Liquid State brewmaster talks recent top beer honors, upcoming brewhouse events

Jacob Mack, Ithaca Journal
·3 min read

In a recent national USA TODAY Network poll, an IPA from Ithaca’s Liquid State Brewing Company made top of the list.

A panel of industry experts ranked Liquid State’s Liquid Crush – a New England-style IPA – top of its class in both label design and taste. Liquid State’s Brewmaster and co-owner, Ben Brotman, took some time recently to talk with The Ithaca Journal on its award-winning label.

“The label art is a nod to our 1990s days living in Olympia, Wash., and Portland, Ore., where the craft beer scene had already exploded and there was endless great beer to appreciate,” Brotman said Friday. “The label depicts a sea stack in the center and two gray whales below. It is one of our first labels from our first canning run back in 2018 and a label that we absolutely love.”

Liquid State Brewing Company's "Liquid Crush" NEIPA comes in cans or fresh from the tap, clocking in at 7.1% ABV
Liquid State Brewing Company's "Liquid Crush" NEIPA comes in cans or fresh from the tap, clocking in at 7.1% ABV

To Brotman, there’s no harm in spreading the love, as he highlighted some of the competition as his personal favorites, — Mi Gente from City Built Brewing Company which took the No. 7 spot in the beer label ranking, Fate's Reflection from Tactical Brewing Co., which took the No. 3 spot, and Nevermore from Core 3 Brewery, which came in second.

“The competition was a fun way for Liquid Crush lovers and anyone who appreciated our label to rally around it and vote again and again to keep our spot as No. 1,” he said Friday.

Since its official opening in late 2017, Liquid State has partnered with SILO food truck, which offers an assortment of fried chicken and other meals. Brotman said they make a great pairing with a few glasses from the brewhouse’s taps.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Liquid State had visiting food truck vendors, but never had one set in stone to provide a consistent menu.

“We always wanted to have Silo Food Truck here as a visiting truck during that time but it never happened,” Brotman said. “Then, once we reopened, but (still) during Covid, Katie (Foley) and Jesse (Steve) from Silo reached out about partnering since there were absolutely no events happening that needed a food truck.  It was perfect timing and has been a great partnership of excellent quality food and beer under one roof.”

Liquid State's Barrel Room, typically available for private event reservations and brewhouse events.
Liquid State's Barrel Room, typically available for private event reservations and brewhouse events.

Dive into events at Liquid State

Brotman listed a few upcoming events at Liquid State that those who enjoy their beer likely won't want to miss.

April 8’s monthly Jazz Jam is hosted by the Ryan Peterson Trio, After that on April 11, Liquid state will host a movie night, with the film yet to be announced.

On Sunday, April 14, Liquid State is hosting the Nice Racks Vintage and Locally Made Market, where about 16 vendors will be offering apparel, accessories and jewelry in Liquid State’s Barrel room and on its patio from 3 to 6 p.m..

On April 28, a traditional Irish music session hosted by Six Mile Craic from 3 to 5 p.m. will pair nicely with the brewery’s Stray Dog Porter or its Naughty Bits Nitro Oatmeal Stout, Brotman said.

This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: Liquid State Brewing Company brewmaster Ben Brotman interview