoy after a day on the trail, casting a line in a quiet stream, or soaking in the vibrant colors of the changing leaves.

Brewed in partnership with the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Association, this beer celebrates the wild spaces that bring us together. Whether you’re hiking to a hidden overlook, wading into a cool river for some fall fly-fishing, or simply gathering with friends to share stories of the day, Public Lands is a toast to the places and the people that make autumn adventures unforgettable.

Darker Nights, Darker Beers

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing better than a well-crafted dark beer to match the season. These styles bring depth and comfort to cool-weather sipping, each with its own distinct character.

Shadow Figures Porter – Smooth and satisfying, this porter layers roasted malt and chocolate notes for a rich yet approachable pint.

Coffee Cup Imperial Stout – Bold and warming, this brew features our house-roasted coffee for a robust flavor and a little extra kick, perfect for long, chilly nights.

Together, these beers showcase the range of dark beers ideal for fall. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire, capping off a day of outdoor adventure, or simply savoring the flavors of the season, this lineup offers the best dark beers for fall in every shade and style.

Café Twist: Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Fall flavors aren’t just for beer lovers. The Café is rolling out pumpkin-spiced lattes for the harvest season. Made with house-roasted coffee, perfectly blended with warming spices and silky steamed milk. The result is a warm, aromatic cup that brings the flavors of fall to life.

Whether you’re fueling up before a leaf-peeping road trip, warming your hands after a cool morning walk, or simply treating yourself to one of the season’s best fall coffee drinks, the Café is the perfect spot to settle in and savor the Autumn months.

Fall Beverages for any Occasion

Fall is full of rich flavors, from bold fall beers to warm, spiced drinks. Whether you’re enjoying a dark, roasty pint, sipping a crisp cider, or starting the day with a seasonal latte, there’s something here for every taste and every moment.

Stop by the Flagship Taproom, Albany Outpost, or Café to explore our fall lineup and bring a few favorites home. Here’s to crisp evenings, colorful days, and raising a glass to everything we love about this season.

Flagship Taproom

Albany Outpost

The Café

Aug 22

Can of Rising from the Ashes 2025 with a pour behind it

Rising from the Ashes 2025 Foundation Weekend

By Nolan Blog

Rising from the Ashes: A Tradition Rooted in Community

Here’s to another round of Rising from the Ashes. Each year, this commemorative release supports the Common Roots Foundation and its mission to build a more just, active, and inclusive community. Every edition highlights a new style, and 2025 features a classic done right: a crisp and refreshing Kölsch-style ale.

Collage of past year's rising from the ashes labels

This Year’s Brew: Kölsch with Character

The Kölsch style bridges the gap between lager and ale. Brewed with fine Pilsen malt and traditional German hops, this year’s Rising from the Ashes delivers a clean, refreshing profile with subtle ale-like complexity.

The 2025 can art showcases the Albany skyline, complete with The Egg, Empire State Plaza, and the Alfred E. Smith Building. The design reflects our connection to the Capital Region and the opening of the Albany Outpost, a space that further roots us in the local community.

Brewing with Purpose: The Story Behind the Name

The name Rising from the Ashes pay tribute to the strength and support that carried Common Roots forward in the wake of a devastating fire that destroyed our original brewery in 2019. From that moment of loss came overwhelming community support and the determination to rebuild stronger. What began as a beer brewed in gratitude has become an annual tradition and a lasting symbol of resilience.

Proceeds from each pint or pack continue to fund the Common Roots Foundation, extending the ripple of community strength year after year.

Common Roots Foundation: Supporting Community and Equity

What began as a way to give back after the fire has grown into a year-round effort to strengthen the communities we call home.

The Common Roots Foundation was created to give back the same support we felt in the wake of the fire, and today it drives year-round efforts to strengthen the communities we call home. Grants and partnerships support projects that align with its mission to foster a more just, active, and inclusive region.

The Foundation funds initiatives that expand access to the outdoors, provide resources for youth development, and advance equity-driven programs. Whether you join a fundraiser, grab a 4-pack to-go, or enjoy a pint at the taproom, every pour of Rising from the Ashes beer helps fuel this mission.

