USA, NY: Gem Creek Brewing Co. holds soft opening in Canandaigua

Good things come to those who wait at Gem Creek Brewing Co., which had a soft opening the weekend of Oct. 13, and for owners Guy Mosher and his son-in-law, Zach Reynolds, the Democrat and Chronicle reported on October 27.

“We have seen incredible support from the community,” Mosher said. “Feedback for our beers and pizza has been overwhelmingly positive. It's just been good to see that we're welcomed."

Gem Creek Brewing, which is named for the creek where they live in Waterloo, Seneca County, sits just outside the Roseland Waterpark property, almost right on top of the large wake park pond.

On their first visit, Ron and Laura Sousa of Canandaigua said it was interesting to see a new craft brewery open. They live within walking distance of the city’s other brewing operations, and Laura Sousa said Gem Creek’s location is a good one.

And the beer is good too, she added.

“My hope is they can make a go of it,” she said.

Mosher works in the IT field in the medical industry. Reynolds is a machinist.

Both like to tinker with recipes, both are into IPAs. Gem Creek’s beer menu reflects it: Their Citrine is a double IPA and a top seller so far. Arctic Ice is a cold IPA, which is a collab with Sager Beer Works in Rochester.

Ron Sousa said he is a fan of New England-style IPAs and at first blush, the one he tried was a good one.

“I like to see a new business make it,” Ron Sousa said.

Gem Creek is licensed as a microbrewery and New York farm brewery, and its five-barrel system also produces pilsners and lagers, such as the oNYx Stout and Diamond pilsner, of course made with New York ingredients.

Many of their beers will have gem names, reflecting the name of the business. One carries the name of a tool used to identify gemstones and demonstrates just how much the brewers like to experiment.

The Dichroscope Trials experimental ale is a rotating recipe, with tweaks and twists of ingredients and brewing techniques. The concept is, if they stumble on something customers like, they will add it to the lineup. Now on tap is a malty forward, old-school pale ale made with Citra and Mosaic hops.

"It's a fun, experimental series to try new things," Reynolds said.

Gem Creek, 250 Eastern Blvd., Canandaigua, is now open under offseason hours. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, it’s open from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 1 to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

The owners plan to expand drink offerings as well as introduce live music and other entertainment initiatives in the near future.