For beer lovers and dog owners, this hilltop brewery promises a great time
Hop Notch Brewing Co., a local brewery with a relaxed and dog-friendly atmosphere, recently held its grand opening.
Jeff Klossner, the brewery's 26-year-old owner, is originally from Chemung. In fact, he grew up right down the street from Diversion Brewing Company, and his experiences there would later inspire him to open a brewery of his own.
Klossner went to college at Alfred University where he studied electrical engineering, then moved to Pittsburgh to pursue a career in that field. But once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he was laid off.
He returned home, and was a regular at Diversion Brewing Company. Seeing the atmosphere of the brewery he loved, he thought to himself, why not start a brewery of his own?
"There's incredible people and an incredible atmosphere over at Diversion Brewing Company," Klossner said. "I knew I wanted that at one point in my life. I love the people that come to that brewery, I love the people that are affiliated with that brewery. It's just all around a great time."
In November 2021, he purchased the space at 2471 Hayes Road in Montour Falls. After going through the long process of licensing and everything associated with owning a brewery, he opened a year later in September 2022.
'I want to make sure there is something for everyone'
Hop Notch sits on top of a hill in Montour Falls. It's in a relatively remote location, on a property that used to be a dairy farm — the silo is still there.
The seclusion adds to the vibe Klossner was looking for.
"It's secluded enough to where you can feel comfortable coming in," he said. "It's a place to get away from the hustle and bustle."
Patrons can go upstairs and play pool, downstairs and play darts, play cornhole outside, have food — the brewery serves 10-inch pizzas — at the outdoor seating or even stick around and enjoy a good, old-fashioned bonfire.
There's no in-house beer to serve yet — Klossner says he's still working on a "perfect beer" and doesn't want to push it — but Hop Notch serves local breweries' drafts on tap.
"I have 15 taps here," Klossner said. "I want to make sure there is something for everyone. We have wine, beer and cocktails. If I don't have a sour on tap that we produced, I'll get it from someone else."
Pet-friendly atmosphere starts with owner's canine colleague
Perhaps the star of Hop Notch Brewing Co. is Klossner's 11-month-old golden retriever Brewski. The aptly named pup joined Klossner's family just days before opening the brewery.
Brewski eagerly greets patrons coming in the door and shows them the door when they leave. His energy helps Klossner achieve the brewery's laid-back, chill atmosphere.
"He's very social," Klossner said. "He's good with all people, all dogs and all kids."
Other dogs are welcome here, too. Brewski's around the bar 95% of the time, and Klossner said he wants Hop Notch to have an environment where patrons can bring their furry family members and enjoy themselves.
Hop Notch Brewing Co. is open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Visit hopnotchbrewingco.com for more information.
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Montour Falls brewery's chill vibe starts with owner's dog, Brewski
