Store You Wouldn’t Expect Launches Its Own Craft Beer

Stewart's Shops is into the craft beer business. Teaming with Shmaltz Brewing Company from nearby Clifton Park in Albany's Capital District, the convenience mart chain is now offering High Cliff India Pale Ale, to be sold exclusively in Stewart's.The craft ale joins Mountain Brew, which is the Stewart's own popular budget beer. Both brands are now available in all 330 Stewart's Shops stores, including those in the Mohawk Valley region.

The new craft beer will list at $8.99 per six-pack and customers are already raving about it on Facebook.

So, the chain, known mainly for milk and ice cream products, coffee, and gas, will be focusing on its own adult beverages. Other convenience store chains have had success in recent years with growler stations, where beer enthusiast can fill up their tankers from a variety of brews on tap.

According to company spokesperson Maria D'Amelia, beer sales are booming at Stewart's and the chain plans to build refrigerated beer caves at its new stores in order to stock large quantities of beer for its customers.

Stewart's, based in Ballston Spa, operates stores in New York and Vermont. Its most recent Mohawk Valley location is the store that opened last year on Court Street in Utica, one of six Stewart's located in Oneida County.

Have you tried either of Stewart's proprietary beer brands?