It seems there’s always something new at Tin Barn Brewing.
Tin Barn Brewing, located in Chester, N.Y., has been a hotspot since it opened in 2020. Known for serving some of the best New England IPAs, delicious fruited sour beers, and refreshing hard seltzers, this brewery has something for everyone. Lauren and Dale VanPamelen, a father-daughter team, continue to enhance their passion project.
In 2021, they installed artificial grass, new tables and chairs, and a dedicated 21-and-over elevated deck. Last year, they opened a second taproom in the Finger Lakes region (Many of their regulars have made the 3.5-hour trip to visit that location, in Dundee, N.Y.). This year, they’ve added an outdoor smashburger stand to the mix.
It all started with the craft beers that come from the taste and creativity of co-owner Lauren VanPamelen.
“I’ve always been kind of a mad scientist chef,” said VanPamelen, a former optician who trained for her current role at a brewery school in Vermont.
Originally the sole brewer, Lauren now has a team, but still invents the recipes for brews with names such as Spaceman and Juiceissippi Queen. Each week, Tin Barn introduces two new beers. Lyquid Sunshine was a recent one, embodying VanPamelen’s love of citrusy flavors. The New England IPAs are hazy, straw-colored brews. Fruited sours include the velvety, thick Melted Gelato #1 Raspberry Banana and Watermelon Sugar High.
The staff serves their beverages and food in the rustic barn, once used for auctions, that was transformed to give Tin Barn Brewing its name. Trivia nights and live bands – often performing on the outdoor stage – keep the atmosphere lively.
Their pizzas are made from scratch and reach your table hot and cheesy, straight from Tin Barn Brewing’s own pizza oven. Their fries are cut fresh.
A brewery may be an odd place to find someone who at one time did not like beer. That was Lauren VanPamelen, when she had tried only mass-marketed brands. Tasting craft brewed varieties opened her eyes – and palate.
“Once I found craft beer, I was amazed,” she said. “It has so much more flavor and so many flavor possibilities that I didn’t even realize.”
She bought a beer-making kit and started brewing her own. She and her father, a “serial entrepreneur,” had the idea to open a place in 2016.
“Honestly, I think we had a few too many beers one day and said, ‘We can do this; why not?’” she recalled.
As it says on Tin Barn Brewing’s website: “Juicy beers, scenic views, live music, plenty of seating and good company are just a few of the great things you’ll experience while at Tin Barn Brewing. We can’t wait for you to visit and see for yourself!”
