Reader memories of Schaefer, Newman and other old Albany beers

It's been a while since anyone has tasted a can of Schaefer, Newman, Ballantine or Beverwyck beer made in the Capital Region. And Price Chopper no longer sells beer balls of Matt's Premium. 

All that's left of Albany's many extinct breweries are stories and photographs. 

We asked readers about their memories of beer and beer memorabilia from Albany's past, and they responded. There is still time to offer your thoughts here. 

Some replies have been edited for space and clarity. 

Schaefer 

Let's start with what is considered one of the oldest breweries in the U.S., founded by Frederick and Maximilian Karl Schaefer in New York in 1848. The Schaefer family reopened the former Beverwyck Brewery in North Albany in 1950 and continued operation until Dec. 31, 1972. 

The Times Union captured the iconic Schaefer logo countless times over the years and extensively covered the demolition of the brewery in 1976. 

Schaefer memories

"My late father lived for his beer. Every single night he drank Schaefer beer until he went to bed. If he wasn't home he was at the Albany Elks Club, BPOE 49. His dog was named Schaefer. Nobody else in our family drank beer. He became ornery as he drank. So any family matters had to be discussed before his first glass." - Mary Lou Young 

Not everyone remembers the taste of it fondly, though. 

"Schaefer Cream Ale was the worst beer I ever had. Tasted burnt, like downing cigarette ashes." - Nick Gugie, Schenectady

Hedrick

The beer, founded in 1852, was purchased by political boss Dan O'Connell in 1933 and used as a social lubricant to keep his Democratic machine running smoothly. Newly discovered records suggested scores of free kegs and cases were given out each year to bowling leagues, fraternal organizations, gun clubs, community groups, clam bakes, churches, nuns and priests.

Hedrick memories

"It was not mandatory to sell Hedrick beer, but wise if you wanted to get a liquor license within Albany County. My father, who owned numerous bars during this time period, sold Hedrick, Schaefer, and Ballantine beer. Selling Dan's beer came with some perks. This was a time period when the Democratic Party helped people in need and provided jobs. My father owned Sad Sams bar right across the street on Sheridan Avenue near the original Times Union before moving to Colonie. Back in the day you would see police, postal workers, pressmen and reporters as well as politicians having a beer there." - Bruce Levitch, Arizona (formerly Albany)

Newman 

Readers submitted fond memories of Wm. S. Newman Brewing Co. more than any other brewery. Bill Newman is credited as being the godfather of craft beer on the East Coast and his beers were ahead of their time. 

Newman memories

"Having moved to the Capital Region in 1992 (after living here briefly in 1989), and being a craft beer geek, I have fond memories of Newman's Albany Amber, which was made by Wm. S. Newman Brewing Co. That beer won a medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 1989. Newman Brewing was the first microbrewery east of the Rocky Mountains - and a key contributor to today's golden age of beer. Some call him the godfather of East Coast craft beer." - Michael Forand, Delmar

"I fondly remember Newman's Pale Ale, a true representation of real ale. I remember the 1- or maybe 2-gallon plastic containers getting filled at the brewery. It was a very decent English ale." - Ed Tesiny, Glenmont

"I have memories of Newman's Brewery, the first microbrewery in eastern New York (1979). Bill Newman started his brewery in an old building associated with Beverwyck brewery. Situated near Thatcher Street, the building had remnants of Beverwyck; broken wooden crates with their name and logo. I worked for Bill as a general laborer, shoveling the spent grain out of the mash tun, washing kegs and the large fermentation tanks. I also drove a truck loaded with plastic jugs of beer (Bill could not afford a bottling setup) to grocery stores and festivals. I still have a stock certificate lying around somewhere." - Stewart Galloway

"I remember Newman's back in the 1980s, when commercial craft brewing was still very new and brew pubs had yet to come into existence. To get it, you either had to find one of the relatively few bars that carried it or buy it in 4-liter refillable cubes at the brewery down in the warehouse district. But the taste and quality were pretty revolutionary in a time when bland American lagers and pilsners still dominated the market. When you went to the brewery, the smell of yeast and fermenting beer was heavy in the air, the mood was always welcoming, albeit a little disorganized, and the employees seemed to be enjoying the product of their work!" - Doug Forand, New York

"Albany Amber, founded by Billy Newman. I was a kid when his brewery existed and Bill was a friend of my father's. The story I heard was he trained David Koch the guy who founded Sam Adams brewery. He had the right idea, but was 20 years too early." - Tim Mooney

"Newman beer cubes purchased at Price Chopper. Matt's Premium, from Utica, was available in the handy beer ball." - Denis Meadows

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