Exploring 1000 Islands

Did you know many years ago the native peoples of 1000 Islands called this region the ‘Garden of the Great Spirit’? It’s no surprise why. Carved by the St. Lawrence River, the 1000 Islands region is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The striking bay, slow-moving channels and picturesque islands make this region an incredible destination to explore. Let’s take a look at the rich history of a few of our favorite islands.

Calumet Island: Calumet Island is one of the most recognizable islands off the shore of Clayton. According to ThousandIslandsLife.com, tobacco tycoon Charles G. Emery built the very first castle of the 1000 Islands on Calumet back in the late 1800s. When Emery bought the island in 1882 he changed the name from Powder Horn Island to Calumet Island. His castle was completed in 1884 but was completely destroyed in 1911 from an accidental fire. Since then, Calumet Island has been home to a restaurant, bar, marina and is currently a summer retreat for the Rawson family.

Governor’s Island: The St. Lawrence River is the only natural outlet to the Great Lakes. This means that it is thriving with ecological resources where scientists and students can learn. ThousandIslandsLife.com says Governor’s Island was donated to SUNY-ESF (College of Environmental Science and Forestry) by James and Lorraine Lewis. The research done on Governor’s Island has been critical in learning about northern pike, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, walleye, lake sturgeon and more. Today’s research covers fisheries, wetlands, invasive species, water-level management, and restoration ecology.

Washington Island: 1000 Islands has world-class diving thanks to Washington Island. In 1876 St. Lawrence River Chart No. 6 listed a shipwreck off the lower bay of Washington Island. While the origin is unclear, it is said that the Schooner Elk missed the entrance of the lower bay and hit the head of Washington Island. To keep from sinking, Captain Willard Cook sailed to shallow water of only 10 feet where the Schooner Elk eventually sank to the bottom. To learn more about Washington Island’s Wreck, visit the following link.

1000 Islands is a beautiful place to visit year-round. If you plan on visiting upstate New York this summer, Wood Boat Brewery is a must-have for beer and pizza enthusiasts. Our Clayton location makes Wood Boat Brewery the perfect stop for lunch or dinner when you need a break from exploring surrounding islands. Like us on Facebook to learn more about our handcrafted pizza and ice-cold beer. We hope to see you soon!

What Makes a Seasonal Brew?

A shandy in the summer, pumpkin ale in the fall, and something strongly spiced in the winter… you may notice the changes in beer throughout the year but how much do you really know about seasonal brews? If you’re an expert beer connoisseur or a novice drinker looking to learn more, we have put together a simple guide explaining what you need to know about seasonal beer.

What constitutes a seasonal brew? Seasonal beer is made with fresh ingredients that are in season based on time of year, climate and even tradition. For example, summer seasonal beers are often light-bodied and fruity ales because fruit and wheat crops are thriving. Similarly, pumpkin beer is a popular brew of fall because pumpkins are less expensive, widely grown and a highly anticipated treat for the holidays.

How does seasonal beer vary throughout the year? You’ll find beer shift from season to season much like the weather. As summer fades, light ales and fruity beers are replaced with stronger, darker brews. Fall is a popular time for beer enthusiasts to indulge in Oktoberfest, pumpkin beer and brown ales. Common beer styles that are enjoyed during winter months include Holiday ales spiced with cinnamon, vanilla or cloves, and dark brews like stouts and porters. Spring is a great time to revive light and refreshing brews including Irish ales, IPA’s and blonde ales.

Wood Boat Brewery invites you to our Clayton microbrewery for a pint of our NEW Bourbon Barrel Aged Brown Ale! After months of waiting, we are thrilled to feature this new concoction on tap for all to enjoy. Bourbon Barrel Aged Brown Ale is a delicious blend of four of our finest beers, aged in bourbon barrels for 5 and a half months. Stop in and try a cold pint of our new brew – it pairs wonderfully with our delicious Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos and other favorites.