Foundation Weekend 2025:

In addition to the release of Rising from the Ashes, the Common Roots Foundation is hosting two fundraising events for Foundation Weekend during the first weekend of October 2025. Participants will receive a discount on to-go beer all weekend long! Sign up for one event for 10% off or both events for 20% off.

River Run for the Roots 5K in South Glens Falls

Enjoy a scenic 5K run/walk/stroll along the Hudson River in South Glens Falls, followed by a post-race celebration at the Flagship Biergarten. Awards will be given for overall winners, age-group winners, and a stroller division.

Date & Location: Saturday, October 4th, Common Roots Flagship Biergarten.

Learn More & Sign Up

Beat the Brewers Disc Golf Challenge

Our fifth annual Disc Golf Challenge brings together teams for a day of friendly competition, tasty beer, and community support. The format is simple: two rounds, morning and afternoon, with prizes for challenges like Ring of Fire, Longest Drive, and Closest to the Pin. The team that tops the Brewers’ score will claim the grand prize (and bragging rights). Expect plenty of craft beer, good food, and great company out on the course.

Date & Location: Sunday, October 5th, Crandall Park Disc Golf Course.

Learn More & Sign Up

Raise a Glass for a Great Cause

Rising from the Ashes is more than a beer—it’s a reminder of what can grow from challenge. Every year, it connects people, supports the Foundation, and celebrates the spirit of resilience that defines our community.

Grab a pint, sign up for an event, or simply share the story. Together, we can keep the tradition alive and the mission moving forward.

Find Rising from the Ashes at both taprooms and in select retail locations throughout the region.

Learn About the Foundation

Foundation News

May 29

4 bags of Common Roots House Blend Coffee

What is Specialty Coffee

By Nolan Blog

What is Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee is the top tier of coffee quality. It’s known for its smooth, balanced flavor and clean finish without that harsh bitterness you might find in commercial roasts. These beans are usually roasted in small batches and sold fresh. Delivering a cup with more depth and character. Grown in high-altitude, tropical regions, specialty coffee is also sourced through ethical practices like fair trade and direct trade, which support both farmers and the environment.

If you’re already deep into your coffee journey or just starting, specialty coffee offers an elevated caffeination experience.

What Qualifies as Specialty Coffee?

To earn the title of “specialty,” coffee beans must score 80 points or more on a 100-point scale. This grading is done by certified Q Graders. These professional tasters evaluate aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and defects. Only beans that pass this rigorous test are graded specialty.

At Common Roots Coffee Company, our head roaster Luke Rock is a CQI-certified Q Grader. He uses those same standards in our process, making sure each roast is in the top quality tier.

How We Source Our Coffee

We exclusively use ethically sourced, specialty-grade beans from Colombia, Guatemala, and Mexico. Our sourcing approach puts sustainability and fair trade first. We partner with small farms that are fair trade certified, Rainforest Alliance members, and are often organic and female-owned. Many also focus on water conservation and apiary-friendly practices.

By paying a premium for these beans, we help small, independent farmers compete without relying on mass production. Unlike commercial coffee, which often uses chemical-heavy sun cultivation, our farms grow shade-grown coffee in healthy ecosystems that preserve biodiversity.

Every bag of green coffee we roast is handpicked with care. We evaluate origin, processing method, and flavor potential with guidance from our green coffee partners, like Covoya Coffee. This lets us consistently deliver coffee that tastes great and reflects our values.

Our Roasting Approach

When a new variant of green coffee arrives, we start small. A 100-gram test roast helps us fine-tune for flavor before we move to larger batches. The pilot batch allows us to make educated adjustments and dial in the roast before scaling up. Perfecting the roast of new variants is paramount in bringing out the best character representation for the roast.

We look to develop the bean’s natural sweetness, build a satisfying body, and create a balanced, low-acid roast. The goal? Perfecting the roast to deliver a cup that’s smooth, and easy to enjoy though any brew method.

Small Batch Coffee

While all of our coffee products start with high-quality specialty beans, our Small Batch Coffee series takes things a step further. Launching in the coming weeks, this rotating lineup will highlight carefully selected single origin coffees sourced from distinct growing regions around the world. Each roast is handcrafted in small quantities by our team in Glens Falls, ensuring maximum freshness and precision.

