F.X. Matt and Turning Stone Resort Casino Introduce “Upstate Lager”

The Turning Stone Resort Casino's newest restaurant is fully embracing local food and drink by offering its very own locally brewed beer.

Upstate Tavern introduced its brand new beer, aptly titled Upstate Lager, which was created by Utica's F.X. Matt Brewing Company. Upstate Lager is a $6 a pint brew made from four different hops and malts to produce a full, but unique, flavor.

"It is a nice lager with lightly dry hops and I think you'll like it,"  fourth generation brewer and President of the company, Fred Matt, said. He poured several ceremonial beers for employees, while showing off its amber color.

Matt says he was approached by the Turning Stone about six months ago and was happy to produce the beer, which will be sold exclusively at the tavern.

"It's supporting local," Matt said. "It's also being involved in local and being part of a theme that really creates attention toward local and is trying to build local support. That's all good for us."

Although a pint normally costs $6, it can be purchased for $3 during the restaurant's daily happy hour. The Upstate Tavern is also offering other beers from local vendors, along with wines and spirits.

Kelly Blazosky works with Oneida County Tourism and was pleased to see the local pairing take place. For her, it is a sign of the times.

"It's two of our top attractions coming together," Blazosky said. "Add to that the fact that Upstate Tavern carries Adirondack Distilling's vodka. The Central New York vacation region is focusing on building a brew-central campaign... with the eight counties in the Central New York vacation region."

She also noted that the partnerships align perfectly with future tourism plans for the area.

"In July, we will be participating in what's called the 'Fall Media Mission' with I Love New York," Blazosky said. "It'll focus on fall activities and things to do, but the main topic is food and beverage. So wine, breweries and distilleries will be at the top of the list and we will be there partnering and presenting all of our information."

But, for Matt, it all comes down to supporting the local businesses that help the area thrive.

"If New Yorkers were as loyal to New York products as Vermont is to Vermont, this state would be in a lot better fiscal shape," Matt said.