To learn more about our Bourbon Barrel Aged Brown Ale and other seasonal brews including NYS Cider, Cherry Wheat, Pumpkin Ale and Lime Shandy, follow Wood Boat Brewery on Facebook or visit us at www.woodboatbreweryny.com

Why Brick Oven Pizza is the Best

Not all pizzas are created equal. Don’t believe us? Ask anyone from New York or Chicago! A pizza cooked in a conventional oven will be much different than a pizza cooked in a pizza oven. This has to do with the airflow and the temperature the pizza is cooked at. Here at Wood Boat Brewery, we offer the far superior brick oven pizza. Cooking at high temperatures and in only a few minutes, here’s why brick oven is the oven for pizza.

Our delicious brick oven pizza!

A brick oven pizza is cooked at around 800 degrees, a typical frozen pizza cooks somewhere between 350-425 degrees. This high temperature cooks the pizza quickly and evenly. You’ll get the satisfying crunch without any burnt flavor. The top of the crust will have a nice spring to it while the bottom is browned, sort of resembling an English muffin. While the outside is crispy, much of the moisture in the dough is trapped in between the outer crunchy shells.  The constant airflow within the oven keeps vegetables rich in flavor.

Brick ovens cook a pizza in around 2-3 minutes which means the oven to table time is quicker than with other pizza cooking methods. A pizza peel made of wood or metal then grabs your pie out of the toasty oven and it’s on the way to your table!  Depending on the fuel, a brick oven can operate on coal or various woods. Using a wood will result in a smokier flavor while coals will present a more natural flavor.

Wood Boat Brewery offers handcrafted brick oven pizza with only the freshest ingredients. We offer our classic crust or a gluten-free option. Load up your pizza just the way you like with fresh topping like garlic-roasted portabella mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and of course classics like pepperoni or sausage.

Wood Boat Brewery is located at 625 Mary Street in Clayton New York. Grab a bite and a beer with friends or take your dinner to go! We have 5 original brews on tap all year long plus seasonals! To find out more about our signature brews or to view our menu, visit our website. Everybody has a good time at The Wood Boat Brewery!

Be Your Own Bar Pilot, Get a Flight!

With so many great flavors, choosing just one can seem daunting. Come into Wood Boat Brewery and try one of our flights instead. This allows you to sample 4 of any of our 10 beers. A bar pilot in nautical terms guides a ship over and around dangerous sandbars. Our bar pilots are the captains of their own flights!

At Wood Boat Brewery, we take beer seriously. The majority of our hop and 20% of all malt is produced right here in New York! Our goal is to one day produce our beer on entirely New York products. Our “Original 5” are brewed and served all year long! Which will be in your flight, captain?

Pardon Me Pale Ale 5.0% -Named after the famous boat “Pardon Me” was built in 1947. Check it out at the Antique Boat Museum here in Clayton! This beer is rich and smooth with a  warm, amber color featuring a hint of caramel.  It’s brewed with 5 malts and two hop varieties. Try this brew in your flight. If you love it like we know you will bring home a 4 pack today!

Channel Marker IPA 7.3%-  Channel markers help indicate the amount of caution needed when boating in a particular area. These markers can be either red or green. At 7.3%,  this IPA is hoppy and bitter with complex malt. Channel Marker IPA is available in 4 packs sold at the Brewery daily!

White Cap Milk Stout 4.6%- This dark, full-bodied beer has a foamy head that reminds us of the rolling waves of the St. Lawrence river. Brewed with milk and sugar, White Cap Milk Stout  has a roasted flavor with four malts and two hop additions.

Old Town Oatmeal Stout 4.7%- Named after the canoes and paddles in the St. Lawrence River. This beer has a dark, full-bodied malt with a sweet oatmeal flavor. Made with 5 malts and 3 hop addition using 2 hop varieties.

Lyman Light Ale 5.2%- Named after Lyman boats. This blonde ale goes down smooth! It has a mild malt characteristic and is light on hops.

Stop by Wood Boat Brewery, a microbrewery right here in Clayton! Our beers pair perfectly with our brick oven pizzas!  Find a beer you love? Take home a growler! To find out more, visit our website or give us a call at (315) 686-3233.