From US History Major to Micro-Brewer: Middleburgh Brewery Set to Open in Late June

Justin Behan didn't set out to be a micro-brewer after graduating from college, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in American History, but after years of journeying through organic farming and home brewing, Mr. Behan's Green Wolf Brewery Co. will be opening soon in the Village of Middleburgh.

It all started six years ago when Mr. Behan began home brewing on his Cotton Hill Road property, and soon after decided he wanted to open his own establishment. At the time he was unemployed, which he described in a recent tour of Green Wolf Brewery Co. as, "kind of helpful because I had nothing to lose."

From there he joined forces with Charles Manning, his father-in-law, and the brewery took a life of its own, eventually settling down at 315 Main Street in Middleburgh. Telling the Schoharie News that he wanted to be a benefit to the valley communities, Mr. Behan was well received by both the Becker family and Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile in his endeavor.

Green Wolf's two-barrel electric brewery
can produce up to 120 gallons of beer daily

The brewery, which has begun production and is aiming to have an official opening in either late June or Fourth of July weekend, can make up to two batches of beer per day, which is the equivalent of one hundred and twenty gallons. It takes approximately three to four weeks for the final product to be ready.

With several varieties of locally crafted beer to choose from, including Pindar's Imperial IPA and Ravens Black IPA, patrons of the brewery will be able to enjoy the selection in a pub styled lounge area that features an on-tap bar.

But even six years after first entering the growing home brewing trade, and perfecting his craft during a six month apprenticeship with the Good Nature Brewing Company in Madison County, Mr. Behan still enjoys the thrill of brewing his own beer as he prepared to ferment his second batch of the day when we spoke recently.