We dial in the roast level to bring out the unique flavor profile of each bean—whether it’s a bright and citrusy Ethiopian or a rich, chocolatey Colombian. If you’re looking for fresh roasted coffee beans with real character, our Small Batch Coffee offerings are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the world of specialty coffee.

What About Cold Brew?

That same attention to detail carries over into our canned cold brew. We work with McManus, a co-packing partner that uses cold chain packaging to preserve roast quality. This lets us design roasts specifically for cold extraction, bringing out a smooth, sweet profile with low acidity.

The cans are also pasteurized, making them shelf-stable without sacrificing taste. You can pour one over ice or sip it straight from the can and still get that fresh-roasted character we’re proud of.

Ready to Try Specialty Coffee?

Whether you’re curious about specialty coffee or looking to shake up your usual routine, we’ve got you covered. Order online anytime, or stop by the Flagship Taproom, the Café at the Bierhall & Barrelhouse, or our Albany Outpost. You can also find our coffee at local Market 32 locations.

No matter where you pick it up, you’re getting coffee that’s thoughtfully sourced, skillfully roasted, and ready to enjoy.

Shop Whole Bean Coffee

Cold Brew Cans

Apr 09

Rising From the Ashed 4 Pack infront of taproom

Brewing For A Cause

By Nolan Blog

Brewing for a Cause

Since opening our doors in 2014, Common Roots Brewing Company has been directed by our core principles: healthy living, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusiveness. These pillars continue to guide us as we grow and serve our community and are exemplified in our cause beers.

One of our favorite ways to support organizations with like-minded values is by doing what we do best: brewing great beer to support great causes. From clean water advocacy to celebrating diversity and inclusion, our “cause beers” are brewed to serve a bigger purpose. Here are a few releases that are making an impact in our local community this year.

Rising From The Ashes

Rising from the Ashes is a commemorative cause beer that benefits the Common Roots Foundation. The foundation was created to elevate and assist our community in times of need and promote our shared values of creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and safe community. The most recent iteration of Rising from the Ashes featured an Italian Pilsner brewed with CMC Euro-Pils, and hopped with Saphir & Hersbrucker. Previous years have featured IPA and Double IPA variations – all brewed with the same sense of purpose.

Pure Water, Pure Beer

Clean water is essential for a thriving community – and for brewing exceptional beer. Pure Water, Pure Beer is a crisp lager, brewed to support our friends at the New York Section American Water Works Association (AWWA). Their mission to building a better world through better water is one we proudly support. The AWWA shares many of our core principles, particularly regarding sustainable practices. They provide expertise, resources, and advocacy to meet the evolving needs of water systems and the communities they serve. Pure Water, Pure Beer will be available on 4/18 and symbolizes our gratitude for the AWWA’s work in our region.

SHMD Good Fortune

Each spring, we support the South High Marathon Dance (SHMD), with special edition cans of Good Fortune IPA. This beloved community tradition is a staple in our area. Each year, we feature new can art with designs from local artists. Proceeds from 4-packs of this special edition can art directly to support SHMD’s fundraising efforts. We also host a pre-dance Happy Hour, where a portion of every beverage sold is donated to the South High Marathon Dance.

Carousel of Colors

Brewed in collaboration with our friends at Saratoga Pride, Carousel of Colors IPA has become an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and inclusion. Released each June, proceeds from the sale of this beer support Saratoga Pride’s mission to foster and support a thriving LGBTQ+ community in our region. To further the celebration, we host an annual release party and Saratoga Pride Happy Hour, bringing people together over great beer, and the shared interest in supporting a meaningful cause.

Think Pink, Drink Pink

Each year, we participate in the Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day, an initiative celebrating women and non-binary individuals in the fermented beverage and alcohol industry. Since 2020, this annual brew has been featured on our tap lines – including this year’s hazy pale ale crafted with a unique hop blend from our friends at Yakima Chief.

Cheers to Giving Back

At Common Roots, we believe great beer has the power to bring people together and catalyze meaningful change. Whether it’s protecting our clean water sources, supporting local organizations, or uplifting our community, each of these cause beers exemplify our dedication to making a difference. So, next time you’re enjoying a perfect pour at the Flagship Taproom or Albany Outpost, know you’re raising a glass to something bigger than the beer.

Cheers!

Learn More About the Common Roots Foundation