USA, NY: Mixed Breed Brewing to open this weekend in Guilderland

A new brewery and taproom called Mixed Breed Brewing opens this weekend at 457 Route 146 in Guilderland Center, at the Park Guilderland Plaza, the Albany Times Union reported on April 13.

The Saturday, April 17 grand-opening event sold out all tickets for each of its three time slots weeks ago, but Mixed Breed beers will still be available in cans for takeout customers. Regular hours, starting Sunday, are 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; hours may expand to include Wednesdays if warranted by demand.

Opening weekend will feature six Mixed Breed beers on draft. The taproom is licensed to also carry New York-made cider and spirits, and I�m told the plan is to add additional house beers and outside beverages in the coming weeks. Food will always be available, usually from an on-site food truck and also from a deli in the same shopping plaza. Management hopes to make delivery arrangements with nearby restaurants as well.

The brewery is owned by a five-man partnership led by head brewer Guy Bucey, who is an executive with a Guilderland furniture manufacturer. Bucey, a military veteran, tells me he first got into making beer after returning from Iraq a dozen years ago. His partners work in engineering, finance and fiber optics. The men are longtime friends whose children are roughly the same age and participate together in sports and other activities.

Bucey describes the brew system as �top of the line,� which will allow visitors to �geek out on the equipment� if so inclined. Or, he says, �If they�re just a fan of good beer, they can come in and learn more about the craft and our approach.