Courtesy Active Ingredient Brewery
By Jennifer Farnsworth
Nathan Rogers and Brian Fox are on the brink of becoming both pharmacists and brewery owners, an unlikely combination that they say is nothing short of a dream come true. The two are anticipating a spring opening of Active Ingredient Brewing Co. in Malta.
Rogers and Fox will soon be scaling down to part time in their pharmacist positions at Walmart in order to make their dream a reality.
“We will be incorporating our science background into the chemistry of making our craft product and you will notice a science theme’ throughout the decor as well as in the names of our products. We have been working hard on planning this brewery for over three years now and it feels good to finally see the finish line in sight,” said Rogers.
When choosing 2443 Route 9, Malta, as a location, Rogers said they looked at the potential of the village and all it has to offer.
“We felt Malta was a town that is bound for tremendous growth and saw an opportunity to open up here as it continues to expand. In a community where the residential population far outnumbers commercial establishments to support them, we’d like to offer a place to have fun and drink beer in a relaxed and fun atmosphere,” said Rogers.
The business partners had originally hoped to open last year, but the pandemic postponed the date several times. Rogers said Franco Construction Services of Schenectady is the company renovating the old WIRED coffee space, including a build-out on land directly adjacent to it.
“They will probably be in the building for another two months or so. During that time, they will be finishing construction including adding a bathroom, bar and back bar construction, a half wall overlooking the brewhouse, the lab lounge area, and a merchandise wall, as well as other items,” said Rogers.
Dave Weitz from Advance Energy Technologies of Clifton Park will be constructing a large walk-in cooler. Rogers said a brewhouse and fermenters will be delivered in February and assembled on site by Fronhofer Design Co. out of Glens Falls.
Rogers and Fox will be looking at hiring staff, configuring and testing brew equipment, establishing a patio and bar area and ordering glassware and merchandise, all before May.
“The pandemic has definitely affected our progress. Initially, we were slated to open August of 2020. We had to make the very difficult decision to postpone the opening to May of 2021. This required a decent amount of jostling with both our suppliers and with Key Bank. Luckily, both parties were very cooperative with us and we didn’t lose or waste any unnecessary funds,” said Rogers.
Rogers said they will adapt their seating and floor plan to meet safety guidelines.
“Luckily we are opening during a time with great weather and will have a large outdoor patio to accommodate many guests,” said Rogers.
Active Ingredient Brewing Co. will feature an assortment of craft beer.
“We will also offer fruited syrups to be infused into the sour beer as its German origins intended it. Also, we will be making our own hard apple cider using a local orchard,” said Rogers.
They will feature a limited menu with cheeseburgers, Belgian pretzels, quesadillas, paninis, sandwiches, soups and salads, all to be paired with beer selections by the chefs. The brew company will also host small bands and trivia nights on a rotating basis.
The business website is www.activeingredientbrewing.com.